Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
Live From KCRW
Bad Seed Ltd. / Kobalt Label Services

Nick Cave and his bad Seeds need no introduction, and this live set serves them well. The opening "Higgs Boson Blues" is a lengthy and intense sprawl showing that their synchronicity is still in full effect. The older number "Stranger Than Kindness" gets rendered as tensely as ever though it misses Blixa Bargeld's unique playing.

The hellburning roars of "The Mercy Seat" are softened in a truly spellbinding take on the classic song. It retains its Old Testament intensity as a ballad, thanks to Cave's delivery of his murderous tale. "People Ain't No Good" gets a gorgeous version laced with customary bitter wit. This version closes with "Jack the Ripper" done in a chaotic yet appealing way. It's another album that proves Cave and company still have what it takes. And then some.

Copyright © 2013 Anna Maria Stjärnell