Y & T Open Fire CD

As had been amply proved by their dismally recorded studio albums, Y&T's songs were simply made to be heard in a live setting. Arriving at the tail end of the band's association with A&M Records, Open Fire is hardly exceptional by live-album standards, but the difference between these performances and their studio counterparts is so immense that one has to wonder if the performances are even by the same band. Every forced lyric, every lame arrangement, and every lost nuance are forgotten as Y&T come to explosive life on this astounding set, which revisits the best moments from the band's early-'80s career, including "Rescue Me," "Forever," "Barroom Boogie," and "Open Fire." Later material like "Go for the Throat" and "Summertime Girls" is less impressive, and the inclusion of an old track ("25 Hours a Day") from their late-'70s origin as Yesterday & Today comes off as pedestrian at best. But a final encore of the beautifully cathartic "I Believe in You" is guaranteed to send everyone home happy. ~ Eduardo Rivadavia

As had been amply proved by their dismally recorded studio albums, Y&T's songs were simply made to be heard in a live setting. Arriving at the tail end of the band's association with A&M Records, Open Fire is hardly exceptional by live-album standards, but the difference between these performances and their studio counterparts is so immense that one has to wonder if the performances are even by the same band. Every forced lyric, every lame arrangement, and every lost nuance are forgotten as Y&T come to explosive life on this astounding set, which revisits the best moments from the band's early-'80s career, including "Rescue Me," "Forever," "Barroom Boogie," and "Open Fire." Later material like "Go for the Throat" and "Summertime Girls" is less impressive, and the inclusion of an old track ("25 Hours a Day") from their late-'70s origin as Yesterday & Today comes off as pedestrian at best. But a final encore of the beautifully cathartic "I Believe in You" is guaranteed to send everyone home happy. [The 2007 Majestic Rock edition included bonus tracks.] ~ Eduardo Rivadavia

Limited edition 2007 re-pressing of this classic Hard Rock album from the band formerly known as Yesterday And Today. Features the original 1985 live album's eight cuts plus two bonus additonal live tracks. Majestic.

Recording information: London, England (04/05/1985/04/06/1985); San Francisco, CA (04/05/1985/04/06/1985); Sound City Studios, Van Nuys, CA (04/05/1985/04/06/1985); The Keystone, Palo Alto, CA (04/05/1985/04/06/1985).

Photographers: Dave Lepori; Jill Meniketti; Jim Marshall ; Randy Bachman.

Personnel: Dave Meniketti, Joey Alves (vocals, guitar); John Nymann, Bill Costa , Phil Kennemore (vocals); Adam Day (guitar); Leonard Haze (drums, percussion); Pete Deanda (drums).

Audio Remixer: Niko Bolas.