Heart – Alive In Seattle (2x SACD, 2003) MCH SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Recorded at the last stop on their 2002 tour, Alive in Seattle documents an impeccable performance and production, mixed for surround-sound playback on both regular and Super Audio CD formats. A warm artist/audience vibe permeates this set; it’s easy to imagine families sprawled out on an amphitheater lawn, taking in the music on an early summer evening. All that’s missing is any sense of urgency. The musicians hit every note flawlessly — too flawlessly, perhaps. Ann Wilson hints at the problem in the album notes, where she describes bandmember Ben Smith’s transformation from “studio cat to being a real rock & roll drummer.” In fact, some element of “studio cat” dispassion colors these performances; even the sisterly banter between tracks seems forced, if not, in their spoken prelude to “Magic Man,” slightly condescending. Ultimately it’s Ann Wilson who brings each track home, with a vocal delivery that never lacks soul. On their cover of “Black Dog” she even challenges Robert Plant’s original rendition, more than holding her own on high notes, power, and drama. On balance, that’s enough to recommend Alive in Seattle, lack of warts and all.

Tracklist:

CD1 #01. Crazy On You
CD1 #02. Sister Wild Rose
CD1 #03. The Witch
CD1 #04. Straight On
CD1 #05. These Dreams
CD1 #06. Mistral Wind
CD1 #07. Alone
CD1 #08. Dog & Butterfly
CD1 #09. Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters
CD1 #10. The Battle Of Evermore
CD2 #01. Heaven
CD2 #02. Magic Man
CD2 #03. Two Faces Of Eve
CD2 #04. Love Alive
CD2 #05. Break The Rock
CD2 #06. Barracuda
CD2 #07. Wild Child
CD2 #08. Black Dog
CD2 #09. Dreamboat Annie (reprise)