'Live' gives good Face

The idea for a Face to Face live record is one of the better things to come along since sliced bread. Through the band's seven long years of existence, Face to Face has proved itself an incredible band not only on record, but also through steady touring and incredibly powerful live shows. This record was put on tape at two such performances in L.A. at the Roxy - both were shows sold out, and both held on the same night.

The album is true to its name - the live sound is perfect. If any over-dubbing was done in post-production, it's not evident on the final product. The way it was played is the way you hear it, and as is the case with most Face to Face shows, the way it was played was extremely well. Unlike many live releases, you hear everything that's important, from the subtlest bass fill, to the incessant chanting of the crowd and a couple of mistakes, too. There aren't many, though.

REVIEW
	Face to Face Live Vagrant/Lady Luck 3 1/2 stars Reviewed by Daily Arts Writer Gabe Fajuri

The main problem with the disc is Trever Keith's voice. He's never been the most polished singer in the world, and it shows through on the record a few times, which gets to be annoying. I guess that proves how "live" record really is. After all, this is punk rock - you should expect a less that operatic lead singer.

Song selection on the disc ranges in vintage from the first record, "Don't Turn Away," to the band's most recent, self-titled long-player and a couple of unreleased tracks as well.

Songs like "Pastel," "I Want" and "You've Done Nothing" will keep old-school fans happy, just as the inclusion of last year's minor radio hit "I Won't Lie Down" will catch the attention of newer fans. Technically, none of the material is new, although one song, "Not For Free," has only been released once before, on a limited-edition picture disc, and is almost never played live. Also included on the record is a competent cover of "Telling Them," as a tribute to punk godfathers Social Distortion.

The band is releasing this record in anticipation of their upcoming tour with The Reverend Horton Heat, which kicks off in late March. What better way to hype your live act than to put out a great live record? "Live" is all the proof you need to tell you that your punk rock dollars are being put to good use when you're at the show, be it on your stereo or at the club.

02-10-98