JOHN CORABI – Live ’94 (One Night In Nashville) (Album Review)

Today’s word of the day is “polarizing“. Its definition: to break up into opposing factions or groupings. Now live albums, in general, can often be viewed as polarizing. I know of some music fans that generally have no use for them, while others will grab for a live album more often than not. Personally, I am a fan. For a geek like myself, a “well crafted” live record has the power to transport me into the venue complete with the sights, smells and, most importantly, sounds of a great concert.

It seems that 2018 might just be deemed “the year of the live record” with no less than three highly anticipated live records heading our way. John Corabi‘s Live ’94 (One Night In Nashville) is the first such record to be added to my collection.

So, let’s go back to the top of the page and look again at the word of the day. Mötley Crüe‘s 1994 self=titled debut album may possibly be rock’s most “polarizing” record ever. There are some fans that will claim the Corabi/Crüe record is the greatest thing the band ever released and there are other fans who are simply wrong! I am not about to defend my position on this, it’s quite simply ancient history at this point. However, before the hate mail and the “it’s not Crüe without Vince” nonsense, I will turn your attention to the words below…

“There was four ingredients, we took one fourth out and put a stronger fourth in, it’s the first time we’ve been a band with 4 equal components.” – Nikki Sixx, on the self-titled record of 1994.

“It’s just better. Better, louder and faster.” – Tommy Lee, on the self-titled record of 1994.

“I thought that was probably… To me, and I can only speak for me, I think that was probably the best album we’ve done.” – Mick Mars, on the self-titled record of 1994.

After his unceremonious exit from the Crüe, Corabi soldiered on to officially cement his “journeyman” status. Stints with Union, Ratt, a brief reunion with Nikki Sixx in Brides of Destruction, ESP, solo work and his latest gig with the Dead Daisies, John keeps doing what he loves to do best.

JOHN CORABI – Live ’94 (One Night In Nashville)

In late 2014, John made one of the coolest decisions of his career. He put together a tour to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the album he helped create as a member of Mötley Crüe. After peeing my pants a little, I was fortunate enough to catch the Toronto stop of the tour. I witnessed one of the tightest live album recreations ever performed. Months later, it was revealed that a live album capturing this wonderful tour was in the works. After peeing my pants a little again, I reached for my wallet, telling John to take my money, please!

So today, February 16th, 2018 I now own this little piece of rock and roll history. For those that were fortunate enough to witness one of these shows, you know. Fortunately, if you weren’t there you now have John Corabi’s One Night In Nashville album. The entire ’94 record recreated live in all its glory.

I could sit here and type out every song title injecting descriptive cliche adjectives to tell you how much I enjoy this record, but I won’t. Let’s face it, you most likely already own the Mötley record and, if you do not, you are either racing out to pick this up or you’re wrong! This album is one of those “well-crafted” live records that, if you close your eyes, you could literally drift away back to whatever venue that you caught the tour.

The production on Live ’94 is outstanding. MVP of the record definitely goes to drummer Ian Corabi (yes, that’s John‘s son bashing the hell out of those drums). I am not sure if it’s the production or just the live mix, but the drums are absolutely insane. Would have loved to have sit in on the rehearsals for this tour and watched this monster grow from the bottom up. Great songs, performed by great musicians, live without a net. It’s almost flawless!

Finally, I will close with a heartfelt thank you to John Corabi. Thank you for putting this record into the hands of those that appreciate it. I can literally smell the stale beer at The Rockpile from that night two years ago.

Buy : Live ’94 (One Night In Nashville)