Live from Dakota

AMG Review of Live from Dakota

MacKenzie Wilson
All Music Guide

Live from Dakota captures Stereophonics' 2005 world tour in support of their fifth album, Language. Sex. Violence. Other? The double-disc set marks the band's first live album and it's an appropriate look back on what Stereophonics has achieved in the last 10 years. While they haven't impacted American audiences like they have their British followers, Stereophonics' live performance is what makes them come alive as a unit. They attract millions of U.K. fans for a reason. Frontman Kelly Jones has definitely matured as a vocalist since Word Gets Around. His best moments are when he's tough and brash; his raspy, gritty vocals fit the Stereophonics' blistering, guitar-driven sound like a glove. They're an unapologetic and swaggering band either way. If their last album didn't make that impression obvious, Live from Dakota should definitely do the trick. Stereophonics not only run through some of their biggest career-spanning hits such as "The Bartender and the Thief," "Madame Helga," "Maybe Tomorrow," and their number one U.K. favorite "Dakota," but new song, "Jayne" and the rare b-side, "Carrot Cake and Wine" add to the intensity of this 20-song set. Live from Dakota is a celebration for Stereophonics. They've grown into a reliable band after a decade together. Despite personnel shifts and media gossip, they've survived much like Oasis has. If you haven't discovered Stereophonics' live show yet, Live from Dakota is a good place to start.