Generally, I would not think of referring to a live performance of this style to possess unbridled energy, but that is the case here. You can feel each note bubbling over as they are performed by an artist on the edge. Having overcome addictions to drugs and alcohol, Zevon did not allow the temperament of his past indiscretions take a toll on his fervent energy, dark tales, or ingenious way of incorporating humor. I thought I had a good idea of what Zevon was about based on his studio recordings, but this is an eye opening foray into just how skilled an artist he truly was.

The album contains performances of such classics as "Lawyers, Guns, and Money," "Excitable Boy," "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead," and the incredible "Werewolves of London," which everyone knows even if they don't know who Warren Zevon is. I have to give much thanks to Rhino for finally releasing this long sought after album. There are even a few bonus songs that were previously unreleased from that special night, "Johnny Strikes Up the Band," "Play it All Night Long," "Frank and Jesse James" as a solo vocal/piano piece, and "Hasten Down the Wind" which he introduces with a personal note regarding what it means to him and just how important the song was to him.

Bottomline. This is just a great album capturing an artist at his peak. It is powerful, epic, personal, and everything in between. At one point he says “Get up and dance, or I’ll kill ya! And I’ve got the means!” and you believe that he could make good on that promise. That is one in your face sentiment that is countered later during his intro to "Hasten Down the Wind,": "Speaking as one who has abused privilege a long time, I tell you, it's great to be alive." And I tell you, your music will live forever.

Highly Recommended.