Published on Oct 22, 1998
After all of the punk, metal, alternative rock and jazz gets to
sounding the same, and I need a break, I put in this disc. Recorded
live in Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C. on June 15 & 16, 1995, this disc
serves as proof the band has been pigeon-holed as a band that has
1) no talent and 2) nothing to offer to the world except mushy love
songs.
While I can agree with number 2, I can’t agree with #1. Talent?
Graham Russell can hit the most amazing high notes without
shrilling his voice. A clear tone that makes him one of my favorite
vocalists.
Not my favorite. One of my favorites.
The set list covers the band’s greatest hits from the piano
intro of “Making Love Out Of Nothing At All” through the soaring
violins in “All Out Of Love.” Their cover of “Unchained Melody”
showcases the tag team of Russell and Russell Hitchcock. Never has
a group with two vocalists sounded more in synch with each other
than these two.
Of the tracks here, “Chances” is my favorite. I am pleased it is
the second track instead of being buried. Never released as a
single, I’ve always thought it was their best ballad. My other
favorite Air Supply ballad, “My Best Friend” is missing as is their
rocker “American Hearts,” both from
Lost In Love.
While this disc is unlikely to make anyone believe Air Supply
should have been labeled the next Rush, it is fair to say there is
talent. And like a contemporary to Chicago, they are worth checking
out live. (The Chicago concert I saw in the summer of 1987 ranks in
my top five concerts I’ve ever seen.)
Besides, who else can you take your girlfriend/wife to in
concert, knowing what will happen later?