THE SAINTS – LIVE IN BRISBANE 2007

I’m Stranded may or may not have been the first “punk” release in 1976, it doesn’t matter. When it comes to the “fuck you” of punk, the swagger and aural assault of rock, and the punch of a Stax-inspired horn section The Saints are without peer – then or now. Reformed in the original Chris Bailey, Ed Kuepper and Ivor Hay form for a concert called “Pig City – Brisbane’s Historic Soundtrack” – this album documents a legend. From the opening kick of Swing for the Crime to the closing bars of their favorite cover of River Deep Mountain High this is high-octane rock ‘n roll at its finest. “A one two three four” and we are launched into I’m Stranded – “ah c’mon”, The Chameleon, Nights in Venice, Messin’ with The Kid and of course Know Your Product. Chris Bailey still has one of the finest timbred rock voices around, and to hear him team once again with Ed Kuepper’s wall of sound guitar is rock ‘n roll heaven. This was indeed a perfect day in Brisbane. You want to know what live music is all about? This is it. Play it loud. ‘Nuff said.

**** 1/2