11/12/13 Live In Melbourne - Kieran Kane/Kevin Welch

Advantages: New takes on original songs but with a fantastic backing orchestra!
Disadvantages: Tracks are the same as the original but there is the bonus of two added songs.

...For Meatloaf fans everywhere this is a fantastic chance to get a hold of a different slant on one of music's all time great albums. The track listing is the same as the original album except for the bonus addition of two of his best. 'Id do anything for love' and 'I couldn't have said it better'. However this is the best part not only is this a live album [recorded in Melbourne on 20+22/2/04] but it also features The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Of course this is not the first time that a rock artist has done a live album with an orchestra [see Kiss Alive 4 and Metallica S+M] but this album is so much better than that. Meatloaf's songs have always been theatrical and the addition of the strings section takes these songs to an even higher lever than previously. From the opening of 'Bat Out Of Hell' you know that you are listening... Read review

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Advantages: It's a Meat Loaf LIVE concert - if you've seen him live, you know!
Disadvantages: Could never capture the atmosphere, but listen in the dark and it comes close

...No, I'm not on commission, it's just the best thing a Meaty fan could spend £12 on - FACT! So first up, you get the CD, there are other reviews on here about that, so I won't dilly-dally with details. It's all the songs from Bat I revamped, plus I'd do anything for love, and couldn't have said it better. They're performed live and he's backed up by one huge orchestra - better than any studio album. The DVD... Meat performed 2 dates at Melbourne, this DVD covers one of those, so you get some of the songs from the CD and some extra ones (e.g. frying pan). Anyone who's lucky enough to have seen Meat perform live will know what a great entertainer he is, and this is shown in the DVD as he plays with the crowd. The actual concert itself is flawless, it rocks, it's entertaining, it lasts over 2 hours. People pay £50 to go... Read review

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Advantages: Music for the Memories
Disadvantages: How many times do you need to release the same thing? Best of, Greatest Hits, Bat Out of Hell Digitally revamped arrrrrgh!

.... Since that time Meatloaf hasn't had anything near as successful as those first two decades. We have the seen the original rock masterpieces being reshapen, re-mastered, and re-released increasingly often, sadly portraying Meatloaf as an artist who isn't quite ready to throw down the gauntlet, but also showing no-promise of future originality. Maybe he just wants a comfortable retirement. Haven't a clue how old he is now. This album is great don;t get me wrong. For one it is Live which in itself sells the album. But it's all been done so many times before, I would actually be interested to know how many best of/compilation albums of original songs have been released now by this artist? Frankly It's one too many. There are some fabulous inclusions of the classics. Anything For Love and Dead Ringer, Bat Out of Hell (of course) Hot Summer... Read review

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