Search - Too Much Joy :: Live at Least

As rocking as I remember them

Natalia | Columbus, Ohio | 01/05/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Finally a Too Much Joy CD that captures the band the way I remember seeing them live. I only saw them once when someone dragged me along to see another band they were playing with that we've both long since stopped caring about but I was totally blown away. It's hard to put into words what was so amazing, they just were. It went beyond the playing and the singing and even the stage antics. It was like being a part of something special and secret. Unfortunately secret. Once we "discovered' them I naturally went back and found the records. I liked ...Finally the best but they all had something great. But nothing like what I saw that day. Naturally I had to buy their video but honestly that was really dissapointing. Thanks to Live At Least I at least now know it wasn't all in my head. They were at least sometimes the best band ever. This can't hope to be as amazing as being there but it's damn close. Even if this is your only introduction to TMJ you won't be disappointed. The only down side is it has me longing again to see them come to my town soon."

Joyful Chaos

MichaelH | East Coast US | 03/31/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"While not as polished as their studio recordings, and not as polished as many other bands' live offerings, Too Much Joy's "Live At Least" captures the essence that made them great and woefully underrated. Amid the self-conscious stage patter, the missed cues and sometimes random sound mix, this recording offers some of the best of their insightful and playful lyrics, smart melodies and creative arrangements. Plus, it's about the only place left to get any versions at all of many of the songs, since the albums they originally appeared on have gone out of print.If you have no Too Much Joy at all, buy "Finally," first. But once you've got that one, buy "Live At Least" to keep it company."

Kicking yourself for never having seen them live??

MichaelH | 12/20/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As anyone who is a Too Much Joy fan will tell you, their live shows are something to see, and many times better (if that's possible) than what you get on any recorded medium. If you've seen their video, Dante's Disco Inferno (available at their sayhername website), and seen the live concert footage, then you know that this album is not to be missed. And if you haven't, then you must. Really. Would I lie? No. Not to you. Especially since the quality is crystal clear on this baby!The essence of TMJ lies in the wit and intelligence of their lyrics, and the reflection in their music. This is heard in the banter between songs (well, maybe not intelligence), and presentation of their music. Especially when you get to hear covers and non-standards, such as Kicking, which I was delighted to find here.So, if you somehow missed hearing TMJ live during their brilliant touring career, don't deny yourself the opportunity to catch one of the best shows I ever saw. The Bayou in Washington, DC (may it rest in peace) was a venue that highlighted TMJ at their finest. The size was perfect, the sound system pretty good, and the shows almost always sold to capacity. This show, as well as the show where the Secret Service showed up (due to an Ambassador's attendance), rank up there with the best ever. It was long, it was loud, and it was Too Much Joy.I waited a long time to hear this show again in all it's unedited glory, and it was well worth it."