Release Date: Feb 28, 2006
Label: Atlantic
Genres: Hard Rock, Rap-Rock
Number Of Tracks: 14
This isn't a hard-driving, sweaty rock & roll record; this is a Vegas revue, all glam and glitz, with its heart in showbiz.
Live TruckerFeatured review by: UG Team, on july 03, 2006 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: In the music world, it becomes immediately obvious if an artist is a triple threat of sorts -- excelling in writing, recording, and live performance. There are plenty of singers who rely on all the gadgets in the studio to improve the quality of their music, and when those individuals hit the stage you can feel the unpolished awkwardness exude from their stage show.
Say what you will about Kid Rock's rap-rock-country brand of music, the man has a natural gift when it comes to performing live. On his latest CD release "Live Trucker," a compilation of recorded performances between 2000 and 2001, Kid Rock and The Twisted Brown Trucker Band put on a diverse and well-rounded show that rarely loses steam. If you haven't seen Kid Rock live before, you are very likely to have a newfound respect for the man after hearing or seeing his stage show. A lot of singers would not dare venture far beyond one vocal mic and maybe a rhythm guitar, but Kid Rock does everything on the 14 tracks, from playing guitar, drums, and piano to busting out on the turntables.
The first track, "Son Of Detroit," is a good indication of what you're about to hear throughout the rest of "Live Trucker." Kid Rock comes off as a confident performer with impressive rapping skills and songs that live up to his self-described "cocky" way of life. But it's the accompanying musicians that make it a memorable show. A prominent solo by pianist Jimmie Bones is featured in this very first song, a bold move that many singers would not dare do in the first song.
The rap does get a big heavy at times, but to Kid Rock's credit, he always adds a little something different in the mix to keep it interesting. Before heading straight into "Cowboy," he adds a laid-back intro showcasing subtle guitar riffs, piano, and a haunting slide guitar. This little intro even garnered perhaps the most amusing reaction from the crowd when Kid Rock sings, "You can tell all the critics I'm back from the dead; F--k Clay Aiken and Radiohead." It's always fun to hear a crowd eat up such a little sentiment.
For the most part, the audio is vibrant and makes you feel like you are at a venue for the whole production. Kid Rock's vocals come through loud and clear in all of his raps, which is for most of the CD. However, when he starts to sing in a softer manner, his vocals seem a bit too distant. This is the case in both "Picture" and "Outstanding," which is unfortunate because the latter of the two is one of the best tracks on the CD despite the sound issue. // 9
Lyrics and Singing: When you listen to Kid Rocks' rap lyrics, it's probably safe to assume that you'll love 'em or hate 'em. In the context of a live show, when audiences react with such passion, even the cockiest of lyrics are fun to hear. Given that Kid Rock was influenced by legendary rap artists, any statement that seem over the top just seem to be more of a tribute to the rap genre in general. So when you hear a song like "Devil With A Cause," you'll find yourself smiling with amusement or growling while taking offense. "I went from St. Claire Shores and drink specials at Winners; To New York City and 700 dollar dinners; From hanging with sinners and second hand cheap sex; To getting much respect from top record execs."
Thankfully, Kid Rock is smart enough to show different facets to himself in his lyrics. His country-doused single "Picture" paints the picture of a man who has more feelings than one might assume. "I can't understand why we're living life this way; I found your picture today; I swear I'll change my ways; I just called to say I want you to come back home." In the live show, Kid Rock does not shy away from giving full attention to his ballads. He makes just as big of a production as with the rap tunes, just in a different manner. For "Picture," he brings out country star Gretchen Wilson (taking the place of the recording's original singer, Sheryl Crow). // 9
Impression: While most bands rely on the music sounding exactly as it's played on their records -- and that's fine for many fans -- Kid Rock enhances his music by showcasing a series of talented musicians and singers that might not have been heard on the original recordings. Combined with the fact that Kid Rock can play guitar, piano, drums, and turntables on top of his vocals, Live Trucker is a pretty complete live CD.
Former sidekick rapper Joe C, who died in 2000 of complications from coeliac disease, is heard in a few songs on the CD and giving bittersweet, yet memorable performances. Kid Rock could have selected one of his more current concerts that took placed after Joe C passed away for the CD, but admirably he was intent on adding in the 2000 shows that still featured the 3'9 performer.
For listeners who like their rock straightforward and rap-free, Live Trucker will probably not get passed the first few tracks. But there is plenty to appreciate in Kid Rock's stage show, particularly considering he maintains his vocal strength better than most rockers and rappers who hit the stage these days. He definitely has more power in his rapping than in his ballad work, which is probably the only drawback of the CD.
If you're looking to catch a stage show but just don't have the dough to shell out $50 for bad seats, Live Trucker might just get you by for now. And don't forget to get out your lighters -- you'll even get a tiny taste of "Free Bird." // 9
Live Trucker
Reviewed by:
rebreh, on august 01, 2007 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: Kid Rock is one of the true artist who sounds just like on the album.And the fans getting involved helps a lot. Personally I think Twisted Brown Trucker (Kid Rock's band) is very underated. They are all talented musicains and totally rock out.The album is mainly a colaberation of past performances like around 2001. Kid rock uses the same style with his rock rap and some country. Also Kid rock changes the songs up with solos from other songs mixed in and interlude wich make some of the songs better. But a few songs bust because of this like only god knows why just did not feel the same with no guitar mainly through out and just a piano. And I was not a fan of bawitdabaw's interlude either. // 7
Lyrics and Singing: Well the lyrics are still the same for the most part. In a few songs he changes words wich will please the crowd and sounds coolier. Mainly it is the same rap lyrics wich go great with the songs and the slower songs lyrics are kind of the 'I am not that bad' kind of thing. The lyrics are never going to go down as great lyrics but for what the music brings his voice and lyrics fit nicly. His singing skills are great. I think his best singin is during free bird(wich apeears during motherf--ker quite like me) wich is a pure country voice. // 7
Impression: Well live albums ussually never compare to there studio ones but this is one of the best live ones I heard. The song's I were most impressed with was American bad ass, Devil without a cause and the cowboy intro. My favorite thing about is he is a true performer when in todays recordin biz to many aritist fake it through enhancing sound. But kid keeps it real the whole time. The only thing I would change would be is that I wish instead of Son of Detroit as one of the songs the played Bullgod. And I wish for picture they had Sheryl Crow instead of Gretchin Wilson. If someone stole this album I would beat them up for takin it and then give them money to go out and buy the album and discover true music. // 7
Live Trucker
Reviewed by:
black_sabbath, on march 09, 2006 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: Kid Rock - not an artist I admire in any way. He is the sort of artist who is not going to be remembered as a great artist. The reason I say this is, maybe because I am not a lover of rock/pop, or maybe because Kid Rock is just not my cup of tea. Initially, I could not stand him, now after actually listening to his songs, I think he is not too bad. True, he is not the greatest at the moment, true, he makes music basically for money, but there is something about him that draws you towards listening to his songs, especially when they are live. // 7
Lyrics and Singing: This is why, I actually do not like Kid Rock. Pretty useless lyrics. But there are a few exceptions, Only God Knows Why, Devil Without A Cause etc. As a singer he is nothing sensational, but is quite ordinary. He has talent but not enough, I guess. On the whole this album has his best works, so if you are a Kid Rock fan, or if you want to know what Kid Rock is about, then this is the album. // 6
Impression: As I said, if your a Kid Rock fan/starter, this is the album. The only reason I'm reviewing this album is to tell you that, Kid Rock is not as bad as History Of Rock, but is bearable. The best songs from the 14 song, live performance filled album are: Bawitdaba, Devil Without A Cause, Motherf--ker Quite Like Me, Only God Knows Why, Picture (with Gretchen Wilson), although I prefer the original. Even the cowboy intro is pretty good. I am not much of a fan of that song American Badass, because musically, it is just a rip off of Metallica's superb song Sad But True, and comparitively hopeless. Anyway, as I said this is his best album, mind you it is all live. // 7
'I don't like Kid Rock. You might like him, but I don't. You might not like him, but that doesn't matter, 'cause I still don't. In fact, I bought this album by accident. I had actually planned to review the Black Album. Damn.'
Actually kid rock is a pretty well rounded musician, he plays many instruments and in my opinion is very talented. devil without a cause is his best work and he gives off plenty of energy live.
You people don't know what the hell your talking about kid rock has established him self as agreat performer in almost every genre of music which is more than could be said for most other musicians now days. and the whole sad but true - american badass thing, how could he have ripped that off legally that would be impossible if anything it was a tribute to metallica. kid rock may not be the best there is out there but he's pretty damn close.
Any way thats my opinion
see ya later
The Frogg
haha. yesssss. is this review a joke? i thought this was a serious sight? kid rock doesn't make music. he makes, "white-trash", its like a whole other form of entertainment. a really crappy form that no one would like unless they are a 10 year old kid with a mullet who's mad at his parents for not letting him go cow tipping.
kid rock eh..... my like ex-idol from grade 6. bah *shudders* devil without a cause was about all that was going to enjoy any level of success. a talented musician maybe but if you arent like under 14 or just as immature as someone that age, you arent gonna find this guy at all that interesting. i feel bad for him but well *thumbs down*
Fuck all you guys!!!!! Kid Rock is mad nice at what he does. He's sick on the one's and two's and has been with more girls than you guys wil ever be with in your lives put together so screw you guys... but its cool u guys can have ur own opinions thats fine kid rock doesnt care if u like him or not either cuz hes mad rich and ur not
Guys... kid rock makes some good music, well he used to. kid rock is considered to be white trash by any true rocker. i used to like his music, but not anymore. Kid rock is plan ol' now.
JonBlaze :
Fuck all you guys!!!!! Kid Rock is mad nice at what he does. He's sick on the one's and two's and has been with more girls than you guys wil ever be with in your lives put together so screw you guys... but its cool u guys can have ur own opinions thats fine kid rock doesnt care if u like him or not either cuz hes mad rich and ur not
HAHAHHAHAHAHA.
Also an ex-idol of mine, he had his 15-minutes.
i appreciate any form of music on sum level but kid rock well i suppose hes got a good job shame about the crappy music
oh and sum 1 said cow tipping thats great lol
Why do you say it's not music? You retards don't make any sense. Mariah Carey is music but just because yall don't like it doesn't mean it's not. Also Kid Rock has sold more albums than just about any other band that any of yall like. Also people who say he hasn't sold anything since Devil without a Cause must also be stupid because he's sold over 10 million from albums released afterwards.
Live Trucker, in my opinion is one of his best albums, with classic songs like "Son Of Detroit" "Cowboy" and "Picture" this album shows off his best songs and they all sound amazing live!
if you havent actualy listened to it and just automaticaly think you'll hate it, i still recomend you give it a listen.
