Customer Reviews

Live It Up

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have no idea what made me buy this record when it first came out, but I'm glad I did. David Johansen is a performer of such good humor and heart; he puts all of himself into these songs. This set opens with his ferocious medley of the Animals' "We Gotta Get Outta This Place/Don't Bring Me Down/It's My Life". I'd take his version of "Build Me Up Buttercup" over the Foundations any day. His cover of "(Reach Out) I'll Be There" is just as urgent as the Four Tops. And he achieves just the right balance of sadness and rage for "Frenchette" and "Donna". And his humor shines on "Funky But Chic", "Stranded in the Jungle" and "Personality Crisis".
I really wish this cd was still in print!

This album is loaded with many upbeat songs that will get you in a good time party mood. The Animals Medley received the most airplay back in the early eighties, but some of the other covers, originals, and songs from the NY Dolls are indeed worthy. Stranded In The Jungle is a real show stopper with its changes in tempos. And the cover of Build Me Up Buttercup with have your toes tapping if not your entire body shaking. David Johansen has a captivating voice that grabs hold of your listening ear. The band sure supplies a good rock n roll format. So if you want a good party time disc, this one will sure treat you fine.

I saw David on this tour in 1981 and it is still one of the best live shows I have ever seen. All the songs on this cd are fantastic, but the David Johansen Group Live Cd is actually a better overall performance and a better value at over 30 minutes longer.

I bought this on vinyl, and I must have played it a million times, I never ever get tired about this record. It's a gem, and probably one of the better concert ever done by anyone in that cathegory of musicians. Every song is pure gold .... I've tried so many times to get my hands on the cd ... all I have now is some badly ripped mp3 files from my old vinyl record, but I still listen to it, and I still wanna jump and scream and drink a couple of gallons of beer whenever I hear it.

If you find it, hold on to it ... or .. well even better, sell it to me :)

//Kenneth

I remember the video for the excellent Animals Medley on MTV circa 1982. I was in high school and had never heard of the New York Dolls at that point but this definitely started me down that path. The whole album is a pleasure from start to finish.

Along with the Heartbreakers' "Live at Max's Kansas City", this may be the best live album ever recorded. Goofy, lively and rocking, every cut is a delight. I never get tired of it.

I like David Johansen very much. When he started New York Dolls, he was already a good singer. I like his throat with heat. He is one of my favorite singers.

Why didn't they release more of this show? A disc is almost 80 mins long. Hello! I wish I had a job in this reissue company. Still David Jo Group is the bomb!

This album captures the essence of a David Johansen show in the early 80's. It contains a bluesy/soulful reworking of the NY Dolls classics, and the ultimate version of "We gotta get out of this place" which was a staple of the AOR radios stations in the early 80's. The success of this album lead to his opening for The Who at thier Shea Stadium shows. Unfortunately shortly after this album David became engrossed in the Buster Poindexter persona, and never fullfilled the promise of this comeback disc.

I love this CD, I already owned it as a cassette, but brought it again. Johansen's voice is strong and the Animal's songs are done well with conviction. Funky but Chic is another winner, It's a real well done live LP.