A few years ago, French pop band Phoenix had all but dropped off the music map in the States--not that they ever left a huge imprint in the first place. The album United had come and gone fairly quietly. Sofia Coppola was a fan, however, and so the French band's upbeat "Too Young" found its way onto the soundtrack for her breakthrough movie, "Lost In Translation." It gave the band a little life in this country and helped Phoenix find some new fans.

Next came the group's second album, Alphabetical, a fine collection of slick pop songs that balance the soft pop sounds of Steely Dan with trace remnants of Frence house and Europe's take on American whitebread funk.

With its slick, sometimes heavy-handed production, the songs on Alphabetical kind of implied that Pheonix is the child of studio wizadry and not fit for the live setting. That's what makes Live...30 Days Ago such a revelation and one of the better live albums released in recent years. Familiar songs have been given fresh, new faces, and in the live setting they're bursting with energy. Rhythms are unhinged from drum machines and loops. Polish and restraint have been replaced incredible talent and an ability to do what all great live bands do: Turn short, radio-ready songs into better on-stage versions.

The transformation, as witnessed in their recent NYC live shows, is astounding. "If I Ever Feel Better" is a seven-minute funk-rock workout (and was the lighlight of the conert). "Victim of the Crime" goes from a bouncy ablum version to a rousing mix between Stevie Wonder and Jellyfish. "(You Can't Blame It On) Anybody" sparkles.

Live...30 Days Ago is a rarity. As was the case with many of the great live albums of the '70s, this live collection offers the definitive versions of the songs--and the margin between live and studio isn't even close. United and Alphabetical are both very good albums, but once you've heard the live versions it'll be hard to go back. For me, I'll go back to the studio ablums mainly to hear what potential can be unlocked in concert.

(Note: Phoenix Live...30 Days Ago is available on iTunes and Rhapsody. The CD will not be in stores for a few months. It's $9.99 well spent. Or you can shell out $31.99 at Amazon.com.)

Artist: Phoenix
Title: Live...30 Days Ago
Label: Astralwerks

[music jobs] Hiring? Put your job here by listing on the Coolfer Job Board!