SAM BISBEE
Live At Arlene Grocery (DCN)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Sam Bisbee draws heavily on his Terrible Records debut, Vehicle, for this live set performed as part of DCN's showcase series at New York City's Arlene Grocery, but there are five new tunes included as well, which makes this one a must have for fans of the studio release. Actually, the live arrangements and strong performances of Bisbee's quartet would make this worth your while even if it were just a straight reprise of the studio disc.

Bisbee's tough pop approach and his lyrical wit shine throughout Live At Arlene Grocery, on the new and the familiar material. Vocalist Amy Miles makes a guest appearance on "Miracle Car," filling the role that was handled by Leona Naess on the studio version, and filling it admirably. Bisbee handles all the remaining lead vocals and the guitar, with the rest of his quartet, billed as "His Incredible Band," live up to the billing by filling the musical shoes that it took ten people to occupy in the studio.

This one leaves me anxious to hear the new songs joined by a half dozen or so more on Bisbee's next studio release, but there's plenty of great music on this one to keep me occupied while he works on it.

Track List:

Age Of Consent * Bucket Seat * Miracle Car * Shake Me * Molecules * Flower * Ride 'Em Mower * You Are Here * Cubicle Love Song * Eye Know * Casualty * Weightless

© 2003 - Shaun Dale