siLLy puPPy
With the release of “Pike 293 - Oven Mitts” BUCKETHEAD entered new territory as far as the never-ending PIKE series is concerned. It was the first LIVE album to emerge from the coop and in the process opened the doors to a ceaseless supply of such recordings. While the possibility was that it was a one-off, with the fast following PIKE 294 - WAR THREADS it is apparent that the chicken lover plans on releasing a series of LIVE albums under the banner of the PIKE series.
To be honest live albums are not my favorite. Especially for solo artists who don’t put on the best live shows and that includes BUCKETHEAD however these PIKEs do capture a different aspect of this strange musical wonder. Somehow he has bridge the immediacy of 90s alternative rock with the more experimental realms of guitar wizardry. The audience participation adds another element as well and thankfully he culls the vast stockpiles of arsenal to offer tracks that were once really good.
Jordan live - this track has only appeared on the Guitar Hero II video game and therefore makes its debut on an album. Usual stuff but showcases BH’s virtuosity and considered expert level on the video game itself.
Flare live - from “Pike 95 - Flare” Night of the Slunk live - nice live performance from one of my fave albums “Monsters and Robots.”
Fountains of the Forgotten live - another experimentally wild classic from “The Cuckoo Clocks From Hell” album.
The Redeem Team live - an ok but not outstanding track from the “Albino Slug” album
Nottingham Lace live - which comes from the “Enter The Chicken” album is another excellent classic BH trick
Overall it’s a nice break from the incessant mediocrity of recent PIKEs to hear some of the classics in a live setting. While it’s cool they still don’t match their studio counterparts but definitely a worthy listening experience for those indoctrinated into the chicken club. I’d call this a decent PIKE for sure but it does make me wonder if a hundred more of these PIKEs will soon emerge as live recordings. No indications as to where each of these tracks were recorded either.