Live in Liverpool (Columbia/ Twist): A
This is exactly how it should be: wild, unbridled, assaulting. Say what you will about this band’s sudden rise to stardom, but that doesn’t detract from its powerhouse talent, evidenced here. Studio recordings don’t do the Washington-state-by-way-of-Arkansas trio justice, making this 2007 CD/DVD tour souvenir a must for even the marginally curious. The set captures intimidating frontgal Beth Ditto’s Janis Joplin-like ferocity as she flings her pipes hard and far while maintaining iron-clad control. Who needs bass or keyboards? Anything other than Ditto’s bluesy howl, guitarist Brace Paine’s dark, coiling melodies and drummer Hannah Billie’s dance-punk pummel is unnecessary. Download: “Yr Mangled Heart.”
