Customer Reviews

Bad Kitty Board Mix

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This album is a must-have for Sophie fans, or fans of good live music in general. Culled from shows in Seattle, Washington and Sydney, Australia, "Bad Kitty Board Mix" features something for everyone -- upbeat pop tunes, slow bluesy songs, a couple great covers (Nina Simone's "Feeling Good" and Bob Dylan's "I Want You"), and plenty of Sophie's quirky and animated banter with the band and the audience.

The sound of this album can only be described as raw. The shows came right off the soundboard -- there were no adjustments with vocals, no retouching. What you hear is what the audience heard.

The best part about this album are the added improvs in nearly every song. They take the songs to new heights, turning them into something fresh and brand new. Backed by a drummer and a keyboardist, Sophie plays an array of instruments herself from song to song -- keyboard, guitar, djembe drum, and banjo.

If you enjoy Sophie's music, "Bad Kitty Board Mix" will not disappoint. It's everything that makes Sophie a great musician and performer -- intense, energetic, passionate, spontaneous, and fun.

Finally, a live album by the great and ever-so-underappreciated Sophie B. Hawkins. I had the great fortune to see her live (and even greater fortune to meet her) back in January, so I can safely say that this double-album captures her live performance perfectly, in Seattle and Sydney. 2 cites half a world away from each other bonded by the great music of Sophie. What's not to love?

As with most of Sophie's live shows, these 2 concerts were recorded in small venues, allowing for a more intimate experience, both for the audience as well as for Sophie herself. As was the case when I saw her live, she is joined by a drummer and keyboardist. Sophie does the rest. What's really amazing is that they all contribute to a "full band" effect without having a full band. Goes to show the talent involved.

Now I'll comment on some key technical aspects:

Sound quality: As expected, superb. I have noticed, however, that on a few songs (ie: "Before I Walk On Fire" and "I Want You") the keyboard seems distant and a little muffled. But other than that it's fine. Audience noise is only heard during applause after songs, which is definitely a plus. There's nothing I hate more than live recordings that capture conversations or outbursts from the crowd.

Track listing: Can't complain. I would have loved it if Sophie had performed "Carry Me" and "Right Beside You" here, but alas. All of her hits are here though, and that's good enough. And FYI, the second disc contains 2 bonus tracks, extra performances of "As I Lay Me Down" and "Feelin' Good" recorded in Sydney. As Amazon didn't list that here I thought it'd be worth mentioning.

Overall: A must-have for any Sophie fan. And as a bonus treat, there's an enhanced section that features Sophie's tour diary. Good stuff.

Go out and get this NOW and support great artists like Sophie B. Hawkins.

I love Sophie B. Hawkin's raw spirit that's become more evident as her career has progressed beyond the commercial and this is concert is a great representation of what she's about. It's loose, full of the improv she likes, her comical song banter and tons of hits. Some have complained about the sound quality but as a soundboard recording .... well, it's actually pretty good considering it wasn't recorded for release. The one problem I do have is that many of songs are rushed. "Mysteries We Understand" feels like the band has got to be somewhere yesterday and it's a problem that continues here and there with certain songs. It really works against the low-key nature of Sophie's presence. But, then, you don't buy live albums to hear the songs exactly as the studio recording.

This is a great substitute for not being there. Sophie is more talented than she gets credit for, and I believe she is an amazing songwriter. Granted, she isn't for everyone--and anyone who has led a sheltered life will never get her.

I have followed her from the beginning and it is great to have a live cd sound so intimate and personal. It was like being there at the concert. :)

In my opinion every Sophie album is so different. She really changes all the time and evolves and experiments with all kinds of styles. Her live album is kind of like the Sophie Jam Band. The songs are quite a bit different than their studio versions. Sometimes I like the studio better and sometimes the live, depending on what mood I'm in. I'm not saying the live versions are like Phish or the Grateful Dead where the songs are extended to the point of insanity, I mean the sound and vibe... it's sort of Dave Matthew Band-esque. Lots of energy. And a straight live instrument recording on stage has a lot of different dynamics compared to a studio track where you can layer and add effects. If you're into Sophie this double live set is one you need to have. If you're new to Sophie I'd say get Tongues and Tails first, then Whaler, then maybe this one.