Some of the treats on this live collection are the different arrangements of tracks from their studio albums. When "Bareback Riding" is played live, Mark Bilyeu always plays an extended acoustic guitar solo in the middle, and he doesn't ever hold anything back. I've seen him break strings during this song more times than I can count. The energy of this tune is captured well on this disc.

As a bonus, each disk includes video shot for a TV special the band did earlier this year. The first disk includes footage of their "12 Inch 3 Speed Oscillating Fan" and the second disc includes video of a live performance of "Trash". This is cool, but my only complaint is that since they are video, you can't listen to these two favorites in a normal CD player. However, it's a good thing that we finally have a recording of their cover of "Should I Stay Or Should I Go" as the closing track on the second disc.

"Gig" is an excellent sampling of what you can expect to hear at a live Big Smith show, and as good an introduction to the band as any of their studio albums. The album can be purchased at the May Apple Records website. Though they've been playing regionally around Missouri and Arkansas for years, they're starting to get more and more out of their area. Check their dates and go see them every chance you get.

Big Smith
Gig
May Apple Records