Cheap Trick
Live At Budokan
Epic/Legacy
In 1978, Live at Budokan launched Cheap Trick from hungry support act to headliners, finally giving the band monster hits with “Surrender” and “I Want You To Want Me.” It’s widely recognized as one of the top live albums ever. But you already knew that. I mean, really, is there anyone in America who hasn’t owned Live at Budokan on at least two formats? Possibly Dick Cheney, but certainly nobody you’d want to hang out with.
So why should the discriminating consumer shell out once again to re-buy music they already own? How about the tons of extras included in the new box set of this groundbreaking album?
The most exciting addition is the inclusion of a DVD of the Japanese television broadcast of the concert. The accompanying booklet explains how the band’s over-sized personalities and energetic stage show, combined with their mastery of power pop made them stars in Japan, and the DVD offers ample proof of this statement. Watching Robin Zander seduce the audience in his white, flowing suit…thing, while Rick Nielsen mugs and flips guitar picks from his own stage riser shows a band in their prime from years of touring, hungry for their break. Extras include a short documentary on Budokan, as well as two clips of the band playing Budokan in 2008.
The remaining three discs contain the complete April 28th concert (the album was pieced together over a few days’ worth of concerts), as well as a newly remastered version of the double disc released in 1998. Throw in a booklet full of vintage ads and photographs, and a cool poster, and Epic/Legacy has done the impossible, creating an essential, non-essential release.
Cheap Trick: http://www.cheaptrick.com
