Published on Nov 23, 2001
Ah, the live album… and the question that will start more
fistfights than one can imagine: Is a live album meant to be a
reward for long-time fans or something to get new listeners into
the fray?
In the case of Corrosion Of Conformity, the argument could be
made for both sides when it comes to their latest release
Live Volume. Undoubtedly, there are performances on this
disc that will make new listeners want to learn more about Pepper
Keenan and crew. Yet there is enough of an air about this disc that
suggests first-time listeners to COC will be left a little out in
the cold, while the long-time fans will revel in the glory of these
15 songs.
Sounds like a lot of double-talk, you might be thinking. Maybe
so. But how does one explain how tracks like “Vote With A Bullet,”
“King Of The Rotten” and “Congratulations Song” all have an air of
familiarity to them, even if you’ve never heard Corrosion Of
Conformity play before? On the opposite side, how can a first-time
listener get into songs like “My Grain” and “Clean My Wounds,” both
of which may seem, to the untrained ear, to stretch out far too
long? (The “trained ear,” in this case, is the diehard COC
fan.)
Live Volume is indeed a paradox, though for the most part
it’s a very enjoyable one. Keenan and crew dare to suggest they’re
one of the best-kept secrets in the hardcore scene, and they may
well be ready for discovery by the masses without going
“mainstream” a la Metallica. Listen to tracks such as “Diablo
Blvd.” and “Senor Limpio” and try to figure out why these guys
haven’t become a bigger name like so many bands in metal’s heyday
did. (Okay, never mind the fact that metal is still not
experiencing the rebirth in popularity I’ve been predicting for the
last four years. Fact is, COC
still should have been more of a recognizable name, as
Live Volume dares to suggest.)
The only complaint I have with this disc is that there are one
or two moments of self-indulgence, like the extended drum beat in
“My Grain” which doesn’t seem like it’s ever taken to a higher
level musically. But for the most part,
Live Volume is a disc which offers listeners both new and
experienced an interesting snapshot of a band who could well be on
the verge of major recognition. Go ahead and view this particular
live album as either a present for the diehards or a tool to bring
in new blood. Either way,
Live Volume is a better snapshot of the concert experience
than many live discs I’ve heard over the years.