After the unexpected release of a 1995 live concert which took place mere days ago (more info here), our contributor Sean Hampson decided to write a few words about this much appreciated surprise.
Before we get started, don’t forget to check all of Sean’s contributions by browsing his dedicated category, and also if you’re curious about him (and the Temple Of Goo’s creator), you’re also invited to read this super-cool Q&A between the two of them.
Without further ado, let’s get to the meat and potatoes. Below is Sean’s review of the album. Check it out.
Thanks Sean for providing your insights.
“Beggars can’t be choosers, but lovers can be picky”
Live at the Academy has been released and it is very impressive on many levels. I’m happy to say that this is something the older fans have been wanting for a long time, and they will not be disappointed. I never thought this live era would get an official release and it perfectly captures the band and how they performed during that crazy summer I shared with them in 95. It’s not a perfect show, it’s not fine tuned, but that’s the point. I haven’t heard one bootleg that is perfect, but I don’t love them any less. For better or worse, this live CD is probably the best we’re ever going to get. I hope I’m proven wrong.
I’m just listening to it for the fourth time and one thing I’ve noticed is how they actually seem to be enjoying themselves. You can tell in the way they’re playing these songs. Even songs I’ve never been crazy about are very listenable on this. But all the old favorites sound unbelievable. Long Way Down is impressive. String of Lies is even more impressive. Robby’s voice is in prime form, and Another Second Time Around is a real highlight. It’s really raw in the best way possible. Plus, I never thought I’d have a live version of So Outta Line from an official recording, so I’m not complaining about this release at all. It’s vintage Goo, and long overdue. I’m thrilled to finally have it.
Now, I will say this. I was doing some math with Mr Temple of Goo. Think about this for a minute…
Impersonality is played three times, Naked is played three times, Girl right next to me is played twice, Two Days is played twice, Another Second Time Around is played twice, Name is played twice, Don’t Change is played twice, and four of the songs in the concert are cover songs. If I own the Just The Way You Are EP, it must exist somewhere else. Why not put that at the end of the CD as a bonus, just for something different…or anything rare that they have in the vault that inspired them to put out this live release in the first place? Fans like me would be drooling, and would be more than willing to pay for content like that. But I can’t see that happening now, and that’s why I feel this was a missed opportunity. Beggars can’t be choosers, but lovers can be picky.
If you’re reading this you’ve probably already listened to it and enjoyed it as much as I have. If any of you were lucky enough to see them during that time, you know what I mean when I say that it captures that era of the Goo’s perfectly. That’s what also makes me miss that band even more. So I’ll cherish what I have and hope for more to come. Just a bit of advice, listen to this with headphones on.. not earbuds, not on your iphone…Headphones! Earmuff headphones. If there’s not enough bass, turn it up. Or find the smallest room with the best stereo setup you have and crank It up. If you can play guitar, grab yours and play along with as many tunes as you can. I did. You won’t regret it.
Sean L H
Temple of Goo - The rarest Goo Goo Dolls releases, for real Goo fans only 