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The 69 Eyes: Hollywood Kills (Live)
Gothic/Glam Rock/Metal
Rating: 4.0/5.0

www.69eyes.com
Virgin Records Finland
www.myspace.com/theofficial69eyes

I love live albums. I grew up with them. I'm thinking of some of the great live albums of the past like the classics, Thin Lizzy's 'Armed and Dangerous' and UFO's 'Strangers In The Night,' (the best of the best as far as I'm concerned). Most live albums are like a greatest hits recording performed before admiring fans. Even now, if one of my favorite bands delivers a live work, I scoop it up without question, not wondering or caring if the production or mix is pitiful. Sometimes I'll buy a live album from a band I'm familiar with yet may not have a single selection from their catalogue. The 69 Eyes' are such band. The 69 Eyes may be familiar to a general portion of the American public, but generally their works are reserved for a select portion of fans.

When I discovered that The 69 Eyes, aka 'The Helsinki Vampires, recorded a live session at the Whiskey-A-Go-Go in LA, I thought 'Now is the time to invest in one of their recordings.' The 69 Eyes performed before before a very enthusiastic crowd. And they played well. They presented their very best like 'Devils,' 'Don't Your Back On Fear,' 'Gothic Girl,' and much more. After one spin I felt a little disappointment with the mix. Jyrki 69's vocals seemed to overpower the rest of the band. I love his vocals, but I also in enjoy the contributions of the rest of the band. After another listen I was more pleased with the production. Yet, I still think the rhythm section got the short end of the stick. In the end it is Jyrki 69' vocals that have always thrilled me. So, I guess I should say I'm pleased.

For fans (fellow vampires, that is) 'Hollywood Kills' is everything that they could hope for. For the reluctant or ambivalent, like myself, I'm okay with this recording. It's a great introduction to The 69 Eyes. It's slick, but not completely overwhelming. I was not entirely convinced that they indeed played with enthusiasm. The 'energy,' though present, still seemed a bit subdued. 'Hollywood Kills' is especially recommended for fans. As for the inquisitive and those ignorant about The 69 Eyes, I say the choice is yours. You may be pleased.
  - Craig Hartranft


In Short

'Hollywood Kills' is The 69 Eyes recorded live at The Whiskey-A-G0-Go in Los Angeles, California. Essentially, you have the their best songs played before an enthusiastic crowd. It's a good performance, but not necessarily memorable. However, fellow 'vampires' will love it. It's a good introduction to the music of The 69 Eyes.

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