Anyone who saw the mighty 'Snake on their last world tour will no doubt raise a quizzical eyebrow at the release of this package. Critics and fans were united in the conclusion that the great David Coverdale is struggling in the live arena these days, his singing a far cry from the phenomenal roar that made him a global superstar. And yet, this cheekily named - Purple plagiarising - combo mounts a strong case for the defence. DC's voice no longer boasts the same Ozone shattering range or soulful tonality, but on the evidence of this East Asian extravaganza - recorded at the "Loud Park" festival, Japan in 2011 - he and his band still know how to deliver a rousing rock & roll spectacle. In spite of some tricks to mask those vocal shortcomings, this sizzling collection of gold plated classics and fiery newbies makes for an entertaining, if slightly flawed, addition to Whitesnake's rich back catalogue.
It may seem cruel to single out Coverdale's voice, but it's important to address the matter when critiquing a live release, especially as his failure to hit the high notes of yesteryear has drawn so much negative publicity. There's nothing too shocking on this release, although his vocal timbre is rougher round the edges with a splintered screech that's not unpleasant, but not the glorious rasp of his halcyon days. Of course, parts may have been re-recorded to strengthen said performance, and on the DVD the sync between sound and lip movement goes suspiciously out of whack on a few occasions. That aside, the vocal 'issues' are pleasantly disguised in more acceptable ways. A number of the songs are in lower keys - unsurprising given DC's 60 plus years - which clearly makes it easier for him. Also, the band sing A LOT more backing vocals, often taking the high notes whilst Cov drops into an increasingly comfortable lower register. Although highlighting his failings, they're both dignified ways of tackling the problem, beefing up the sound and, more importantly, allowing the group to keep on touring.
Whether Coverdale should be releasing concert recordings now he's past his best is debatable, but what's abundantly clear is that he's assembled a cracking band who tear through Whitesnake's swaggering mix of raunchy, blues-based hard rock with passion, dedication and full force gusto. Since the early 80's when Davey boy jettisoned his original band members to crack the lucrative US market, he's been adept at recruiting superb guitarists. From John Sykes to Steve Vai, Cov knows a great six string collaborator when he sees one, and current right hand man Doug Aldrich is up there with the very best. With long blonde hair and pretty boy looks he's every inch the rock star, and his playing is sublime. Whether soloing with a combination of bluesy feel and mind boggling speed or hammering out bone pummelling blunt force riffs, he's the driving force behind this incarnation of the all powerful 'Snake. His fellow axe man is Winger's Reb beach, a superlative technician brimming with virtuosity, particularly on the bouncing hair metal stomp of 'Gimme All Your Love', tapping away on the fretboard with whizz kid finesse. Along with drumming whirlwind Brian Tinchy, who plays every song with full force adrenalin, and bassist Michael Devlin, this is a band who deliver the goods, giving Coverdale a rip roaring backdrop over which to strut his stuff. It's worth releasing the album just to hear this crack troop of hard rock heroes in full flight.
That said, it would take a ham fisted bunch of buggers to mess up music of this quality! From the crunching stomp of 2008's spiritually inclined 'Best Years Of My Life' to the monstrous bombast of Zeppelin sized stormer 'Still Of The Night' – a song so utterly brilliant it still mesmerises and thrills 25 years after it's release - we're treated to a fantastic set of tunes. The glossy double act of 'Is This Love' and 'Here I Go Again' are 'A grade' crowd pleasing anthems, whilst the Vai-Snake reworking of 'Fool For Your Loving' wraps sparkling commercial hooks around a bloozy full throttle thrust. Hits aside, it's impressive how well the new songs blend in. 'Steal Your Heart Away' pounds and snarls with a scalding slide riff that sounds like Robert Johnson being covered by a particularly pissed off Slash circa 'Appetite For Destruction', whilst 'Love Will Set You Free's' hip shaking groove and heartfelt melodic serenade could fit alongside any of their MTV hogging classics. Pick of the bunch, however, is the title track of their last album; 'Forevermore'. Introduced as a love song for the fans, it's delicate acoustic intro recalls Page's 'Rain Song', moving through hypnotically emotive passages until an eastern explosion of battering 'Kashmir' rhythms and searing solos fire the track to an epic conclusion. It's one of the best songs the band have ever recorded, and the only complaint is it's placement halfway through the gig, when it's conclusive feel would have been more effective towards the shows climax.
For all the excellence, there are significant flaws in the pacing of the set, caused by the ridiculously outdated solos. It's understandable Coverdale needs a break, but to fill it with 5 minutes of dull as dishwater guitar noodling and a 7 – yes SEVEN – minute drum solo is enough to make you want to pour hot wax down your auditory canals. Surely there are more creative ways to give Dave a break? Why couldn't Reb and Doug have knocked out a Hendrix cover to delight the rock hungry Japanese fans? It's hard to believe anyone still plays such old school solos, and to put them in the middle of a ten song festival set that's flying along at a great pace ruins the flow of an otherwise splendid gig.
The accompanying DVD is well shot, sounds great and captures the ample energy and spark within the band. Plus, David Coverdale is still one of THE great rock and roll frontmen, with massive amounts of charisma and a staggeringly full head of golden hair that almost makes him seem like a living, breathing deity! Whilst his lascivious leanings and filthy language have been toned down he truly owns the stage, twirling, stroking and thrusting his mic stand like a phallic play thing, as well as going for the odd crotch grab and pelvic thrust to boot! The deluxe edition adds a third audio disc which features tasty renditions of songs from their last two albums, with 'Good To Be Bad' and 'Tell Me' given acoustic makeovers and 'Lay Down Your Love' showcasing fine Def Leppard style harmonies. But, it's worth buying for the super charged 'Evil Ways', just to hear Lord Coverdale unleash a mighty scream that rolls back the years with it's spine tingling power!!
Regardless of DC's vocal frailties this is a thoroughly enjoyable release that shows there's still a lot of slither left in his gang of rock & roll serpents. A simple summation of 'Made In Japan' is this; if you want to see and hear a good show with a great band & top notch frontman, then this is a cool package. But if you only want to hear someone sing like David did many years ago, don't bother.
'Made In Japan' was released on Deluxe 2CD/DVD Edition, Blu-ray and DVD in the UK on Monday April 22nd (US release was April 23rd). 'Made In Japan' coincides with Whitesnake’s UK Arena tour alongside Journey, with special guests Thunder. The tour starts at the Glasgow SECC on Saturday May 18th and runs nationwide.
Thu May 16th 2013 - Odyssey Arena, Belfast
Sat May 18th 2013 - SECC, Glasgow
Mon May 20th 2013 - Motorpoint Arena, Sheffield
Wed May 22nd 2013 - Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Thu May 23rd 2013 - Arena, Manchester
Sat May 25th 2013 - Capital FM Arena, Nottingham
Sun May 26th 2013 - Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff
Tue May 28th 2013 - LG Arena, Birmingham
Wed May 29th 2013 - Wembley Arena, London
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It may seem cruel to single out Coverdale's voice, but it's important to address the matter when critiquing a live release, especially as his failure to hit the high notes of yesteryear has drawn so much negative publicity. There's nothing too shocking on this release, although his vocal timbre is rougher round the edges with a splintered screech that's not unpleasant, but not the glorious rasp of his halcyon days. Of course, parts may have been re-recorded to strengthen said performance, and on the DVD the sync between sound and lip movement goes suspiciously out of whack on a few occasions. That aside, the vocal 'issues' are pleasantly disguised in more acceptable ways. A number of the songs are in lower keys - unsurprising given DC's 60 plus years - which clearly makes it easier for him. Also, the band sing A LOT more backing vocals, often taking the high notes whilst Cov drops into an increasingly comfortable lower register. Although highlighting his failings, they're both dignified ways of tackling the problem, beefing up the sound and, more importantly, allowing the group to keep on touring.
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