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A live album from the 2nd most mocked band on Metal Sludge (Slaughter being the first). Of course, this is the new group founded by exiled KISS lead guitarist Bruce Kulick and exiled Motley Crue vocalist John Corabi. The true underdogs of rock, Kulick and Corabi were both more or less shafted by their former bands in favor of money reunions. So, in the interest of the human spirit, its good to see these guys rising from the ashes.
Now, the self-titled debut from Union last year didn't do much buiness in way of record sales. While the album was technically well-performed, it failed to make much of an impression (quick - what's your favorite Union song? All right, name ANY Union song! See?). Its seems strange that a band would release a live album from a tour supporting a debut album that wasn't even a hit. So how does the finished product come off?
Surprisingly good, actually. Live, Union seems to have a lot more kick than it did on its adequate debut. Songs like "Old Man Wise" and "Tangerine" work much better in a live setting. Plus, Kulick and Corabi take the cue to beef up the set-list with some of their musical history. The forgottn Crue number "Power To The Music" is a killer show-closer. Kulick sings his KISS 'Carnival of Souls' vocal debut, "I Walk Alone." Bruce - and I only say this because I care -don't sing! The band also tackles "Jungle" and its hot. One wonders why they didn't dig deeper into the Kulick's KISS catalog - he was there for about eleven years, after all. Anybody remember "Unholy"? Anybody remember "Forever"? Anybody remember "I'll Fight Hell To Hold You"? Okay, scratch that last one.
There's also a rocking cover of the Cheap Trick anthem "Surrender" ("...I got my KISS records out...", coincidence?) and a nice accoustic run-through of The Beatles' "You've Got To Hide Your Love Away," one of two really nice studio tracks on the record (the other is an original).
Union proves to be a surprisingly good live band. While Corabi is no Paul Stanley in the stage raps department (the first time you talk to your audience you need to say more than, "This is a song about addiction.") But this album really rocks and its very well-recorded. Its a far better introduction to the band than their introductory album.
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