Referred to by the band as "Contractual Obligation Live," this was the first
official concert recording from one of the '80's most formidable on-stage bands.
The "Goddamn Kix Band" appear in all their glory before a rabid home-state
crowd in College Park, MD, on the 'Hot Wire' tour. As such, five of the twelve
songs come from that album.
"Hot Wire," "Same Jane," and "Rock 'n' Roll
Overdose" get the party going full-tilt from the beginning. "Tear Down The
Walls" isn't much different from the studio version, but is still good.
"Girl Money" is strong as well, with lots of crowd interaction.
The rest of the set offers a fair representation of the band's previous
material. The three big hits from 1988's breakthrough album 'Blow My Fuse'
appear, and are all solid, with "Cold Blood" sporting a rousing crowd singalong.
Surprisingly, only one song from 'Midnite Dynamite' makes the list, in the
form of the funky, harmonica-laced "Sex." One tune also shows up from the
generally despised Cool Kids release, and that is of course "For Shame".
This version boasts some really nice guitarwork, and the crowd eats it up,
keeping time with their slow clapping, and many singing along. They send up
a huge roar at the end. Of course, no Kix show would be complete without the
band's signature song, with "Yeah Yeah Yeah" appearing in an extended,
nearly fourteen-minute version, with a hilariously foul stage rap from Steve
Whiteman.
The sound quality of the show is on the good end of decent, with the only
real glaring flaw being Whiteman himself. Sounds like he's on a wireless mic
or something, and his already nasal voice comes across as even more thin and
whiny. Plus, he conducts all his banter in his shrill, lisping singing
voice, often putting on a really irritating cartoon accent. On the disc it
gets annoying, but was probably a blast at the show. Overall, a fun live set
by a great longtime East Coast live band.
TRACK LIST:
1. Hot Wire
2. Same Jane
3. Rock 'n' Roll Overdose
4. Sex
5. The Itch
6. For Shame
7. Tear Down The Walls
8. Blow My Fuse
9. Girl Money
10. Cold Blood
11. Don't Close Your Eyes
12. Yeah, Yeah, Yeah
Review by Kip Massey