The Distance to Here

Live

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 5, 1999)
• Original Release Date: October 5, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Mca
• ASIN: B00001QENU
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (381 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #36,347 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

It takes a certain kind of band in this day and age to release a single called "The Dolphin's Cry." Unsurprisingly, that band is the always earnest Live. The Distance to Here doesn't have the aura of dullness that marred 1996's Secret Samadhi, but the everybody-in-the-pool accessibility of Throwing Copper is nowhere in sight. Still walking hand in hand with producer Jerry Harrison (producer since their debut, 1991's Mental Jewelry), the Pennsylvania-based quartet go for the bombastic and naturally end up over the top. It's one thing to rhyme "shooting star" with "you'll go far," but it's another thing to think that this is a good idea. The literalness of the lyrics aside, The Distance to Here has a few moments where listeners may get caught up in a maelstrom of melody. Will they stick around for the "message?" Not likely. --Jason Josephes

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A revolution - for music as well as for Live, November 27, 1999

By	Heropsychodreamer (NY) - See all my reviews

This record obviously marks a huge turning point for Live. It has HAPPY LYRICS! Who'd ever have thought of Live with happy and hopeful sounding lyrics? Not to mention the brilliant musical styles as well. Live pours out all it's emotion into this cd, making what Kowalczyk calls "Just a bunch of love songs." A band has to have good music to back up a title like The Doplhin's Cry, and they do. The brilliant emotion of Run To The Water has made it a favorite among many Live fans. Sparkle rocks the most I think. This album is the end of Ed's spiritual quest that he has been going through in the other albums, but just the beginning of his career. Dance With You sets a new standard for Live ballads, surpassing Turn My Head as a love song. The darker sounds of Voodo Lady sound as if they belong on Secret Samadhi, but just give the album a new twist and makes it even better. The string parts in Where Fishes Go elude to the gentle rolling of the waves, as Ed calls us out of the darkness to come dance in the light of love. In the very beginning of We Walk In The Dream Ed admits he was wrong about us not having a soul or spiritual self, as he said in his previous albums. Also, Ed's little brother Adam Kowalczyk takes adds his guitar parts to the new album as well. He's also been touring with Live and taking Ed's acoustic guitar parts so Ed is "Free to be a madman on stage." There is no doubt about it, The Distance To Here is a another hit record for Live, and may even challange Throwing Copper as the top Live album. This new explosion of emotion and peace together with brilliantly rocking music brings a new style into the music world as we enter the next decade.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Distance To Here Is a Sweet Ride With Live!, November 24, 1999

By	Dazman (Australia) - See all my reviews

Live has come up with the goods yet again. Edward Kowolsyck has penned an album full of inspiring lyrics that come to life with the help of Chad Taylor, Patrick Dulfelmier, Chad Gracey.

From the opening track The Dolpins Cry the listener is taken on a journey that will leave a lasting effect. Other highlights are Sparkle with it's powerful chorus, and the beauty of Run To The Water that is one of the bands best ballads. Where Fishes Go is a different track but displays the awesome power and ability of a band that is within their prime.

Another track that stands out is Feel The Quiet River Rage. This is a track that has a sense of power and beauty both at the same time. They Stood Up For Love is a trademark Live track that has all the makings of a new radio friendly Live hit to hit the airwaves.

The Distance is the most un-Live track on the album, but is a welcome change as it features a new sound and a different feel. The album has a new feel to it and captures the listeners attention, and takes you on a journey through lead vocalist Edward Kowowlsylck's thoughts and emotions. This is a welcome return for one of the worlds great bands. Other highlights are Dance With You and the intense Sun. Great effects are used throughout the album with superb effects from Chad Taylors guitar and the awesome work from the bass and drums. Voodoo Lady is a highlight of the album that has a rythmic feel and dynamic chorus. Edward's voice soars above the crunching guitars and pounding bass and drums.

Secret Samadhi was a great album but The Distance To Here goes the distance and is Live's best work to date. Five stars!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars In my opinion, the best they've done so far, May 16, 2006

By	Owen M. Wilson "Owen Wilson" (Atlanta, GA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I own most of the Live catalog and this is the one that I always go back to. The Dolphin's Cry and Meltdown (especially) are my favorite songs by the band. There are only a couple of what I feel are "filler" songs on this record, but the blend in nicely and don't detract from the strength of this disc. If you lean more toward the Throwing Copper and Mental Jewelry style and less toward Birds of Pray and V you will enjoy this one, too.