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DataReleased June 2011Format 2CD/DVD Type Live Genre Melodic Rock N of discs 3 Edition date June 2011 Label Frontiers Records Catalog Number FR CDVD 523 ReviewREVIEWER: RAYMOND "EVERYBODY LOVES RAY" COONEN
Whohohoho, Christmas is coming early this year…. one of my favorite bands will release on June 17th 2011 their first full live album. Okay, if you bought the limited edition of the greatest hits album "Vault" you already had a sneak preview of the magic that Def Leppard brings on stage but that was back in 1995.
So now in 2011 everybody around the world will have the opportunity to buy some rock ‘n roll history in the making of a live classic.
Def Leppard’s "Mirror Ball" will give you a good summery what these five guys from Sheffield have been up to the last thirty years on two filled cd’s. "Mirror Ball" has the perfect mix of old classics and new hits. And as an extra bonus Def Leppard recorded three new studio tracks for this live album.
Front man Joe Elliott explained: "When we decided to do (the live album), it just got said — I don't know by who — 'Why don't we chuck a couple of new songs on the end? And that two became three, and in fairness it could've been four if we'd just had a little bit more time. But we wanted to tour this summer, so any fourth or fifth song we had brewing, we'll save them for the next record."
"They're all very different to each other," Elliott added. "They don't sound specifically like any previous Def Leppard songs, but they sound like Def Leppard songs. They have to have our identity on them, otherwise they might as well be Tom Waits or R.E.M. We have a signature sound that we're not scared of anymore."
One of the three studio songs and first official single is called "Undefeated". A traditional Def Leppard song with a strong melody and big vocal chorus. A good song to be adopted as an opening tune for a soccer match. The second new track is called "Kings Of The World" and with it’s 6:12 one of the longer lasting songs in the Def Leppard catalog. "Kings Of The World" sounds like a tribute to Queen (from their "A Night At The Opera" and "A Day At The Races" period). Phil Collen's guitar solo sounds like Brian May did back then. Last but not least, "It’s All About Believing", an positive uptempo song with an intro that reminds me very briefly to "Where The Streets Have No Name" by U2…very briefly. Still a killer track.
The live tracks are recorded during their "Songs From The Sparkle Lounge Tour" around the world and isn’t a from A to Z complete concert. Is that a bad thing? No, the choosen songs sound amazing and do justice to the true Leppard live stage sound (and I know what I am talking about as I am visiting their concerts since 1992).
From the head banging opener "Rock! Rock! (till you drop)", "Action" and the USA number one hit and monster ballad "Love Bites" (what a brilliant guitar solo on the end!!) to the newer tracks like "Nine Lives" and "C’mon, C’mon" this release will give you a rock and rollercoaster ride of your life.
For me, as a fan, the only minus thing on "Mirror Ball" is that Def Leppard completely skip the period between 1995 and 2006 ("Slang", "Euphoria" and "X"). But hey, there will always be questions why some tracks didn’t make it to the album. Songs like "When Love And Hate Collide", "Slang", "Wasted" and "Promises" but choices had to be made.. With that said, these two discs and one DVD containing package includes Leppard’s finest work on stage… and is good value for your money.
The 50 minute DVD contains live performances and intimate backstage footage of the band captured on the road. A special limited vinyl edition will also be made available.
Enjoy!!
Band:
Joe Elliott - vocals
Phil Collen - guitars, backing vocals
Rick “Sav” Savage - bass, backing vocals
Vivian Campbell - guitars, backing vocals
Rick Allen - drums
Produced by Def Leppard & Ronald McHugh
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