Better Than Ezra - Live @ The House of Blues

Fittingly the band that is known for the live shows they put on, Better Than Ezra, came home to their native New Orleans to record their live CD and DVD. These are not a single package deal, they must be bought separately. Live At The House Of Blues New Orleans really does show Better Than Ezra in an environment they are comfortable in as they take the stage in a stripped down and intimate setting to play their music for their hungry fans.

As far as the DVD is concerned, Live at the Hose of Blues doesn't have a large number of extras, a brief behind the scenes look is about all, but it's about the music not all the "extras", and the music is good. The DVD features a cover of the Bill Wither's song "Use Me" that is not available on the CD, and in turn, the CD boasts 2 new studio tracks that aren't on the DVD ("Cold Year" and "Stall"). From beginning to end you can see Better Than Ezra have a grip on a loyal fan base, and you get to find out why, they enjoy themselves on stage!

I first heard Better Than Ezra, as did many others, with their 1995 debut Deluxe which brought us the single "Good". That was enough to get me started as I started to get what their minions had already learned and began my Better Than Ezra CD collection. Friction Baby was probably even better than Deluxe, but they have remained loyal to their sound and continued to grow musically through How Does Your Garden Grow and Closer. The thing is the fans were yearning for a live album, and it has arrived.

The songs aren't as polished as the studio tracks you have heard, but they do hold true to the sound completely. The Live versions of Better Than Ezra Classics such as "Good", "King Of New Orleans", "Rosealia", "Desperately Wanting" and of course "Porcelain" are all included. The two bonus tracks on the CD are equally as good as anything the band has done. Better Than Ezra are a live band that could be around for a long time, if they keep making the blend of alternative Rock, Funk and Soul they have given us through the years. The only draw back is for the DVD maniacs that clamor for extras, other than that this is a very worthwhile offering.

  ( 4.5 Stars out of 6 ) 

  Play MP3 Sample of Better Than Ezra - "Good"

  Play MP3 sample of Better Than Ezra - "Stall"