Sweet Live! In America
by John Kindred
Staff Writer
One of rock’s highly influential bands, Sweet, has returned to the foray. Pioneers of polished Glam Rock, Sweet’s career began in the late ’60s and carried forward until 1981. Founded by Brian Connolly (v) and Mick Tucker (d) and Steve Priest (b), the original lineup worked with several guitarists before finding Andy Scott.
Since the early ’80s, the former bandmates have resurrected their own lineup of Sweet in various incarnations, leading to at least three touring versions of the band.
In ’97, Connolly died from liver failure and repeated heart attacks, which was attributed to his chronic alcoholism. Tucker died in 2002 from leukemia. Andy Scott continues on with his own touring version of the band.
In ’08, bassist Steve Priest reformed his touring lineup of the band, which includes guitarist Stuart Smith (Heaven & Earth), drummer Richie Onori (Heaven & Earth), vocalist Joe Retta and keyboardist Stevie Stewart. Priest’s latest incarnation of Sweet has produced the band’s first live album in more than 20 years.
Live! In America brings forth the fire and energy within the confines of 16 songs that span the bands career. The concert was recorded at the Morongo Casino in Cabazon, Calif., on August 30th, 2008 in conjunction with Westwood One’s mobile recording unit for a live broadcast. Sweet performs their classic rock hits “Action,” “Fox On the Run,” “Love Is Like Oxygen,” “Little Willy” and “Ballroom Blitz.”
With only one original member within the ranks of the band, fans may find the tour and live CD hard to digest. Fans can be rest assured that the magic that lies in the songs still lives. Priest’s bass and vocal performance are enhanced by the artists that surround him on stage. Joe Retta lands the “MVP” award. Without his spot on vocal performance, this incarnation of Sweet would have been sunk.
Guitarist Stuart Smith finds himself a comfortable home. Performing “somebody else’s” songs isn’t necessarily a highlight for any musician. But Smith takes the original compositions and makes them his own. For the most part, he sticks to the original arrangements, but he also explores a bit and puts his own stamp on these classic songs.
Alongside the “hits” are a collection of great rocks songs that may not be known to the listener. Honestly, this is a great release for those who really don’t know the band. With the changes in technology, Sweet are able to bring new life to their catalog of music. And with a new lineup in tow, Priest is able to prepare us for the future.
Sweet is a fun, energetic band. The lyrics aren’t trendy social statements and are more often than not quirky and campy. Performing live, the band delivers with the vocal harmonies you remember from hearing the albums and radio hits. Sweet tries and succeeds at recording a quality live recording. The band put in a tremendous effort from the performance, mixing and mastering to the packaging to release a great product. Superior production pushes Live! In America into the elite class of revered live rock albums.
Sweet is preparing to release a new studio album soon, giving fans something to look forward to in the near future.
Web: www.thesweetband.com
Band:
Steve Priest (b)
Stuart Smith (g)
Richie Onori (d)
Joe Retta (v)
Stevie Stewart (k)
Track Listing:
1. Action
2. Fox On The Run
3. Hell Raiser
4. Love Is Like Oxygen
5. Blockbuster
6. Windy City
7. Wig Wam Bam
8. The Six Teens
9. Sweet Dream
10. Sweet F.A.
11. Turn It Down
12. Teenage Rampage
13. Little Willy
14. AC/DC
15. Set Me Free
16. Ballroom Blitz
HRH Rating: 8/10