Sunday, June 07, 2009

Meat Loaf, Bat out of Hell Live, Sanctuary

I think living a worthy life comes down to, in some measure, having a sense of humor and not taking yourself too seriously. Which is one reason I have this affinity for Australia, an entire country, nay, continent that seems to have a sense of humor and seems not to take itself too seriously.

This must be true of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, which backs Meat on a complete rendition of his classic, albeit not classical, CD. They do Paradise by the Dashboard Light and all, performed live in 2004. They even work in a boys choir. Meat's voice isn't what it used to be, or isn't live what it is dressed up in a studio, but the symphony makes up for that and, interestingly, never sounds out of place. (It veritably soars on For Crying Out Loud.) Just plain fun and some pretty good music in the bargain. The audience must have thought so as well. It sings along in places. Bet the Melbourne Symphony doesn't get that on Beethoven's Fifth.

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