Customer Reviews

Live in Hamburg

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

 

 

I love Maria McKee, for years I've waited for her to come through St. Louis, and it hasn't happened. So when I heard about this live CD, I ordered ASAP, and.... well, it's good, but not great.

This has the skimpiest liner notes I've not seen in a long time- no mention of the band members. Simply the recording date and song titles- Would it have killed her to flesh it out a little with some notes?

It focuses mainly on songs from her last 2 releases which is fine, but the live performances don't vary much from the studio versions- and that's the fun of Live albums. She does talk some, the questions and banter about a bathroom attendant should have been left out- if only because it detracts from things, and is kind of dumb. She seems to be veering toward a more operatic/Broadway delivery, but on her website says her next release will appeal more to Gotta Sin to Get Saved fans (of which I am one).

I would have loved some accoustic songs (b side extras found on some of her earlier CD singles reveal just how remarkable she is...she did the all time best version of Wichita Lineman I have ever heard on a single from the Gotta Sin to Get Saved CD).

So like I've said this is good- and I'll play it, but it's not what it should have been.

I love Maria. I do. This album is recommended for one reason. SHe actually talks on the album. This is something she has not done very often in her live shows of recent. The songs are not for those who do not like her last two efforts...BUT...BUT...I think they come off much better live than on a studio record. Maria is a live performer. Her strength and joy lies there. It shows on this record. The only reason I give it 4 instead of 5 is the lack of diversity in the songs.

Maria shows up strong as a live solo artist in this recording, and her humor comes through as well...........I'd give up 90% of my collection (at least) if forced to choose between Live in Hamburg and the rest. You'll listen to it often, I guarantee. WHY is maria McKee not a worldwide superstar? WHY did David Geffen screw up her solo albums (here & there - overproduction).........? Well THIS one bears no Geffen stamp and is impeccable.

....but I like it. It is not overly "cleaned up." You feel like you are there. At times, kinda a train-wreck, but that's part of the uniqueness of it. I like it.