Clutch - Live At The Googolplex
Megaforce Records - mega 1982 - 2005
By Philip Whitehouse
Clutch's first live album, available for the first time commercially after a period of being sold directly to the fans through the bands website, is a curious affair for a number of reasons. Firstly, rather than being a complete document of a single live performance by the indomitable stoner-rock road warriers, this disc comprises a set of tracks culled from various performances in Chicago and Quebec, amongst others. While the tracks segue together nicely, the lack of audible crowd noise and hearing Neil Fallon announce that they have only one more song when there's clearly a couple left on the CD jar the 'feels like you're really there' experience somewhat. Secondly, despite being a raw mix, warts and all recording of those gigs, it still doesn't really capture the live Clutch essence, since it excises most of the improvisational wig-outs and spontaneous changes that characterise the band in the live arena.
However, as a compilation of punchy, raw sounding tracks representing most of their illustrious career (leaning rather on Pure Rock Fury, admittedly), Live At The Googolplex performs admirably. Neil Fallon's gravelly vox and rapid-fire venom-spitting on 'Careful with that Mic...' are particularly entertaining, as is a cool rendition of 'Rock and Roll Outlaw'. Some of the Jam Room flavour slips out more during 'Big News I' and 'Big News II', and overall the record is never less than enjoyable.
You just can't help but wish you were actually there while listening to this album - and I suppose whether you thing this is a good thing or a bad thing will determine how much you'll get out of this record.
6.5/10
Official Clutch Website
Official Megaforce Records Website
Megaforce Records - mega 1982 - 2005
By Philip Whitehouse
Clutch's first live album, available for the first time commercially after a period of being sold directly to the fans through the bands website, is a curious affair for a number of reasons. Firstly, rather than being a complete document of a single live performance by the indomitable stoner-rock road warriers, this disc comprises a set of tracks culled from various performances in Chicago and Quebec, amongst others. While the tracks segue together nicely, the lack of audible crowd noise and hearing Neil Fallon announce that they have only one more song when there's clearly a couple left on the CD jar the 'feels like you're really there' experience somewhat. Secondly, despite being a raw mix, warts and all recording of those gigs, it still doesn't really capture the live Clutch essence, since it excises most of the improvisational wig-outs and spontaneous changes that characterise the band in the live arena.
However, as a compilation of punchy, raw sounding tracks representing most of their illustrious career (leaning rather on Pure Rock Fury, admittedly), Live At The Googolplex performs admirably. Neil Fallon's gravelly vox and rapid-fire venom-spitting on 'Careful with that Mic...' are particularly entertaining, as is a cool rendition of 'Rock and Roll Outlaw'. Some of the Jam Room flavour slips out more during 'Big News I' and 'Big News II', and overall the record is never less than enjoyable.
You just can't help but wish you were actually there while listening to this album - and I suppose whether you thing this is a good thing or a bad thing will determine how much you'll get out of this record.
6.5/10
Official Clutch Website
Official Megaforce Records Website
