Live in Montana

by

Meat Puppets

Edit

Definitely the Meat Puppets in top form. Though this is probably my least favorite time period in Meat puppets history, there is no denying their musical prowess on this CD. One good thing is I've never before heard Cris play bass so damn well. The vocal growls that Curt used at this time period (kind of like Johnny Winter) can get pretty annoying, but it doesn't really bother me to much. Maybe because I'm already a converted fan. If this was the first Puppets album I ever heard, it would probably annoy me. Therefore I'd reccommend this album only for those who are already fans. Oh and by the way. Derrick totally rips on the drums on this. Don't let anyone tell you he's not a good drummer! -JOE BAKER

Live In Montana covers two live shows from 1988 and shows the band at their best as well as their worst. The first eight tracks are absolutely killer. The version of "Touchdown King" is fantastic as the band changes tempo throughout while Curt's soloing is top notch. "Maiden's Milk" shows the awesome interplay between Cris and Curt Kirkwood. Cris's bass playing is amazing here and surprisingly way up in the mix. The heavier tracks, "Automatic Mojo" and "Liquified", are scorchers and are much more intense than their studio versions. The versions of the now classic Meat Puppets II songs "Lake of Fire" and "Plateau" are both great. The tracks "I Can't Be Counted On" and the amusing "Cotton Candy Land" are also very good. Although the vocals are off key throughout, it's the passion of the performnace that truly stands out. Having said that, it seriously sounds like the band is ripped on the last four tracks. "Dough Rey Mi" is a country rave up that sounds like something you'd hear at the local bazaar. "S.W.A.T." is very cool and funky but as the band goes into "Attacked By Monsters", the drunkenness takes over and it continues through a destructive version of Linda Ronstadt's "Blue Bayou." You want bad vocals? Look no further. "Party Til the World Obeys" isn't nearly as bad even if it's one of their weaker songs. While the version of Small Hours is well played, the vocals are way off. Then, as all drunk bar bands must do, they play some easy ones, in this case sluggish versions of "Paranoid" and "Sweet Leaf." If you took just the first eight tracks, this is close to a 5-star album. But the beer kicks in and it's all downhill from there. Their other live release Meat Puppets Live which only features Curt Kirkwood from the original lineup is actually a better album even if it has a weaker songlist.