This came out in 2003 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
Ah, the summer concert season. Is there any more exciting time for a fan?
After all, how often do you get the chance to blow most of your paycheque for the privilege of being crammed into the back row of a stadium’s upper deck, staring for two hours at the butt of the biker in front of you while he dances on his seat, screams “Whooo!” at the top of his lungs every 30 seconds and spills beer on your head? If you’re ready for a less stressful (and less expensive) concert experience, perhaps it’s time to check out this new live album. If you still don’t feel like you’re at a gig, try parking your car two miles away and charging yourself $5 for a bottle of water.
THE TICKET: A fast-paced 97-minute set from singer-guitarist Scott Hill and his muscle-car metalheads, recorded during their California Crossing tour of 2002.
SOUND CHECK: Like, totally heavy, dude. But more than clear enough to make out all the words to Scotty’s gearhead odes to hot rods, boogie vans, dirt bikes and dune buggies.
GOLDEN OLDIES: If you’re a fan, turbocharged versions of classics like Ojo Rojo, Super Bird, Tilt and Wurkin will rock your world. If you’re a newbie, dig their terra-stomp cover of Blue Öyster Cult’s monster-smash Godzilla.
BIC LIGHTER BALLAD: There’s only one reason you need a lighter at a Fu Manchu gig, bro. And it ain’t to hold it in the air.
ROCK-STAR CLICHE: Two words — drum solo!
LAST WORDS: I know a guy who swears Fu Manchu played in Winnipeg years ago. If so, they haven’t been back since. But this two-disc set of wah-wah-pedal-to-the-metal rawk and cowbell-plonk boogie is definitely the next best thing.
