While the proliferation of the DVD format should preferably curb the unchecked onslaught of live albums, as of yet we're still forced to contend with the one half of the show that's often the least compelling: that being the audio diaries of performances that can usually be expected to offer little aside from self promotional proof that if you get out and see the band live, on a good night you'll get your money's worth. But whereas in the old days only the best live performers received the privilege of documenting their on stage prowess, at this stage CD replication has become so inexpensive that it's become de rigueur for anyone and everyone to churn out their own live album every three or four releases.
Hence we have two more such offerings, one from Pro-Pain and another from Zakk Wylde's Black Label Society. Both prove what capable chops each band are able to maintain on a nightly basis, but of the two the BLS is easily the more indispensable, and for two reasons: first off, Zakk Wylde's post-Ozzy work has yet to be summarized in compilation form (the same can't be said of Pro-Pain), and second, the addition of five studio tracks on a bonus disc sweeten the pot for Society members. "Like a Bird" swaggers in on a Skynyrd groove, pimping classic southern balladry through the auspice of 90s groove metal. This description also pertains to the cover of Neil Young's "Heart of Gold", and in fact after the blistering set on disc one the remaining trio of cuts take the laid back, somber approach as well. But while both albums may be more likely to find their way into the CD players of solicited journalists than actual cash dropping fans, their existence is indicative of Spitfire's commitment to their bands, not to mention their realization of the importance of keeping those bands in the public eye, both in print and out on the road.
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