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LIVE IN L.A.
I can't begin to tell you how happy I am to see this disc finally get
released. Some of you may recognize Rabin's name from the countless high
profile soundtracks he has composed and performed (Armaggedon, Enemy of The
State, Con-Air, etc.) as well as being one of the key members
of Yes during their high profile 80's comeback. Rabin wrote all their later
day hits, most notably 'Owner of A Lonely Heart' and brought them to
the masses with a lean, pop edge that the band needed. During 1988, Rabin
released the amazing, but commercially overlooked 'Can't Look Away'
and hit the road to promote the release.
This disc is captures Rabin in Los Angeles during that tour and this has to
be one of the best live recorded discs I've heard in ages. Impeccable
reproduction of the heavily layered originals, along with a few Yes numbers
re-worked with a tighter, punchier band. Rabin's playing, singing and
delivery is jaw-dropping and his vocals are flawless (he did not fix
anything up on the disc - this is direct from the board). The music can best
be
described as ambitious, heavily layered pop with some Peter Gabrielesque
flavorings along with some of Rabin's trademark compositional stamps.
Rich acoustic passages and incredible solos leap in and out and each track
is brimming with energy and enthusiasm. The band is tight as hell,
most notably drummer Lou Molina keeps the flow smooth with a backbeat that
would make Bonham proud. This disc has something for everyone in my
opinion: Guitar geeks (such as myself) will drool over the extended solos
and amazing tones Rabin coaxes out of his guitars, fans of great songcraft
and catchy tunes will love the hook-laden tunes, and fans of Rabin-era YES
will simply love the way he takes these tunes and gives them a new edge.
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