High on Emotion: Live From Dublin review

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High on Emotion: Live From Dublin
Chris de Burgh
1990
A&M Records

Chris de Burgh was once quoted about his live performances, "Many people think that when they come one of my show that all I'll be singing is ballads--Lady in Red--that sort of thing. But my shows are Rock and Roll shows; everyone dances at my shows." Chris' 1990 release of live material that was recorded from Dublin certainly prove this.

"High On Emotion--Live From Dublin" comes the tour that followed the release of "Flying Colours." This is quite evident from the number of songs that are preformed from "Flying Colours" as well as when Chris introduces the second track on CD, "Sailing Away," he refers to it as a "new song."

Live CD's don't come close in capturing the true excitement of a concert, and because the songs are preformed live, the listener might feel an urge to listen to the studio, or more familiar, version. But those who are true fans of Chris will enjoy how he adapts his songs for the stage, and how he makes small changes to enhance and bring new life to the familiar.

The CD opens with "Last Night" from "Into The Light." Instead of the sound of clapping, music leads the way as the band 'warms up' for Chris' arrival on the stage. A minute into the song the cheering increases--you can almost visualize Chris walking out to join the music. The song progresses nicely and with the exception of the opening, it follows the basic structure of the original.

The free flowing "Sailing Away" follows. The sound of hands clapping to the beat of the song can be heard throughout the song. Chris does a nice job with this song as well--but again, it doesn't really deviate much from studio version. This isn't a bad thing, per se, but it is the little surprises that can make a concert special.

The sound of the crowd fades away to the opening cords of the CD's third track, "The Revolution." This classic story-song comes from "The Getaway." The manner in which Chris pauses after each line the beginning not only gets the crowd into the song, but also creates a felling of suspense. The song gets moving into its second part, "Light A Fire." It is the most upbeat and rocking part of the CD yet. Just as "Light a Fire" fades out, the listener might expect "Liberty," but instead Chris delights by going into "I'm Not Scared Anymore." This works beautifully in the musical sense, but also in the concept of the songs. A song of War and Revolution is followed by a song of comfort and faith in goodness mankind. "When I'm looking at my children and the world where we live, and the violence coming everyday, I know I'll protect them with the power of my love, to the very last drop of my blood. . ."

The song from "Flying Colours" ends with the clapping fading out. From there Chris takes us in to a "journey into the unknown--perhaps to hell itself." The first line of "Spanish Train" follows as the crowd explodes in excitement to this classic. This song especially benefits from being done live. The storyteller in Chris comes to the forefront on this tale of good vs evil.

The journey to hell and back is then moved gently in the sound of Chris at the piano. The tune he plays is both familiar and unfamiliar. Recognition comes when the first cords of "Borderline" are played. This tune is obviously a favorite of the crowd as they join in and sing the chorus. The true impact of the song is felt as Chris sing, "These are only boys, and I will never know how men can see the wisdom in a war." One would almost expect this song from "The Getaway" to go into its "sequel" found on the "Into The Light" CD, but instead the song "Say Goodbye To It All" is put later on the CD.

We are instead given the angelic keyboard sounds that are from "The Risen Lord." This first half of the final part of the "Flying Colours" CD is followed by its darker side, "The Last Time I Cried." Both are handled to perfection. "The Risen Lord" is played with care and almost reverence whereas "The Last Time I Cried" is played with almost a bitter quality. It is a bit of a surprise to find these songs on a Live CD when Chris has so much material that could have filled its place.

The crowd is again faded out again. This is probably where the first side on a Cassette Tape ends. The sound of the crowd is then brought in as the very familiar rhythm of Chris' biggest hit, "Lady In Red" is played. The emotion given to this song on the stage makes the song worth giving a listening ear to. The crowd again joins in to help Chris sing the song.

The crowd is again faded out which makes "Lady In Red" a song that is separated from the rest of the Live CD. Two more classic songs from "Spanish Train and Other Stories" are then preformed: "A Spaceman Came Traveling" and "Patricia The Stripper."

"A Spaceman..." is done in an almost "unplugged" version. Gone are the strong keyboards from the "sweetest music," and instead Chris sings with the crowd singing backup.

The funnest part of the CD is then presented with Chris sharing a secret with the crowd. You see, after the show, he has a "rendezvous with someone he has wanted to meet for a long time..." "Patricia The Stripper" is then played with a tongue-in-cheek approach. Quite a bit is changed from the original, but the changes are fun and are quite enjoyable.

"Missing You" from "Flying Colours" next is played for the Dublin crowd. The song is received quite well as it was the first single released from the CD. The song is played with a touch more emotion than the studio version. In fact, this is one of the songs that is done better live.

The ending of "Borderline" is played as the intro to "Say Goodbye To It All." This sequel to the song from "The Getaway" is original found on "Into The Light." Again, it is surprising to find the song not following "Borderline."

Another Chris de Burgh hit ends the concert: "Don't Pay The Ferryman" The pop qualities of the song are accented here and the spooky elements are all but lost from the live version. The words spoken from "The Tempest" are left out--which adds to the "pop" feel.

The Concert ends on that note--but the crowd wants more! Chris is only happy to help out. The only song from "Man On The Line" is played as an encore. "High On Emotion" is played for the crowd as a farewell. I'm sure by the end of concert many that were there were in fact quite high on emotion.

Overall, this CD proves that Chris de Burgh is a far cry from being only a studio musician and that is talent as a live performer is up there with any of the live performers of our day.