Artist: Fu Manchu
Label:Steamhammer Records/SPV
Release Date: 7/22/03
Rating: 5 Skulls
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Title: Go For It...Live! Artist: Fu Manchu Label:Steamhammer Records/SPV Release Date: 7/22/03 Rating: 5 Skulls |
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Reviewed by Requiem (7/15/03):
I will rant 'til I'm blue in the face about the importance of stoner rock live. More importantly Fu Manchu, the undisputed heavyweights of the genre, have proven that their live sound can be accurately represented on disc. Normally live recordings don't cut it for me but here, Fu Manchu deliver the goods right through your stereo speakers as if you were right there in that smoke filled club. Not able to narrow it down to one disc, they give you 2 CDs worth of fuzz guitars and rockin' groovy rhythms that they glorify in the live setting like nobody else. Turn it up loud, grab a bowl and a brew, sit back and get shitty without having to worry about some macho bouncer throwing you on your behind.While now being six studio albums old, this not only serves as the band's first live album but as a greatest hits as well. And what better way to present it, than in the bands finest setting: live! Those unfamiliar with their antics will soon learn that these van lovin' Californians have a talent for modernizing the sweet sounds of the 70's with a modern, hard drivin' edge that is undeniably infectious. In the clubs, I swear the guitar tone alone could peel the paint from the walls and the volume alone shook the foundations. Live albums can often be a bore, but the sound on here is pretty much second to none. You'll hear Bob Balch's ability to tear the guitar apart with his shredding solos and Scott Reeder's thunderous drum tempos. Though Scott Hill was never the best singer in the world, he's got a Hendrix quality to his vocals that just can't be replaced. Brad Davis tackles the low end like a pro and as a unit, Fu Manchu communicate with telepathic foresight, proving that they were born to blow the roof off of every stinking club in the world. Album highlights have to be the riproarin' version of "Strato-Streak" and the mammoth cover of BOC's "Godzilla".
I'm a guy who usually gags at live releases, seeing them as more of an money making scam than of actual worth. But here is a band that has an unparalleled live sound, and surprisingly enough it is duplicated to perfection here. Those familiar with the band's catalogue will enjoy the great production and overall feel of the album, while newcomers can use this as a starting base without having to worry about shitty live production or playing abilities. This is actually one of the finest live discs I've heard yet and is just as tasty as any one of their studio offerings. Fu Manchu were born for the live setting, and see for yourself by turning this up as loud as possible while inebriating your mind in a true rock and roll fashion.
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