LimeWire Music Blog

Mudhoney fans who have never witnessed a live performance by the band don’t know what they’re missing. Lucky for them, Live at El Sol gives a pretty good idea. Recorded at a July 2007 Madrid show, the album is an edge-of-your-seat ride through Mudhoney’s 20-year history; almost every one of its 21 tracks is a highlight. Mark Arm is a ball of gruff, witty energy on hits such as “Touch Me I’m Sick” and “The Money Will Roll Right In.” In fact, at times he seems damn near ready to totally fly off the handle. And guitarist Steve Turner is right there with Arm, churning out superfuzzy riffs with a quickness that may even surpass his recorded work. There are quieter moments on Live at El Sol, tucked into long, slow-burning tracks like “Mudride” and “Where Is The Future.” But while they may provide a break from the noise, they give us no respite from the band’s pathos: If it’s possible, Arm may sound even more tortured when he’s not screaming. And yet, would a true Mudhoney fan ever have it any other way?