Compulsive Gamblers--Live & Deadly
Sympathy For The Record Industry 2003
Of all the great bands Memphis, Tennessee has ever produced, the Compulsive Gamblers sit near the top of the list. This pre/post Oblivians outfit is responsible for some of the best rock and roll the world has ever known. Thankfully, when they congregated once more in 2002 for a handful of shows, some of the action was caught on tape. As a result, we're all blessed with this Gamblers live slab, Live & Deadly.
The Compulsive Gamblers have had many lineup changes over their existence and this album brings another one. Basically, this is Reigning Sound with Jack thrown into the mix. For some reason, there are folks who've talked like this was a bad thing. Well, rest assured that's all just poseurfied "scene" politicing, friends. These guys all gel together perfectly and the results are as consistently stunning as anyone familair with these musicians would expect.
What can you really say about these songs that hasn't already been said before? They're all dripping with the magic that seperates the best of the best from the great. It should be said "Sour And Vicious Man" really bristles in this set, with its tempo slowed a bit and the dark brooding energy kicked up a half step. Really, this collection would be perfect but for the glaring omission of "Handful Of Burning Sand." Even to say that seems to be nitpicking, though.
All this said, if you're new to the Compulsive Gamblers, you'd probably be best served to get all their studio efforts before Live & Deadly. Of course, you will still eventually need this, too. If you're already hip to these guys, this disc should be in your collection, as we speak. If not, get down to the record store and rectify with haste.
Score this CD directly from SFTRI
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