In bringing an end to the 60s and 70s, I was having a hard time choosing an album to end it on. I had some thoughts but kept digging through my collection, trying to find that lucky album. I finally settled and was happy with the choice that I made.
Live Bullet, a live album by Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band was the chosen one. Released in the mid-60s, I knew this would bring if full circle for me. I put on the album and immediately fell in love. The album was recorded at Cobo Hall in Detroit Michigan and the music produced is nothing short of amazing.
Side one brings the party to life! The sound of the crowd echoes out, as Bob gets ready to rock. The first song is 'Nutbush' a song by Tina Turner in which Bob rocks out to and the band does a great job alongside him. It's easy to say they do the song justice. 'Beautiful Loser' is also on this side and it's such a good song. Bob has some amazing writing skills and it's become one of my favorite because of it. The first verse and chorus are just poetry to my ears:
He wants to dream like a young man
With the wisdom of an old man
He wants his home and security
He wants to live like a sailor at sea
Beautiful loser
Where you gonna fall?
When you realize
You just can't have it all
The second side features a song originally done by Van Morrison titled 'I've Been Working', it’s a song full of rhythm and blues. I've listened to the original song and as much as I enjoy the original, there is no doubt in my mind that Bob and the band do a fantastic job covering it. This side also has one of Bob's more well-known songs, 'Turn the Page' which talks about life on the road; the song has a slower tempo to it but it doesn't fail to deliver. This side ends with 'Bo Diddley' a cover song originally done in the 50s by Ellas McDaniels. The song is a little over 5 minutes and it finishes off with the sound of the crowd, who from the sounds of it are having a good time.
Side three is one of my favorites. If there is any chance that you might be curious about Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band, I encourage you to listen to this side! It features three songs all together for about 18 minutes of great music. The interaction that Bob carries with the crowd is amazing. 'Ramblin Gamblin Man' starts this side off and really sets the vibe. Next is 'Heavy Music' in which he lets the crowd know that he is indeed recording the set and in turn, the crowd goes crazy. It is during this song that he gets the crowd to sing with him and the band. This song leads into 'Katmandu', which if you haven't heard before, please do me a favor and listen to it. The way all three songs are done, it allows the listener to enjoy it all the more. The songs are full of rock and roll goodness. There is no way that if you listen to them you won't be moving your body to the music.
Side four is equally as great and features some more incredible musicianship. The song 'Get Out of Denver' features a bone-chilling guitar solo followed by a piano solo both done exceptionally well. The song is fast and a perfect transition into the last song, appropriately titled 'Let it Rock' originally done by Chuck Berry; and features a wonderful sax solo. Once more Bob's engagement with the crowd ends the album beautifully.
The album as a whole is in my top 20 to listen to. It's good fast rock and roll, which I love it and I highly recommend it. While writing this I was having a conversation with a friend of mine and she has been to every Bob Seger show in California since she was in her early 20s. She mentioned he is more amazing live, and that this album is just a snippet of what to expect. Bob recently announced this year that he and the Silver Bullet Band would be doing a final tour and has released dates and tickets. I am hoping to catch him when he makes his way to California early next year, this is one silver bullet I don't want to miss.
