Post by jptheprofessor on Apr 17, 2008 20:35:12 GMT -5
QUEENSRYCHE – MINDCRIME AT THE MOORE (Rhino Entertainment) In 2006, Queensryche issued Operation: Mindcrime II, the long-awaited and ultimately worthy sequel to their legendary 1988 concept album masterpiece Operation: Mindcrime. The group toured in support of the sequel by performing both Operation: Mindcrime sets in their entirety, along with actors, actresses, stage props and more. The pinnacle of this tour was a three-night stand from Oct. 13-15, 2006, at the Moore Theater in the group’s hometown of Seattle. Mindcrime at the Moore is a double-disc document of that homestand that presents the Operation: Mindcrime saga in its entirety. Disc 1 features the performance of the first Mindcrime opus, Disc 2 the Mindcrime II set and two-song encore of non-Mindcrime favorites “Walk in the Shadows” and “Jet City Woman.” Familiarity with the original two studio albums is helpful, but even Queensryche novices should be able to follow along with the story of troubled main character Nicky, his brainwashing by power mogul Doctor X and love affair with prostitute-turned-nun Sister Mary during the first disc; and his release from prison, quest for vengeance against Doctor X and search for redemption on the second disc. The arrangements and performances lift the entire Mindcrime saga above and beyond, as Queensryche throws in a few unexpected variations and additional passages along the way that make the story and presentation even more complete. Singer Geoff Tate is in excellent form, selling the drama of the story with his passionate and soaring siren-like wail. The corps of guitarists Michael Wilton and Mike Stone, bassist Eddie Jackson and drummer Scott Rockenfield provide Tate with a tight and vibrant backdrop, with spirited playing and inspired virtuosity giving each song new life. A number of guests appear throughout the performances, including Pamela Moore’s reprise of her Sister Mary role from the first Mindcrime album, Geoff Tate’s wife Susan and step-daughter Miranda, and the Seattle Seahawks drum line. With its themes of media manipulation and brainwashing still relevant in this current era of public distrust with government, politicians and big business, Queensryche’s Operation: Mindcrime story has remained an enduring one with rock fans. Mindcrime at the Moore is the ultimate celebration of Queensryche’s monumental achievement, and provides further resolution to the Mindcrime story and an exclamation point on the end of one of rock’s ultimate concept masterpieces.