The performance kicks off with one of the more obscure tracks from the Awake album called "Trippin'." The song is pretty forgettable in its original form, but was given a fresh new makeover this night, which kind of reminded me of an acoustic "Dazed and Confused." With The Other Side album, Godsmack already showed that they know how to turn out some killer acoustic arrangements, and this performance reinforced that in spades. "Re-align," from the Faceless album, has never sounded better, and "Running Blind," an excellent new song, chock full of gorgeous harmony vocals, is used to reveal some of the bands darkest moments together.
"Serenity," "Voodoo," and "Spiral" are all dark and moody songs that were each ripe for the acoustic makeover, and they brought in a foreboding atmosphere over the middle portion of the set. This gloomy cloud was eventually lifted by a loose jam session that followed, which was led off by a short, funk-fueled bass solo from Robbie Merrill. With Sully sitting behind his percussion kit, he and drummer Shannon Larkin followed with an extended drum and percussion jam, which led into a surprisingly good acoustic rendition of their heavy metal anthem "Keep Away."
The highlight of the show begins with the encore for me. "Touche" is an original song that was recorded for The Other Side album, where the band enlisted the vocal contributions of Dropbox frontman John Kosko on both the album, and this performance. Sully and Kosko take turns on lead vocals as well as combining for some extraordinary harmonies. The song is also anchored by a simple, yet catchy as hell, guitar riff from the hands of Tony Rombola.
To close out the show, the band tackles an old, obscure blues number, "Reefer Headed Woman," which was first breathed new life by Aerosmith on their forgotten 1979 album, Night In The Ruts. Kosko stays on board for this one and simply hits it out of the park. He possess the perfect bluesy, hard rock voice for a song like this. Rombola performs the entire song on electric guitar, which allows him to throw down a killer fuzzed out guitar solo at the end. Godsmack should have included this one on their most recent IV album, since it was far better than the majority of those songs.
Article comments
1 - Charlie
I used to be such a big fan of these guys, then every so-called "nu metal" band came out to dilute the genre, and Godsmack kept doing pretty much the same thing over and over again so I stopped following them. I never really got into their acoustic album (The Other Side) from a few years ago either.
I was actually thinking of buying this Greatest Hits package when it first came out, but wasn't sure if it was worth the money. After reading this review though, you've successfully convinced me to finally buy a Godsmack release again (mostly for the DVD).
Very nice review - had no idea about the Lee Richards story of why he left Godsmack. Can't wait to see what he looks and sounds like with his old bandmates.
2 - Paul Roy
Thanks Charlie. I've never really liked Godsmack enough to buy all of their individual albums, so the Greatest Hits CD was perfect for me. They are a great band to see live too.
3 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
*Beware: A factual accusation from a ex-Godsmack fan/detractor*
Ofcourse, this DVD would have an Alice in Chains vibe to it because they used to be an AIC cover band. For shite's sake, "Godsmack" is the name of an AIC song. Their earlier work, which led them to fame, is a poor rip off(though I liked it)of said material & without AIC, Godsmack would not exist.
"I've never really liked Godsmack enough to buy all of their individual albums..."
So, how can you take a stand against the people who understand the enormous influence that AIC had on Godsmack?
After you have listened to Godsmack's 1st release along with AIC's Facelift & Dirt then I will tell you how Down in a Hole created Staind's opening for fame.
4 - Paul Roy
Brian, I think you read a little too much into what I was saying about Godsmack detractors. I never meant to take a stand against them. I happen to agree with everything you just said. AIC were obviously a heavy influence, but I still enjoy much that Godsmack has to offer.
5 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
This performance has a very Alice In Chains Unplugged kind of vibe to it, which will probably lead to more "rip-off" accusations from all of the Godsmack detractors out there.
Dude, that's what you said.. No need to read too deep into anything. It's plain to see.
My point was this: Godsmack made their fortune off of the backs of AIC. It's just a plain 'ol fact!
6 - Paul Roy
Brian, my point to you was that I was not saying that the "rip-off" accusations are invalid. You can certainly make that case. However, you can also make that same case for just about every band that came out since the 70's. Few, if any bands, are completely original and cannot be accused of ripping of someone who came before them.
7 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
Really, I don't believe that & it's not as blatant as Godsmack. What other bands used a song name from the band they are ripping as their moniker??
8 - Green Jello
I really think all this Staind, Creed, Godsmack, Puddle of Mudd nonsense is just embarrassing. AIC and it's peers in the 90's were actual musicians, not these clowns. It's all corporate and lacking any REAL balls. If you can't see that, listen again till you do.
9 - Hank Hill
Godsmack made their fortune off of the backs of AIC. It's just a plain 'ol fact!
I know, every time I saw Layne and Jerry driving the tour buses and staying up late helping on the road I just shook my head.
Get a clue. Godsmack has worked hard to be where they are at and I certainly am not going to attack them for that. I like them, you don't, fine, listen to something else then. Because you obviously don't intend to watch or listen to this DVD.
And they are all better than the pop trash that goes for mainstream music on MTV and the like.