Scorpions Live Bites (1988-1995) CD - Import

LIVE BITES features concert recordings from hair metal band the Scorpions, including two bonus tracks.

As the title suggests, Live Bites is a collection of live tracks from the Scorpions, recorded at a time (between 1988 and 1995) when they weren't at the top of their form, despite the hit single "Winds of Change." There are occasional highlights that might make the CD worthwhile for the band's most dedicated fans. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

As the title suggests, Live Bites is a collection of live tracks from the Scorpions, recorded at a time (between 1988 and 1995) when they weren't at the top of their form, despite the hit single "Winds of Change." During this time, their audience was beginning to evaporate, partially because of changing tastes and partially because the band was losing its ability to rock out consistently. Live Bites documents this decay too effectively. There are occasional highlights, but too much of the disc contains half-hearted, tired performances to make it worthwhile for anyone but the most dedicated fans. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Includes 2 tracks not on the US version: 'Ave Maria No Morrow' and 'Hit Between The Eyes.'

Recorded at various shows between 1988 and 1995, Live Bites shows the Scorpions past their prime. This, the U.K. version of the collection, contains the bonus tracks "Hit Between the Eyes" and "Ave Maria No Morro" in lieu of "Edge of Time," the latter of which can be found on the U.S. release. "Ave Maria No Morro" could be of interest to Scorpions fans seeking out more of the mellow, acoustic side of the band, while some other moments here feature more of the high-gear Scorpions that the group became known for. ~ Gregory McIntosh

Recorded at various shows between 1988 and 1995, Live Bites shows the Scorpions past their prime, with too many slow numbers and tired performances. This, the U.K. version of the collection, contains the bonus tracks "Hit Between the Eyes" and "Ave Maria No Morro" in lieu of "Edge of Time," the latter of which can be found on the U.S. release. These changes are unnecessary, except in the case of "Ave Maria No Morro," which could be of interest to Scorpions fans seeking out more of the mellow, acoustic side of the band. Some moments here feature more of the high-gear Scorpions that the group became known for, but not enough to make this a worthwhile set. ~ Gregory McIntosh

Personnel: Klaus Meine, Rocq-E-Harrell (vocals); Rudolf Schenker, Matthias Jabs (guitar, acoustic guitar, acoustic 12-string guitar, background vocals); Herman Rarebell (keyboards, drums); Ralph Rieckermann (upright bass, background vocals).

Audio Mixers: Erwin Musper; Albert Boekholt.

Recording information: Goodnight L.A. Studios, Unites States; Leningrad; Mexico City, Mexico; Munich, Germany; San Francisco, CA; Scorpio Sound Studio, Germany; Wesseloord Studios, Hilversum, The Netherlands.

Photographer: Fernando Aceves.Q (5/95, p.112) - 3 Stars - Good - "...well recorded, pristinely performed and emotionally-wracked when needed..."