Customer Reviews

Live All Over the Place

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This double CD from the Texas trio is geared to please the fans. Judging by the reviews on this page, it succeeds. King's X hooked me with Faith Hope and Love, and I'm delighted to have such a rich collection of the music that has inspired, astonished, and often moved me deeply (not to mention banging my head all over the place) over the past 14 years. I can't say enough about them as songwriters and musicians, despite the missteps of the past few releases.

People who know the whole body of King's X's work will find plenty to like about this CD both in performances and range of material. It does include their first hit, "Goldilox," in the acoustic section, two versions of their perennial crowd-pleaser, "Over My Head," as well as newer songs from the past couple of CDs--"Believe," for instance--which come off better live and in company with the music here than they did with the mediocre stuff on the original recordings. As others have said, some of the real highlights are on the second disk. Ty showcases some amazing guitar work on "Cigarettes," "Born to be Loved," and "Moanjam," where Jerry also bangs out a phenomenal drum solo.

Still, presented as it is "flaws and all," this CD really doesn't do the band full justice. Having heard them live, I can't believe they couldn't have come up with better cuts of quite a few of these songs. Doug's voice does seem strained at times, the harmonies don't always blend, often due to poor mixing (Doug's voice is usually in the foreground and louder, while Ty's and Jerry's are often too muted as if they were standing further from the mikes or the mikes are turned down). A good example of this is "Mississippi Moon," for me one of the more disappointing cuts on the CD because the performance falls so far short of how that song can sound live. Doug's bass often sounds muddy and booms; at times it overwhelms Ty's guitar, especially on the acoustic tracks. Live mixing is hard, I grant; many factors are beyond the control of the guy at the board such as auditorium acoustics (and maybe some really are standing further from the mikes than others). But as much as King's X tours, they surely must have lot of takes, and most fans have heard at least some better than what's offered here. I guess I don't see what's wrong with a bit of touch-up either--sometimes it actually _recovers_ what the song really sounded like live. Compare, for example, the bonus cut of "Manic Depression" on the Dogman CD with the one here, or the cut of "Over My Head" off the "Best of" CD.

Bottom line, if you're a fan, you won't be disappointed. But if you're not yet hooked, I'm not sure this CD will do the trick. I wish I could say otherwise, and that's why I'm giving it 3.5 stars.

I keep this short and simple from a musician and die-hard King's X fan point of view. Very few of these lives songs feature King's X at peak performance (for example the "Over My Head" woodstock version) . Like one reviewer said, some of the internet bootleg songs are better. Dougs voice, although still soulful as ever, sounds worn out. I was hoping to get a better sounding recording for a the first live King's X CD. This is basically sounds like a soundboard recording, not very ambient, which is fine for a bootleg. I am mixed on the acoustic set. Some of those songs where not meant to be acoustic. Overall, I am glad this thing is out and I do enjoy it. I guess my expectations were too high. For fans, its a must have. Especially since the last few studio CDs have been average at best. Newcomers, start with the Best of.., Dogman, or Gretchen Goes to Nebraska and work your way up to this.

"Been a fan since OOTSP" - that's me, that's most everybody who knows, listens to, and loves King's X. We're talking about being a fan since 1988's "Out of the Silent Planet", which is the Gold Standard when it comes to King's X albums (and rock in general)

BUT: as a fan from way back, I have to say, this double live album has its ups and its downs. Fortunately, they've made it easy for us. The first disc is a big disappointment, and the second one is frenetic genius.

The first disc is King's X, live, electric, and basically, really off their game. Doug's vocals seem especially chosen for their meandering from the songs' original version. The playing is okay, but there's nothing that stands out (other than Doug's rant in "Believe"). They sounded better when I heard them at Jaxx in Springfield, VA, 18 months ago.

The second disc starts off with an 'acoustic' set (I use the term loosely, because only Ty's guitar is acoustic) and it's amazing! Real craftsmanship and harmony. This is something that they added to their tour last year - I'm sorry I missed it in person, but man, is it nice to hear now! And the electric songs that follow are much better than the ones on the first disk.

So, what'm I sayin'? Buy it, of course, but put the 1st disk away for a while, and enjoy the 2nd over and over again. And go see KING'S X this spring, when they're sure to be touring again!

I have been a King's X fan for years and was really excited when I read this album was coming. I have seen them only once, on the "King's X" tour with Galactic Cowboys as their opener. I think the song selection was great, spanning their entire career for the most part. The only thing I would say in a negative aspect would be the album was not recorded from one show or during one specific tour,but over the course of several tours throughout the years. For example, you can hear the difference in Ty's guitar sound on any material taken from "Dogman" to the present in comparison to material from "King's X" and before. A minor observance, but... The half hour of acoustic material is great and gives the overall package a true flow. It was stated that there are no overdubs, etc. and what you hear is what was performed. I think Doug's vocals are dead on throughout. It is obvious that the performances were strong ones and the band still enjoys performing together. I hope this disc brings the band more recognition than they have recieved to this point. They are great song writers, exceptional musicians, and they do have something to say. Any King's X fan will be very pleased with this set.

King's X was long the best-kept secret in the music business. Their first six albums were filled with brilliant, intelligent hard rock that was lyrically transcendent and musically accomplished. Yet they managed to avoid the "high-art" pretension of similar bands, always keeping a thick groove and an accessible melody running throughout their songs.

After leaving Atlantic/Megaforce, however, their offerings have been hit-and-miss. Their last four discs have each hinted at the prior greatness of the band, but have stumbled--sometimes severely--leaving fans with a nagging sense that the glory days were over. (Some fans, of course, remain stubborn in their belief that the band is still as good as ever. That sort of blindness is generous but misguided, as it simply diminishes the excellence of their early albums. I'm sorry, but Mr. Bulbous is embarrassing when held up next to Gretchen.)

When King's X are good, their music works like the great literary fantasies, transporting you to a mythical Tolkienesque landscape where people are noble and truth is evident. When they aren't, they become a quirky, intelligent rock band that is still an interesting listen, but lose much of their accessibility, relevancy, and transcendency.

Despite recent missteps, I had high hopes for this live double-disc. It contains a good mix of material from across their entire career, and seemed a return to form, even evidenced by a more professionally-designed cover. And there are some good performances. But Doug's vocals often seem strained, and the acoustic set in particular almost sounds like its pitch has been dropped, making it sludgy. Granted, live albums are difficult to get right, but we know this band is capable of better performances than this. Some of the Internet-circulated bootleg tracks sound better than what's here.

Finally, it must be mentioned that Doug goes off on a rant--as he's wont to do--during the song "Believe" during which he suggests that belief in God means nothing if you don't first "believe in yourself". It's just further evidence of a band that no longer taps into the great themes and motifs of life, and instead has fallen victim to the empty self-worship of the rest of the entertainment industry. Here's hoping King's X follow U2's lead, and return to the philosophical and musical roots that made them great in the first place.

This is one of the best live music CD's you'll ever hear. This is one of the best bands you'll ever have the pleasure of experiencing live. I have seen them many times, in many locales and they continue to rectify the art of the three piece band. Wake up people. There is major songwriting and playing talent in your midst. Do not continue to ignore this band because it's just this simple.....few rock bands do it this well and if you don't pay attention...then you are denying yourself of rock art in it's finest form. Doug's singing is a blueprint for what singing should be, Ty's guitarwork gets better and better every year, Jerry Gaskill is the most underated drummmer of all time.....this is rock and roll in it's Rembrandt form. Wake up.....listen....know what goood live music sounds like. The best part is that they left all the other stuff in. Close your eyes...listen and your there.

Thanks Ty, Doug and Jerry for the live album!! I've seen these guys numerous times and they always put on a super show. The great thing about King's X is that their music is intelligent, soulful, musically awesome and above all, REAL. Compared to all of the sugar coated crap that the media, music companies and the money makers shove down the listeners throats; King's X delivers the real deal. Doug's not afraid to sing about being alone, confused, angry or happy. The thing is he sings and presents the music with such passion and STRENGTH that the emotionally depressed or confused listener can't but help to feel better and stronger in time. I've learned sooo much from these guys concerning self esteem, spirituality, the art of making music and friends, and above all just having a super positive outlook on life!!! If you've heard of King's X and maybe listened to "Gretchen..", buy this album!! If you're a die hard fan of this phunky grungalistic trio from the badlands of Texas, you WON'T be dissapointed. When I watch TV (which is rarely) I say to myself, "why are these people celebrities?" King's X should be known on a greater scale and the great thing is that they are one of those bands that just keep on going, rockin' out and spreading the love regardless of fame, money, sex and all the other crap that America is soo focused on!! True musicians all the way!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The long-awaited live disc from veteran rock trio King's X is finally here in the form of this two disc set, Live All Over the Place. And while there are some great moments, the band certainly missed out on an opportunity to present what makes them so good -- playing live -- to the yet-to-be-converted masses.
First there is the production -- it comes from a soundboard and that leaves everything sounding flat and compressed. There is no aural depth or range in the sound quality; it almost sounds like a bootleg. Add to that the odd decision to present it "flaws and all" and you have what sounds like a project with little thought put into its presentation. Fans who have been preaching the KX gospel about how good they are live won't be able to use many of the tracks here to prove that point.
There are good performances -- standouts include Complain, Over My Head (both versions), Manic Depression, most of the acoustic stuff and Moanjam. But the rest of the album, either because of the choice of material (the Black Like Sunday tracks should be banned from all KX shows), production, or Doug Pinnick's pointless use of drug references and profanity, suffers.
This is a must for fans -- its all we have besides the '94 Woodstock cut of Over My Head from The Best Of King's X album -- but I can't help but think that a little more time and effort could have put this one at the top of every fan's list of essential recordings. As it is, I say its hit and miss. Three stars from this reviewer.
PS -- a sidenote to a previous reviewer: the recording of Manic Depression on Dogman was not actually recorded live -- the "live" crowd was added as a joke in the studio.

Poor sound and production bring this down. Super fan pedrozo loves this, but come on, it is flawed. Just buy the studio versions and skip this superfan dud.

Finally, King's X gets a live album out! i know they've changed labels a time or two, so fan's anticipation isn't really their fault. i will however, blame them for releasing one of the best representations of live music ever!

If you're a fan of King's X whatsoever, put off all your other album needs and buy this first. this may be one of the top 5 greatest live albums in this reviewer's opinion. this album sounds great, flows well, and the setlist is promised to deliver to a fan of any era of the band's music. if you've seen the band live, get out your show's ticket, turn up this cd, close your eyes, and see them again!

Of course, being the fan i am, i can only say that i wish this album was another disc long. however, this double-disc release delivers, i can't say enough great things about it. i certainly hope the band will find a way to possibly release a DVD of this calaber.

Whether you're a fan of their music already, or just taking interest, This CD Is For You! i highly recommend it!