Smash Palace Live At The Auction House

Love this band and this album does not disappoint......disclaimer: I am a friend of Steve Butler, Fran Smith, Jr., and David Uosikkininen!

I'm local to Smash Palace HQ and get to see them fairly often. You may not be so lucky so buy this record.

"Smash Palace Live at the Auction house" is the 9th Smash Palace album, following the critically acclaimed "Do It Again" album and marks a major milestone as the 1st live recording CD in the 30 year history of this great band.The tracks on this CD were recorded live on September 29, 2012 at the Auction House in Audubon, NJ, an intimate and personal favorite venue for the band, in support of the WHYY television program "On Canvas". This recording is a "must have" for every Smash Palace fan as it faithfully captures the pure, raw energy of this talented band.On this CD, Smash Palace is:Stephen Butler - Vocals and lead guitarPhil Rizzo - Rhythm guitarWally Smith - KeyboardsFran Smith Jr. - Bass guitar, vocalsDavid Uosikkinen - DrumsWith Special Guests, Brian Butler - Lead vocals and percussion, and DyAnne DiSalvo - Vocals."Smash Palace Live at the Auction house" features 12 songs that span the entire 30 year career of the band. Those of you familiar with the discography of Smash Palace know the high quality recordings that Steve and Brian Butler have meticulously produced in their studio. This live CD captures the magic that happens when Smash Palace performs live. The end result is bonafide rock and roll with that gritty edge that gets in your face, powers your soul and makes you get up and dance. And because this is a live Smash Palace show, this CD must be played LOUD so your neighbors come over to dig it too.Track 1 is "Living It Lonely" from the 2012 "Do It Again" CD and showcases Steve Butler's rich vocals and vintage Epiphone Casino guitar sound and solidly sets the stage for the rest of the show."How Can You Say", "Win It All", and "Solo" are included next, from the fan favorite "7" CD from 2010, each taking the original song to a whole new level of cool. The harmonized vocals of Steve Butler and Fran Smith Jr blend fluidly and reminiscent of the Beatles. You can feel the high power of this band in the opening chords of "Solo" and the driving beat that follows, pulling you into the groove of this classic and topping it off with a Phil Rizzo guitar solo.The infectious beat continues on "Do It Again" as it starts with amazing drumwork by the legendary David Uosikkinen, adds an incredible funked up bassline by Fran Smith Jr, then some bluesy guitar riffs by Steve Butler and Phil Rizzo. The song builds up to some of the finest keyboard solo work and blues guitar sounds you will ever hear, courtesy of the infamous Wally Smith and Steve Butler, respectively.The band keeps the beat going with "She" from the 2008 "Everybody Comes and Goes" album, again featuring impressive bass guitar via Fran Smith Jr and guitar work a la Butler as well as more Beatlesque vocal harmonization.No Smash Palace show would be complete without "Try", the groundbreaking lead track from the 1999 "Fast, Long, Loud" album or "Lucky Me" the bluesy number written by Steve Butler with Mary Lee Kortes, featuring more mesmerizing solo work by Wally Smith and Steve Butler."Give You My Word" from the 2001 "Unlocked" album, features special guest, DyAnne DiSalvo, returning to the Smash Palace lineup for an acoustic set with guitar master, Steve Butler. DiSalvo's soulful voice naturally intertwines with Steve Butler's, resulting in this beautifully melodic number... "When I see your smiling face, it reminds me of the magic"As a special treat, Brian Butler returned to the stage with brother, Steve, for a reprisal of "Count the Days", a standout classic from the 1985 hit vinyl LP. I was at this show and when Brian hit the stage, the roof blew off as the fans went wild."Death of Me" from the "Fast, Long, Loud" album is another fan favorite that rocks with a captivating beat and incredible solo guitar work by Steve Butler.The album brings it all home with the final track, the Byrdsesque "Juliet to Me", another song from the classic 1985 LP, and features Brian Butler again on lead vocals, harmonizing with brother, Steve, the way it was always meant to be.The packaging of the album is also noteworthy with the nice sepia toned photos courtesy of Brian Butler with portraits of all the artists and the heartfelt liner notes from long time fan and loyal personal friend, Ken Travis. Ken says it perfectly: "Great bands rarely last this long. And in this case, the motivating force that keeps them going is the love of what they do." This band loves what they do. And for that, the fans are forever grateful.Thanks Smash Palace!So stop reading this and buy the CD!!

I have to admit I'm not a big fan of live CDs, but this has to be one of my all-time favorites. I was not there when it was recorded, but it really captures the feel of their live shows. If you're not familiar with Smash Palace, this is the CD to get- their best songs, performed by my favorite version of the band, including guest appearances by Brian Butler and Dyanne DiSalvo. The Butler Brothers are the masters of power pop tunes that make you want to sing along the first time you hear them. A must-buy.

I was in attendance at the Auction House show and I must say this recording completely captures the sound, energy, and total musicality of Smash Palace and their performance that night. From the in-your-face intro to the surprise reunion of Steve and Brian Butler at the show's finale, it is all here in amazing detail.If you're missing some digital versions of SP's older songs...then the tracks on this CD more than make up for them!Let's "Do it Again."