THE MAVERICKS Live In Austin Texas
Castle CMFVD1392 (CD/DVD)(2006)
Continuing the series of double packs, this live show catches The Mavericks on stage in America, where their music seems ultimately suited. A live concert where the 23 track DVD and 16 track CD come as a package with a booklet too.
Personally I find them rather annoying, I'll try to explain why here.
Professionally they play well, their pop/rock has several influences, but it's all blended so nicely. A country edge without being country, some of their songs (including their hit 'Dance The Night Away' has a ska revival feel, but the vocals don't match that, or the rock'n'roll when it appears.
A big band (2 guitars, keyboards and horn section etc) that does everything very MOR. Vocals with a smile but not the passion or humour required. Maybe they can't decide what they want to be, spreading their energy too thin.
Some great musicianship, some decent and catchy tunes, but it's soulful without either soul or sole.
Enough sugar and salt to remove some of the blandness of this TV dinner.
**½
Review by Joe Geesin
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