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Live at 25
Barnes and Noble
Live at 25
Current price: $17.99
Barnes and Noble
Live at 25
Current price: $17.99
Size: OS
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Looking at the cover of
'
, it's hard not to think, "Wow! I had no idea that
had 25 members!" Of course, the middle-aged men crowding the cover of this 2005 release number a mere nine, which means the one-time sextet has been expanded with a full horn section (original guitarist
has been replaced by
and bassist
, as well). New members and a horn section don't change the basic nature of the band, which hasn't changed since the beginning of its career -- no matter what they do,
are a good-time, good-natured, unabashedly fun party band. That served them well at the height of their fame in the mid-'80s, and it serves them well 20 years later, as they do those big hits --
(subtly changed to
although the lyrics haven't been altered) -- balanced with covers and newer tunes that sound as if they could have been good album tracks on
. Although the liner notes don't mention the date or location of the recording of
, the specifics don't really matter since the album is designed to be less a historical document than a nostalgic souvenir for longtime fans, capturing the group at a quarter-century mark. In that respect, it works well: the song selection is good, the band sounds tight and professional, the production is clean and punchy, and while it's never especially engaging, it is an enjoyable performance. Not essential, and certainly not nearly as energetic as the original LPs,
is warm, friendly, and fun nonetheless, a perfectly respectable way to celebrate the group's anniversary. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine