“Tim comes up with some arse kickin’ songs and we’re just lucky enough to get to play ‘em” -sentiments of Russel ‘Rusty’ Hopkinson on the enigma that is YOU AM I.
“Damn Straight” immediately springs to mind in affirmation!
In a decade of rock n roll, few other bands have emerged with as many accomplishments and genuine accolades as this once little known rock band from Sydney. With their relentless touring and ever highly charged live shows, they are an act that must be seen to be truly believed. Nevertheless, it is only fitting that an attempt has been made to capture the raw power and energy so definitive of YOU AM I – “LIVE”.
This 16 song rollick thru the suburbs of this urban aussie success story is certainly a strong testament to that effect. For a band that has spent so much time gigging like demons, night after night, from one end of the planet to the other – a live retrospective such as this is a fine reminder of the sheer calibre of this act.
With the intention of getting the whole thing to tape, the band performed to a packed house in a big tin industrial shed in Richmond, Melbourne, over three nights in July of this year. Untouched by post-production meddling and possessing more than it’s fair share of electric panache and stage banter, the stuff that made it to disk is typical of this workhorse trio on the road. Except now they’re becoming a ‘quadro’!
Joined for the first time by new member and lead guitarist David Lane, he slots in so seamlessly his presence is almost unfelt. Amid the rumble of Andy Kent’s bass and Rusty boy’s smackin skinwork, Dave’s work just effortlessly fit’s right in.
Spanning the full catalogue of past YOU AM I releases, and including new title track, ‘’round ten’ ; all the gems are here, busting with as much high octane exuberance and fireworks as can be bottled for later consumption. There’s even a selection from tim’s recent solo album too, so you can be sure that all aspects of their work have been thoughtfully covered.
Highlights for me are “Fifteen”, a heart breaking rendition of “Berlin Chair”, Arse-Kicking Lady From The North-West and the brilliantly disguised and reworked, country steel guitar segued “Minor Byrd”. And I can’t fail to mention the ever impressive inclusion of the beautiful strains of “Purple Sneakers”.
Every track here is a top class doozey, and with so many of their great tunes missing out on selection, I wonder that this didn’t come out as a massive great 3 disk boxed set!!!
At least you can be sure they’ll be back along your stretch of road again as soon as they can make it. In the meantime, check ‘em out at your local good music store and get by on this album of hits till you can get your next fix.
ROCK AND ROLL!!!!
Don’t miss out y’all!