AMG Review of Tubes World Tour 2001

Alex Henderson
All Music Guide

The Tubes didn't invent the idea of rock & roll as theater, but they certainly thrived on the concept. Few bands have had a more entertaining and over the top live show than the Tubes; while their studio albums can be uneven, they never had a problem going that extra mile on stage. 1978's What Do You Want From Live? remains the best document of the Tubes in a live setting and is among the band's most essential releases, but there is still room for another live Tubes album. That is where Tubes World Tour 2001 comes in. Released in 2000 (not 2001), this CD isn't perfect but often manages to capture the excitement and insanity of a Tubes concert. Even though Tubes World Tour 2001 falls short of definitive, serious Tubes addicts will have a hard time passing up the chance to hear inspired performances of songs that range from the '80s hits "She's a Beauty" and "Talk to Ya Later" to humorous '70s favorites like "White Punks on Dope," "Mondo Bondage," and "Don't Touch Me There." This CD isn't recommended to casual listeners, who would be better off starting out with What Do You Want From Live? and Capitol's 1992 release The Best of the Tubes. But for the die-hard Tubes fan, Tubes World Tour 2001 is worth having in your collection.