Album Info
| Artist: | Live |
| Album: | Mental Jewelry |
| Released: | Europe, 2017 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | Pain Lies On The Riverside | 5:10 |
| A2 | Operation Spirit (The Tyranny Of tradition) | 3:17 |
| A3 | The Beauty Of Gray | 4:13 |
| A4 | Brothers Unaware | 4:41 |
| A5 | Tired Of "Me" | 3:24 |
| A6 | Mirror Song | 3:37 |
| B1 | Waterboy | 3:06 |
| B2 | Take My Anthem | 4:35 |
| B3 | You Are The World | 4:22 |
| B4 | Good Pain | 5:35 |
| B5 | Mother Earth Is A Vicious Crowd | 4:07 |
| B6 | 10,000 Years (Peace Is Now) | 4:56 |
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Description
"Live - Mental Jewelry" is the debut studio album by the American rock band Live, released on December 31, 1991, through Radioactive Records. The album was produced by Jerry Harrison, a member of the Talking Heads, and it marked the beginning of Live's journey into the mainstream music scene.
"Live - Mental Jewelry" is heavily influenced by the spiritual and social themes found in the writings of Indian philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti. The album's lyrics, penned by lead vocalist Ed Kowalczyk, reflect a deep introspection and a quest for personal and societal enlightenment. This thematic focus sets the album apart from many of its contemporaries in the early '90s rock scene.
The album opens with "Pain Lies on the Riverside," a track that immediately sets the tone with its driving rhythm and introspective lyrics. The song's energetic tempo and Kowalczyk's passionate vocals make it a standout track that captures the listener's attention from the start. The band's tight instrumentation, featuring Chad Taylor on guitar, Patrick Dahlheimer on bass, and Chad Gracey on drums, provides a solid foundation for Kowalczyk's vocal delivery.
"Operation Spirit (The Tyranny of Tradition)" is another highlight of the album. The song's lyrics challenge societal norms and question the status quo, a recurring theme throughout the album. The track's catchy chorus and powerful message helped it gain significant airplay on alternative rock radio stations, contributing to the band's growing popularity.
One of the most notable tracks on the album is "The Beauty of Gray." This song's lyrics promote the idea of embracing diversity and understanding that life is not always black and white. The melodic guitar work and Kowalczyk's emotive vocals make this track a memorable and thought-provoking piece.
"Brothers Unaware" and "Tired of 'Me'" continue the album's exploration of personal and societal issues. The former addresses the disconnect between individuals and the larger world, while the latter delves into themes of self-discovery and personal growth. Both tracks showcase the band's ability to blend meaningful lyrics with compelling rock instrumentation.
"Mirror Song" is a slower, more contemplative track that highlights Kowalczyk's vocal range and the band's versatility. The song's introspective lyrics and haunting melody create a reflective atmosphere that contrasts with the more upbeat tracks on the album.
The album closes with "10,000 Years (Peace Is Now)," a powerful anthem that calls for peace and understanding in a world often plagued by conflict. The song's hopeful message and dynamic arrangement make it a fitting conclusion to an album that consistently challenges listeners to think deeply about their lives and the world around them.
"Live - Mental Jewelry" received generally positive reviews from critics upon its release. The album's thoughtful lyrics and strong musicianship were praised, and it helped establish Live as a band with a unique voice in the rock music landscape. While it did not achieve the same commercial success as some of the band's later works, such as "Throwing Copper," "Mental Jewelry" remains a significant and influential album in Live's discography.
In conclusion, "Live - Mental Jewelry" is a compelling debut that showcases the band's potential and sets the stage for their future success. The album's blend of introspective lyrics, powerful rock instrumentation, and spiritual themes make it a standout release in the early '90s rock scene. For fans of thoughtful and socially conscious rock music, "Mental Jewelry" is an album worth revisiting.
