Disco de Cheap Trick: “Silver”

The latest release from "the pride of Rockford" demonstrates (once again) what fans have known all along--Cheap Trick is the world's greatest live rock and roll band. This generous collection reflects the scope of the band's songwriting talent, ability to choose covers that fit, and absolute ownership of the stage. The sound is clean and more "hi-fi" than the group's "Music for Hangovers," which is one of the best live rock albums ever, but the sense of celebration that permeates "Silver" is infectious and makes this release seem like an event. That's appropriate, given the nature of the show documented here--a "homecoming" replete with special guests, additional instrumentation and orchestration, and the inclusion of talented friends and family members. From Bun E. Carlos's thunderous opening on "Ain't That A Shame" to Tom Petersson's wall-of-sound 12-string bass (his work on "I'm Losing You" hits your ears like a ton of bricks. Extra heavy bricks), from Robin Zander's peerless voice ("Time Will Let You Know," "The Flame," or "Voices" will stand as proof that there's no one better) to ringleader Rick Nielsen's great guitar work and undeniable rapport with the audience, this 2-disc set is loaded with elements that draw the listener into this very special show. One other note--as cool as it is that Slash, Billy Corgan, and Art Alexakis dropped by to take part in the festivities, none of these guests contributes anything that makes it a "better Cheap Trick performance." Billy Corgan's words of appreciation serve as the best guest moment, and it's cool to note the "age means nothing" aspect of how this band rocks after 25 years, especially in the presence of the aforementioned contemporary stars. Cheap Trick plans to release a DVD of the "Silver" show, and since we can't turn back time and head to Rockford, this is the next best thing. For now, however, this EXCELLENT CD will more than suffice. "Who D' King"? That's easy--Cheap Trick!

Made in USA in 2000, Serial# CTU-2001-1, Playing Time 129:45

Let me start by saying I'm not an un-conditional CT fan; I bought their first album when it came out because I was going to a KISS concert, and the opening act was CT.

I like many of their songs (I bought their albums ever since...), but many of their songs also leave me indifferent. I bought their previous live album, "Music For Hangovers", as a japanese import, before it got released in America (actually, I thought it wouldn't be released over here, even though the show was recorded in Chicago!)

While "MFH" only included tracks up to "Dream Police", this curret 2-disc set covers a much broader repertoire, which allows us to hear some material never recorded for posterity on a live album. The recording quality is fair, but the performances are fairly uneven, with or without the numerous guests.

I wouldn't recommend this to the CT un-initiated; to those of us that followed their roller-coaster career, it's an enjoyable experience: I'm sure you'll join in the "bula-bula"-fest of the drum-pounding "Who D'King" which closes this album!

"Silver" is a collection of 29 songs from Cheap Trick's 25th Anniversary concert, held in Rockford, Illinois in 1999. For long time fans of the band, it stands alongside "Cheap Trick at Budokan-The Complete Concert" as a must have.

The collection includes most of Cheap Trick's better known songs and includes one song from each of the band's albums. The band receives some very capable assistance from a number of family members and friends, including Robin Zander's daughter Holland assisting her dad with vocals on a very touching rendition of "Time Will Let You Know" (including the Harlem High School choir). Rick Nielsen's son Daxx assists with percussion, and other Zander and Nielsen siblings play on various songs. A string section from the Rockford Symphony Orchestra adds to the punch of songs like "Dream Police" and my personal favorite, "Stop This Game". Guest stars include Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins on "Just Got Back" (featuring the Bun E. Carlos Drum Choir), Slash on "You're All Talk", Everclear's Art Alexakis on a version of the Beatles' "Day Tripper", and former bassist Jon Brant on "If You Want My Love".

Without exception, each song in this collection packs a whallop, even Cheap Trick's only chart topper "The Flame" (which has never been one of my favorites). Simply put...these guys were smokin', and they pulled out all the stops to put on a great show for the hometown crowd!

"Budokan" showed the world why Cheap Trick was one of the greatest live bands of all time. "Silver" shows the world that a quarter of a century later, they still are. Long live Cheap Trick!

Need to bump up the 3 star rating on this one. I have had this CD in my car player for over a year and listen to it every day. I think it is the best CD I ever heard. Not sure why the few mediocre reviews??

First of all, I love Ct. Tom Peterson has always been one of my favorite bass players. That 12 string bass on Gonna Raise Hell is just awesome. I consider myself a die-hard CT fan, but the recording on this cd is really bad at times, not to mention Rick's guitar playing. I couldn't believe the guitar solo at the end of She's Tight. Awful to say the least. His overall guitar playing is really bad. Listen to Budakon, the guitar playing is almost flawless compared to Silver. Even the recording quality on Budakon is better. I've noticed that at live performances as well. The last few times I've seen CT, Rick's Guitar playing was terrible. I own almost every CT cd, but I must say, this one is at the bottom of the list.