Customer Reviews

Live At Fingerprints Warts & All

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If you haven't seen Damien Rice play live yet, I suggest you do that asap. He put on the best show I have ever seen, and I have never heard a bad live recording by him. This follows in the same vein- with several tracks from O (Cannonball, Volcano, I Remember) and from 9 (Coconut Skins, Grey Room, Rootless Tree) you can't go wrong here. There are also a couple of intros to the songs where he talks about writing them, etc.

The songs are done mostly acoustic, with bass, cello, and some light percussion (bongos, cymbals, etc.) It makes for a really awesome sound. Rootless tree is done on keyboard and is vastly toned down for a slower beautiful version that really shows the meaning behind the song. And of course, the classics from O are unbelievable.

The recording quality is excellent on this CD (it's recorded straight to stereo), and although it is done live, you get the feeling that he is jamming in the room with you and a few of your buddies, which is a pretty cool feeling. At the low price, I would suggest checking this one out. It's available at a lot of small indie music stores nationwide, and some places online. Excellent album.

One of the many things that makes Damien Rice so amazing to me are his `warts' so-to-speak. I love the way his voice cracks when he gets to high or the occasions where his chords are muffled or out of tune. Damien Rice is raw and real and that makes for some impressive music. If you haven't heard the man play live yet then I urge you to take up the opportunity when it presents itself to you. I've been a fan of the man since hearing his powerful album `O' and he only gets better and better. Thankfully Rice is starting to finally get the `household name' status he has been deserving for a long time now, but he is still unknown to many so I'm here to spread the word.

`Live at Fingerprints Warts & All' is obviously a live album, which I think is the best way to get to know Damien. Like I mentioned, he's such a raw and real performer that even his studio recordings sound as though he were sitting in your living room strumming on his acoustic guitar. That is the feel of the man, much like the equally impressive Ray LaMontagne.

This collection features three tracks from his debut album `O' and three tracks from his sophomore album `9'. `Cannonball' is a beautiful song which he does extremely well here. `Volcano' is a highlight, as it always is. Having seen him live myself I can honestly say that he performs this song masterfully every time. `I Remember' is the third track from `O' and it's a beautiful way to end the album here. It's not the most recognizable track off of `O' but it's simple and pure and closes out this collection nicely. I would have rather he closed the album with `Blowers Daughter' but I'll live.

The three tracks off of `9' are flawless. `Coconut Skins' is one of Damien's more up-beat songs. When I saw him he didn't play this song (he opted for `Dogs' instead) so it was neat to hear this track live. `Grey Room' is one of my favorite tracks off of `9' and it's delivered effortlessly here. The highlight of this album though is none other than `Rootless Tree'. What makes this track so brilliant is the fact that it is done on the keyboard and slowed down to be more of a ballad. It takes on a whole new air and meaning and really engulfs the listener. It's beautiful, which is not what you might say when listening to the original version on `9'.

In the end this is a definite must have. It's a steal at the price listed here and well worth it, that's for sure. For anyone wanting to know what all the fuss is about then you must get this album. I can't stress enough the brilliance that is Damien Rice. He's a flawless song writer, performer and all around `artist'. See him live; you won't regret it. Until then, enjoy each and every song you can get your ears on.

If you like Damien Rice's music, you have to have this CD, and anything else he has done. The raw emotion that comes out in his music is unique and one of the most amazing things. His amazing lyrics along with some amazng guitar playing and a great voice take you into another world... There's nothing else like Damien Rice's live concerts, and if you get the chance to see him live, i highly suggest you do so. It is one of the most amazing experiences you will ever witness.

Damien Rice is masterful in his presentation of voice and lyrics in these albums. His heartfelt soulful songs project a sadness that is beautifully tragic. Damien Rice is a master of song and story telling and his music, thus far, is a "must have" for any music enthusiast.

Damien Rice has never put out a CD that I didn't instantly fall in love with. "Live At Fingerprints Warts & All" was another instant love affair, and probably quicker than the other CDs because I was already a HUGE fan of 0 and 9. The live treatments of these tunes that are always in rotation on my iPod are breath taking. They show Damien's vulnerability, his sincerity, and the raw beauty of his voice.

Despite being live, the vocals are not lost underneath the music, they are upfront as they should be, and we have an opportunity to hear the storyteller side of Damien. The only possible problem with this disc is it is too short. I want a double live CD next!

Damien Rice is the only Artist whose albums I have purchased in the past 5 years. My favorite music is live performances and Damien excels in this genre. That this album is recorded in a very small club makes me wish I could transform myself to that time and enjoy music among friends (the way it was meant to be listened).

So warts -- no warts here, just great music.

Listening to this CD, I got the feeling Damien played in front of a small crowd in an intimate setting and all I can say is I'm extremely jealous. The songs and audio on the CD are great. My only real complaint is that it's too short.

I recommend this CD to every fan of his, and even non-fans will appreciate it's greatness.

I love all in this CD: the package and the content: so much talented! It is a CD to possess! Enjoy!