David Johansen

Nine tracks from this July 21, 1978, concert at New York's Bottom Line were released as a promotional LP at the time, but this 1993 CD is the first time the entire concert was released. If this had been available commercially at the time, as opposed to 1981's comparatively limp live offering Live It Up, it might have changed the direction of David Johansen's commercial fortunes, it's that good, a Frampton Comes Alive of New York glam-punk. Johansen is always an engaging live performer, but he was absolutely on fire this night, and all 18 tracks are absolute scorchers. Split about equally between solo songs, New York Dolls classics ("Looking for a Kiss," with guest guitar by former bandmate Sylvain Sylvain is particularly brutal) and a wild selection of covers ranging from Sandie Shaw's "Girl Don't Come" to Bonnie Tyler's then-current hit "It's a Heartache." The highlights are a two-part "Personality Crisis" that's as good as any version he ever recorded and a punked-up version of the Supremes' "Love Child" that's the only non-icky version of the song in existence. Powerful, funny, and rocking, this is essential for all David Johansen fans. ~ Stewart Mason, All Music Guide