Cheap Trick - At Budokan
Live albums were a big thing in the 70’s. In a way, it was a sign that you made it as a band. But most bands were still mainly judged by their studio output. Cheap Trick’s situation was a little different. They were already a pretty successful band, but upon the release of “At Budokan” they got huge. It became their defining album. I mean, when was the last time you heard the studio version of “I Want You To Want Me” on the radio? Listening to the album, it makes sense. On this record they captured their energy like they never did on any studio albums. The screaming fans make you think of Beatlemania and the band is in absolute top form. There have always been rumors about the authenticity of many iconic live albums, but this one is the real deal, at least according to drummer Bun E Carlos who claims that “98 per cent is unaltered”. The debate over the merits of live albums will go on forever, but this is definitely one for the pro camp.
