Customer Reviews

React

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The live disc React was released by the Fixx in 1987. Of the 13 tracks, the first four were recorded in the studio--"Red Skies," "Big Wall," "Don't Be Scared," and "Rules and Schemes." I enjoy this second version of "Red Skies"; the original version is on the debut Shuttered Room. The other three studio cuts were especially recorded for inclusion on this album. I find them all to be worthy. Saxophone playing is included on "Don't Be Scared." I like the nine live songs. They were recorded in October 1986 during two concerts in Canada. All but one ("Deeper and Deeper") come from the first four full-length albums--1982's Shuttered Room, Reach the Beach (1983), 1984's Phantoms, and Walkabout (1986). Shuttered Room is represented by "Stand or Fall." "Saved by Zero" and "One Thing Leads to Another" are taken from Reach the Beach. "Are We Ourselves?" and "Less Cities" come from Phantoms, while Walkabout is represented by "Built for the Future," "Secret Separation," and "Chase the Fire." My favorites are "Stand or Fall," "Saved by Zero," "Less Cities," and "Chase the Fire." "Deeper and Deeper" comes from the soundtrack of the film Streets of Fire. The 13 songs are in a pop rock musical direction and have tight musicianship and sound quality. Cy Curnin does well with the vocals--he is a unique singer. The CD booklet consists of the song lyrics and several black-and-white photos of the band. The disc is just over 55 minutes. React is a pleasing live album from the Fixx.

Most of this album consists of ok live versions of their hits, and a couple of soso studio cuts. Not their best, but still a worthwhile purchase for the hardcore fan.

I find this CD to be vastly superior to their studio stuff. I think Red Skies is particularly great, and most of the other cuts (with the exception of the two studio cuts) come off with a lot more energy than the studio stuff. My favorite Fixx CD!