Following seven studio albums (including 1998's brilliant To the Roof of the Sky) and countless miles, Live at the 40 Watt is the album that finally captures VoL in its natural environment. The Athens, Georgia group's fanatic following overflows with once-casual listeners who were floored by unfettered live shows.
Fortunately, the band's volatile roster has held mostly steady for a few years (though as of this writing, the band is sporting a new drummer).VoL's crack trio provides the grit in these rocked-out folk tunes, imbuing songwriter Bill Mallonee's tales of desperation and faith with an earnest, restless air. Particularly inspiring is Kenny Hutson, who juggles guitar, pedal steel, and the meanest mandolin solos ever (especially on live barnstormers like "Undertow," which is unfortunately not included in this set). "Taking on Water" recovers the visceral edge missing from the Slow Dark Train version. Organist Randall Bramblett (Steve Winwood band) guests on "Offer."
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 1999Reviewed by Steven S. BaldwinVigitarians (the name bestowed on fervent fans of the band) everywhere have long hailed the Vigilantes of Love a band that can only be fully appreciated when they are seen live. Given the mercurial turnovers in the line-up over the years, that was sometimes more true than not. The esteemed 1998 line-up that played one sweaty summer night at the 40 Watt club in Athens, Georgia, was the best live…Similar sounding releases
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