AMG Review of Bootleg Detroit

Stacia Proefrock
All Music Guide

The odd title of this final sanctioned release by Morphine before Mark Sandman's untimely death comes from its origin -- a tape made by an audience member at a Detroit show during Morphine's Cure for Pain tour. While the tapes were mastered by Sandman shortly before his demise, the original quality of the recording cannot be overcome. Still, this is a good document of Morphine's excellent live show and displays the energy and passion that they played with during the tour that supported their breakthrough album. Some short tracks featuring banter probably could have been sacrificed in favor of more songs, but on the whole the album stands as a loving tribute to an innovative band.