Live and Well
Wild Beasts greeted 2018 with a live set of all their most beloved tunes. Their tightness as a band is highly commendable as thirteen songs go by with no lapses in their tempo or performance. Five studio albums led to this compilation, and Wild Beasts proudly boast their songwriting prowess with Last Night All My Dreams Came True.
What a title that is for a greatest hits collection. Artists of all genres talk about the struggles of dealing with fame and achieving the goal they always wanted, and later realizing that it’s not enough. This is the moment before the dream is insufficient — a time full of intense feelings — almost too much to do with all that’s on the table. It’s refreshing to have a compilation album stand alone as a studio album in disguise. If someone had never heard Wild Beasts’ music before, they could easily believe that this was a regular album recorded in a studio. The normal “live” sound is not present and makes for a better listen.
The lack of the typical “live” sound where “Live at RAK” is listed with every track’s name, works a little mental trick on the listeners. In short, the power of suggestion is at play here. Seeing the word “live” makes the listener think that something is going to be a little different than the version he/she is used to. This makes them extra attentive to the song, expected to notice the new or different aspects of it. When it doesn’t sound like a typical “live” song, they double take and remember how good the original is and how well it still holds up.
There is not a weak song on here, and the order is well chosen. “Wanderlust” opens excellently, with the repeating drum groove going non-stop, providing just the right energy to get people excited for what’s to come next. The vastness, optimism and wonder of “Celestial Creatures” leaves a lingering last note ringing in the ears that adds a smile of satisfaction.
This is a compilation well done enough to make it on a “best of best of” list. Overall, the album is a perfect introduction to Wild Beasts for those who haven’t tuned in before.
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