Album review: LIVE – The Turn

Released [03.11.14]

Live have had an interesting history these past few years to say the least as after splitting-up in 2009 and parting with lead singer Ed Kowalczyk, lawsuits and recriminations followed.

Eventually in 2011 the other band members rebooted the Live name and enter new vocalist Chris Shinn, who makes his recording debut with the band on this album. In a nod back to their past and arguably most popular era in commercial terms, Jerry Harrison (ex-Talking Heads) is back as a co-producer.

Chris Shinn has a nice melodious vocal with a gruff edge when needed, in fact on songs like ‘Don’t Run To Wait’ and ‘By Design’ he reminded me of Widespread Panic’s vocalist John Bell. Hints of the ‘Throwing Copper’ days come back on ’6310 Rodgerton Dr.’ where Shinn digs deep and pours some real passion into the vocals.

If anything this album sees Live at their most commercial as ‘Need Tonight’ is an instant melody and ‘Sirens Call’ could become a staple of alt-radio airplay in the US. ‘Til You Come Around’ shows the band can still produce those gentle, yet effective acoustic tunes.

This is a good album, not a classic by any means but enough to keep the doubters at bay who thought the band would be finished without Ed Kowalczyk. ***1/2

Review by Jason Ritchie

Live play Koko, London on 5 November

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

Next session: Sunday 1 December

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 20 October 2024.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 22 October 2024.

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
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Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024

THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 28 October 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)