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Echo & The Bunnymen – “Live In Liverpool”

Echo and the Bunnymen, ever since it was reformed by Will Sergeant and Ian McCulloch, have been on a roll since their “comeback” heralded by 1997’s “Evergreen”. Last year’s “Flowers” was one of my favorite albums of the year and one of their best ever. Needless to say, I am a big Bunnymen fan and have had the privelege of seeing them live on three different occasions. Their live act is usually a great, energetic set of songs that ecompass hits from their career. This album, their first proper live album, effectively captures that act onto a recorded medium.

This album was recorded over 2 nights last year at the Liverpool Institue of the Performing Arts (LIPA) and includes their hits – The Killing Moon, Lips Like Sugar, Rescue as well as some newer songs – King Of Kings and Nothing Lasts Forever. Surprisingly, these songs mesh together well even though they span almost 15 years apart. Will Sergeant’s guitar-playing has never sounded better and Mac’s voice is almost enchanting as when it’s heard live. This album is effective in capturing the experience of a Bunnymen gig, minus the smoke from Mac’s cigarettes.

One thing that is noticeably absent here (for fans, at least) is the Bunnymen’s rendition of “Do It Clean”. This is always one of the highlights of their shows, doing a great rendition of their song, and adding in snippets from other songs, most notably “Riders On The Storm”, by the Doors. If you want to hear this live set on disc, you’ll have to hunt down a copy of the Japanese-only CD “New, Live, & Rare” or grab a copy of the superb “Crystal Days” boxed set.

Overall, I’d have no hesitation in recommending this to fans…. even newbies to EATB’s music might like this.

Du’s Rating: 4 out 5 stars