Play with Fire: Live

AMG Review of Play with Fire: Live

Sean Westergaard
All Music Guide

Wow, someone was holding out on Thunders for this performance. In a set almost equally divided between acoustic and electric, Thunders shows that on a good night he can really deliver the goods. All the signature Thunders tunes are represented, as are a number of well-executed covers one might not expect. The Rolling Stones' "Play With Fire" and "As Tears Go By" get the acoustic treatment, but more surprising are tunes like Sam Cooke's "Bring It on Home to Me" and "Eve of Destruction." The acoustic material is just Thunders and guitar, with sax and/or harmonica adding a little color. Thunders' voice and guitar playing are on target, an impressive feat considering his live performance track record. The electric tracks are solid Heartbreakers-style rockers, highlighted by still more surprising covers: the Bo Diddley/Willie Dixon medley of "Who Do You Love" and "Spoonful" and Ray Charles' "Hit the Road Jack" tacked on to the Monkees' "Steppin' Stone." Unfortunately, the packaging makes no indication of when this show was recorded, or who was in the band that night. Although Live at Max's Kansas City is the definitive live Thunders statement, Play With Fire is a well-performed set showing another side to the late, great Johnny Thunders.