And this time there is no audio or video album, but the full program. "Fire it up - Live" appears in all currently conceivable formats: as a pure audio recording as a double CD, triple vinyl, audio DVD or MP3, as well as in the two video formats DVD or BluRay and even as a deluxe edition in a spacious box containing DVD + 2CD (in the presentation as they are also to have individually, can be separate from the large box put on the shelf), including an approximately 30x30cm 24-page cardboard photo booklet and a poster that the Cover in A1 format maps. The deluxe edition is, unlike many other editions over the last few years, really fair calculated. It costs little more than DVD and double CD would also cost purchased separately and offers in presentation and extent of the fan a real added value, not only the collector's value. And no matter what format: it's always the 21 songs nearly two-hour concert complete set.
As far as the factual and the quality? Outstanding - in selection, picture and sound!
Although the record company to promote sales with the sticker saying "Best of - Live, with all the hits" advertises, which is a bit misleading. This is an official tour concert, no extra sausage for the evening of live recording, no calculated greatest hits program - a good thing! That would also become somewhat boring. A dozen of his big hits Cocker plays of course, but also with all eight songs a large part of the current Sudio album "Fire it up".
Although especially the new songs closely geared to the structure of the studio versions, they get live but significantly more steam, are still some way more intense than on the already very powerful studio album last year. Cockers live band is just fantastic, playful, always perfect and professional but never blind routine. Cocker themselves as always, focused, introverted, grateful and humble and strong voice croaking with. As much as one looks at him his 69 years, the power of his voice and the dynamics of the concert, it is not noted. Even after the strong opener "I come in peace" from their latest album, to Cocker gets rid of his jacket to freedom of movement and breathability to risk the role 45 years back to the early phase of his uniform tree of light and shadow career and a wonderfully fresh "Feelin 'Alright "send from his debut album afterwards.
Thus the spectrum of the program is under way: From the first to the latest album, in wild leaps back and forth through all the creative phases Cockers. In particular, in the classics, the musicians turn virtuoso, much may conjure up more than was allowed on the often something smooth geratenen Studio plates. So must a concert, be a live album - alive!
The camera for the video formats has sometimes something majestic, so thick the now also have to read. Without hectic image sections you float with the camera away by the huge Lanxess-Arena in Cologne on the 13,000 heads of visitors. Razor-sharp images that never go so get close that you catch yourself counting Joe Cocker's nose hairs. Although editing and camera work in concert recordings worry among fans for discussion repeatedly and ultimately to a large extent simply a matter of personal preference, but the result here can be confidently described as masterly. A balance between shots from several perspectives, not to approach close, focussing on soloists and stunning wide-angle sequences inside the Arena.
Whether just for the ears or eyes and ears, "Fire it up - Live" is not just a tour souvenir, it has become a really special album. Picture and sound are good for reference. Mir is the DVD before, if there are increases in the BluRay, wants me seem hard to imagine. Song selection and performance - and that is to go to a concert more than to endoptimierte sharpness - are more than convincing. It was evidently a good night for Cocker, band and audience, a good evening to finally make again a live album.
After the unique "Mad Dogs & Englishmen" (1970) and the already mentioned "Joe Cocker Live" (1990), is "Fire it up - Live" now really only the third official, worldwide published live album, which in this now almost 50 year career as LP or CD appears. As much as each of these three albums represents a different era because of the enormous time lag, almost another Joe Cocker, but they are united by the special status they enjoy among fans. And that not only because of the rarity of live albums in Cockers oeuvre, but mainly because of their quality.
As on all three "Feelin 'Alright", "The Letter" and are included in the set to Beatles snatched "With a little help from my friends", can be traced Cockers Evolution wonderful - he has not become worse! Although the 70 recording is of course blow round forever a special myth.