Customer Reviews

The Essential Live

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
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As a Drivin' n' Cryin' fan, I simply couldn't wait to finally have a 'live' album by them. Even if you are not familiar with the band, you should definitely pick up this album. Kevn Kinney (lead singer, songwriter, guitarist) is simply amazing with his song-writing ability and the chance to have him recorded live only allows one to understand how much work and soul he puts into his music. Of course, this never could replace actually being at a live show, but it does give you a taste that only leaves you wanting more.

This Album shows how a Band from Atlanta can really rock at a live venue. I have followed the band for many years now, This is a true album that shows how a great band sounds live without a lot of noise interfearance. Anyone from Atlanta and the south knows the band and has more than likely seen the band before and this album has tracks from all the albums we love. In other words, BUY THIS LIVE ALBUM!

As a rule, I've eschewed "live" albums. However, my knowledge of DNC's strengths performing live pushed me just enough so that I purchased "Essential Live." I was NOT disappointed. This quite possibly is the best live album I've heard. By "best" I mean that it accurately portrays what it's like to see DNC live. The production is great; and each song warrants playing over and over.

DNC, see you in Murfreesboro, TN, and on Thanksgiving!

This is an excellent cd. Recorded live at 3 different venues. Good sound quality. Great list of songs. A must for any Drivin' and Cryin' fan.

Recorded live at a couple of shows the band played in Chattanooga, TN and Mason, GA in July, 1999. I got to catch the band play a club myself a few years prior to this tour. Basically just good down-to-earth rock & roll. Tunes here I could barely get enough of were the powerful "To Build A Fire", the familiar sounding "Honeysuckle Blue", the catchy "Dirty Angels", the freakin' AWESOME "For You", the one track (they're most known for) "Fly Me Couragous" and "Hey Son, Where You Going?". Personnel: Kevn Kinney-guitar & vocals, David Franklin-guitar, Tim Nielson-bass & vocals, Joey Huffman- keyboards & piano and Jeff Sullivan-drums. Remember when I saw these guys, I happen to come across one of Kevn Kinney's guitar picks - it read "Start Your Own Band". Might do a lot for fans of The db's, Black Crowes, BoDeans and possibly Wilco. A must-have.

This live album captures most of what dnc is about. Mixing heavy rock with folk/country numbers, like a weird mix of the Dictators and John Denver, Kevn Kinney and his bandmates rip through nearly 20 of their greatest hits, warts and all. The band, with help from Joey Huffman on organ and David Franklin on guitar, is typically rough and spontaneous, delivering blistering versions of classics such as "The Innocent," "Build a Fire," "Straight to Hell" and the great unreleased song "Dirty Angels." The only weakness derives from the track list, which evinces the band's intention in making this a "greatest hits" affair. Some of the songs, such as "Honeysuckle Blue" and "Scarred but Smarter" don't come off very well here, but as "greatest hits" they're indispensable. In short, a less predictable track list featuring more rarities would have made this fan happier. But if you like rough performances from earnest bands or remember fondly waking up with ringing ears, a hangover, and the stale cigarette smoke in your clothes after a night with dnc, you'll like this one.

I worked at Elizabeth reed Music Hall in Macon where some of this album was recorded. In my 5 years of working at this once great venue, Drivin N Cryin was one of my favorite live acts. This Disc captures the band very well. Kevin and the boys know how to rock. I miss the band and the venue. ....Im pretty sure I can hear myself yell.."Get used to it!!...Its an awsome disc..just like all their albums are...DC Liz Reeds 08/94 to 10/99

This album is second only to seeing DNC live yourself. The quality of recording is excellent, and really captures Kevn Kinney's guitar punch. Finally, an album that totally captures this great rock band's potential. I personally was at the Atlanta show (one of the three represented on this album), and am now ready to see them again ASAP!

to Pmatulis@bbdaytona.com, play Smoke a few more times. It will grow on you. As for drivin'n'cryin' live, there are not many bands that put on a better show. And you can still see them in smaller venues (except in Atlanta). GREAT CD!

A must for any DNC fan that has made show after show and gone home with ringing ears and a hangover. THis album doesn't assault the senses like Kevin live, but it does leave you hoarse from singing along to all the favorites. Thankfully they spared us from the much of the Smoke album and left us with the songs we know and love. This is the best road trip album ever made.