While there is undoubtedly a lot to be said about this 2-album set, which is ultimately three separate things in one convenient carrying case, the most important thing to know is the why. Why record and sell the concert of a band whose leader, songwriter, and heart was not?
The answer is that the influence of that dear departed band leader, Gene Eugene, will live on in Christian rock and alternative circles. This album is a recording of the tribute show that took place just a few months after Eugene's sudden death, and a look into the futures of his associates.
As with all live albums there are strong points and weak points. Both Michael Knott and Mike Roe take inspired turns as Gene Eugene stand-ins. Riki Michele has a couple solid, if not exceptional tracks. Sim Wilson's rendition of "Don't Cry" makes tears inevitable with the beautiful passion in his voice setting off the simple melody. Derri Daugherty does a good job on "Worldwide" and Steve Hindalong does well on "When You Hide Away." However, as with all live albums, from time to time there are recording level problems, especially in "Hopeless, Etc." where Knott's voice disappears altogether. The sound engineer is probably not to blame. Knott may have been too far from the mike, given his tendencies when performing.
A new studio song by Riki Michele follows which is very unlike her work with Adam Again, and even a new direction from her previous solo work. A very well-done, well-thought-out track.
The second disc is a solo project by Greg Lawless of Adam Again entitled Prayers and Lowsongs. This disc, with its gritty sound, and thoughtful lyrics, shows a startling side to Lawless as he has been primarily known for his stellar Adam Again guitar work. Combined with Michele's song, this demonstrates that the talent in Adam Again was indeed far reaching.
Finally, there is the enhanced CD portion, with the good-byes to Gene Eugene and a preview of a forthcoming movie about him.
All in all, a very well done package.
4.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #89Reviewed by Doug Van PeltIt's interesting to see one concert recorded and released in separate packages. M8 released their limited edition recording of this Gene Eugene tribute special incarnation of Adam Again live set first as a 3-disc boxset, along with live recordings of Adam Again from '95 and '97 and a few interview quotes about the departed Gene Eugene from several of his friends. This release on Resolve has a…The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Steven S. BaldwinKeith Green. Mark Heard. Rich Mullins. Gene Eugene. A commonly held Church maxim professes God's timing is always perfect. Reflecting on this list of our departed brothers, however, you can't help but feel that God has often deprived the Christian artistic community of some of our brightest and best in a most untimely fashion. Although our understanding of the intricacies of our Lord's cosmic…The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Dave KerschbaumThere are some concerts I've attended that have left indelible marks on me. Many of them took place at Cornerstone Festival. Two of them were Adam Again concerts. The first occurred at Cornerstone's Encore tent minutes after the impromptu marriage engagement for my then-fiancee and me on July 1, 1995. The band was tight, as always, and I remember a lot of dancing. The second was July 4, 2000, at…Similar sounding releases
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