Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
Live
(Vagrant)
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club has been around since 1998 ... wow ... I never thought they had much in terms of staying power. After all, others have treaded this ground before and done a better job of it (Yeah, I'm looking at you, Curve, Medicine and, of course, The Jesus & Mary Chain … What, you think I forgot?). From the way BRMC has dropped and picked up labels over the years, I get the feeling others are in that same boat.
The band, regarded for their live shows, has now landed at Vagrant Records, an indie label known for taking risks, and has issued their first live CD/DVD. It features two+ hours of concert footage from sold out shows overseas in support of their 2007 “Baby 81” tour. The footage was shot beautifully and the packaging is gorgeous - however the audio, supposedly mixed by BRMC's Peter Hayes, falls flat on both the DVD and the bonus audio CD (which includes 14 songs from the DVD). I double checked this on several different audio systems and each time the tracks sounded washed out and thin. As a fan of live albums, I can't think of anything less satisfying.
If you're a fan of BRMC, you'll probably get off on the uniqueness of this collection; which also includes a bonus DVD with odds and ends showcasing the making of the critically acclaimed Howl album, BBC radio sessions, bonus concert footage and more. However, if you're just starting to get into the hype behind this group, give Howl or Take Them On, On Your Own a spin first.
Sorry, Vagrant ... not every risk pays off. Better luck next time. Good luck with your next label, BRMC.