I saw MR.
BIG perform in Aarhus, DK this month and the set list was more or less the same
as the one on this double CD. Nice to be visually prepared as well!
From the
get-go the pace is set; strong musicianship and strong compositions. Just as we
remember the radio-razing MR. BIG. But a lot has happened since the initial
success of “Lean into It”. Various solo stints, Gilbert’s relocation to Japan,
new line-up – you name it! It does however seem like they’re back for good. One
gets the impression that these guys mean business and if you loved the
bass/guitar duels, the girly vocals and even the ballads you’re guaranteed to
find even more of that on this, their latest! Not really a new STUDIO album, but
you know what I mean – you get the whole package! A sum-up of everything the
band ever stood for. You really can’t hear any age-determined lacks or errors.
On the contrary, a guy like Paul Gilbert sounds even better than back in the
day.
On the
downside of things, you’d have to be quite the fan to fully enjoy the wide
spectrum of styles that is and has always been MR. BIG. You’d also have to love
bass playing since Billy Sheehan seems to be all over this album.
It’s a fun,
life-loving positive album. I can’t wait to hear if they’re able to put all this
ambition into new material.
A special
thumbs-up goes out to the bonus studio tracks (taken from old sessions) – great
to hear some polished material after a LONG live album.
