The Knife Feels Like Justice / Live Nude Guitars

Brian Setzer | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 9, 2007)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: AMERICAN BEAT
• ASIN: B000M8N426
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #262,863 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Knife Feels Like Justice

2. Haunted River

3. The Boulevard of Broken Dreams

4. Bobby's Back

5. Radiation Ranch

6. Chains Around Your Heart

7. Maria

8. Three Guys

9. Aztec

10. Breath of Life

11. Barbwire Fence

12. Red Lightning Blues

13. Rockability

14. Rebelene

15. Nervous Breakdown

16. Every Tear That Falls

17. Temper Sure Is Risin'

18. When the Sky Comes Tumblin' Down

19. She Thinks I'm Trash

20. Love Is Repaid by Love Alone

See all 22 tracks on this disc

Editorial Reviews

Brian Setzer may have established himself as the new King of Rockabilly when the Stray Cats broke through in America in 1982, but after the band split in 1984 (only to reunite several times), apparently he wanted to expand his palette a bit, and this two-fer CD includes Setzer's first two solo albums, which found him charting out new creative territory. Released in 1986, The Knife Feels Like Justice is something of an anomaly in Setzer's catalog -- betraying only the slightest hints of his rockabilly history, it's a strong and passionate exercise in heartland rock, with Setzer giving his vocals and songs the central focus rather than his guitar picking and revealing a contemporary lyrical focus that's intelligent and thoughtful without losing the ability to rock on out (especially on the rowdy "Radiation Ranch"). It's a mature and compelling set, but Live Nude Guitars (which was recorded after the first of several Stray Cats reunion albums) is a different story; most of the songs suggest Setzer and his production crew (which included Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics, Chris Thomas, and Larson Paine) were trying to fuse a raw rockabilly mood with the polish of late-'80s synth-friendly studio techniques, and the result is wildly misguided, especially on the ridiculous "When the Sky Comes Tumblin' Down." However, Setzer's guitar work is excellent throughout, there are a few fun numbers (especially the cover of "Nervous Breakdown"), and the harmonica solo from Bruce Willis on "Temper Sure Is Risin'" isn't as painful as you might expect. Still, while loyal Brian Setzer fans will want both of these albums, most casual listeners would be better off getting The Knife Feels Like Justice all by itself. (It's also worth noting this disc trims one song from Live Nude Guitars, the bombastic finale, "The Rain Washed Everything Away.")

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Buyer Beware!, August 8, 2007

By 

R. Baillargeon (Somers, CT United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Knife Feels Like Justice / Live Nude Guitars (Audio CD)

While it is great to finaly have "Live Nude Guitars" back in print, be aware that while "The Knife Feels Like Justice" is presented in full, "Live Nude Guitars" is missing the song "The Rain Washed Everything Away". This is spelled out in very small print on the back. This was done due to space limitations. Luckily is still available on "The Brian Setzer Collection 81-88".

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brian Setzer, a most excellent musician, April 25, 2009

By 

Jeffrey A. Jordan "J. A. Jordan" (Texas) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Knife Feels Like Justice / Live Nude Guitars (Audio CD)

I purchased this as my cassette was worn out nd have no ay to play my records. It was a great deal. I had previously inquired and it was only avaialble as an overpriced import / special order. Now for the real review:
Setzer is a true/ real musician. Multi-talented, and forthright. I got this perhaps as a reminiciant of days gone by. I was very musically affected and influenced by the "Knife Feels Like Justice" LP upon it orig releasse and so I am partial.
"Live..." is not a "live" recording but just a funny name. It is the more rock & roll/rockabilly of the 2. There is much real emotion in "Knife" where-as "Live" seems just for kicks. I would recomemd both to any devotee of Setzer, ( "Kmife" is not Stray Cats or Orchestra material) but is great!!!!!) Live.. is very "rockin!" and SO very diff. Setzer is under-rated & should be heralded as one of the best giutarists of the 80's, 90's & now. He seems to only get better w/ age. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED !!!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Setzer tries mainstream rock, January 13, 2009

By 

Wesley Allen McCullough "Wes McCullough" - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Knife Feels Like Justice / Live Nude Guitars (Audio CD)

I really enjoyed this CD. There are some great anthemic tunes and some great striaght-ahead rock. You can still hear the rockabilly influence but this is pure late 80's/early 90's rock. If you are looking for a solo stray cats album, this ain't it.