Back in January 2009, fans of the German-based Pink Cream 69 (or PC 69 as they’ve evolved into) were treated to a very special concert right in their home town of Karlsruhe, Germany. The night marked the 20th anniversary of these still long-haired rockers and fortunately for us, the moment was captured for the band’s latest release “Live in Karlsruhe” on Frontiers Records.

Well this is certainly a HUGE upgrade to the band’s first “live” release back in 1997 simply titled “Live!” But then again, I guess you have to figure in the fact that 1997’s “Live” was released well before some of the band’s best studio efforts like “Thunderdome” and my personal PC 69 favorite “Electrified.”

Now in the past I have expressed my distain for live releases and try to stay away from reviewing them as much as possible. But I have also said that there are exceptions to the rule… and THIS is certainly one of them.

One of the things about this band I have always felt is that they are one of those rare bands that actually come across better “live” than in the studio. The energy and emotion behind these guys really shines through in a “live” atmosphere and even on CD, they did a great job of capturing the moment.

One of the first things I noticed about “Live In Karlsruhe” is that it’s a very, very good mix. From the rhythm section of Ward and Zafiriou to the heavy licks of Koffler and Reitenauer, every instrument is clearly represented and as for the power-vocals of David Readman you ask? Well… lets just say he was definitely “ON” this particular evening and his vocals sound as crisp and clear now as they did back in 1995 when he first replaced original lead singer Andi Deris (now of HELLOWEEN fame).

The other thing I really, really like about this release is the song selection itself which spans virtually every studio release in their catalog… even some stuff off their first three releases Readman didn’t even perform on! Some of the highlights include the opening track “Children of the Dawn” from their 2007 “In1osity release, the crowd favorite “Carnaby Road, “Thunderdome’s” soulful ballad “That Was Yesterday” and, of course, the band’s “show-stopper” “Shame.” But I can’t stop without mentioning PC 69’s incredible rendition of THE POLICE’s classic “So Lonely” which they intertwined with the Bob Marley favorite “No Woman No Cry” into a stunning blend which really delivers.

“Live in Karlsruhe” is an absolute MUST for any PC 69 fan! And the really nice thing about it too is that for the novice listener, it also proves to be a nice introduction to the band as well as it spans their entire catalog from decade to decade.

Nice job all around and definitely leaves me hungry for their next studio release.