The Jesus Lizard
Show

THE REVIEW

Regarding the history and importance of this band, much has already been said, so I won't go on with predictable praises, simply one of the best bands ever.

I'd rather spend a few words on this "Show" of theirs, and okay, it's just a live album, but I believe it isn't considered as it deserves, which is as a splendid (successful) attempt to capture live, in all its majestic abrasiveness, the destructive essence and sonic assaults of a band at its (almost) best period. And I say this because I think that everything they've done after this, with some exceptions, has not lived up to their previous works. The album, recorded in December 1993 at CBGB's, features 15 tracks that range from previous albums and some from the album "Down" (including "Elegy," in a heart-wrenching version) which would only see the light later. The performance is very convincing, amid the (drunken!?) vocal delusions of Yow with his amusing and vulgar (obviously) "interventions" between songs and the almost hypnotic and cutting guitar of the unmistakable Duane Denison. Not to mention the perfect cohesion between David Sims on bass and Mac McNeilly (a monster on drums) who fire off barrages and bangs non-stop and who are, in my opinion, one of the best rhythm sections I've ever heard in a certain rock style. From a band like the Jesus Lizard, you can expect nothing less; live or not, the songs don't give you a moment's respite, always there, pressing, fast, and sharp, insinuating themselves into your head never to leave. A great and honest live manifesto of noise-rock that, as a lover of the genre and the band, can only be appreciated. Considering it was their first album I listened to (thanks to my brother's collection), the one that introduced me to them and then made me love them, it can only be one of my favorites.

"And it's dry inside 'till a dusty wind, and each trying sigh is a trusted friend, in his pride i saw his just defense, i eyed the bedroom door until I BUSTED IN!"