Doesn't Quite Meet My Expectations for a Cross Live Album

With a career almost two decades long, Christopher Cross was long overdue for a live album. It is worth noting that this live album "Christopher Cross: Greatest Hits Live" is actually a subset of a larger release. Cross would release "Walking in Avalon" that is a 2 CD set. The first CD is a new studio album while the second CD is a live collection of 16 songs. This CD contains 11 of the songs from the live CD and 2 of the studio songs. From a historical standpoint, Cross' career got off to an incredible start with his self-titled debut album. After that, he had a moderate follow-up with "Another Page", but it didn't match the success of his first album. Following that, Cross really struggled to have another major hit in the U.S.. In a lot of ways, this is a bit unfair because the subsequent albums after "Another Page" have shown that Cross can still write and deliver some powerful songs. By putting out a Live CD, I would expect Christopher Cross to be accomplishing two things: 1) Reach back out and capture the fan base that he had in the 80s; 2) Reach out to what could be potentially a new fan base. In order to do this, Cross needed to hit a homerun with his live performance. Cross does do a nice job on this effort, but doesn't hit that homerun he really needed.



The CD does a nice job at spreading out the songs in Cross' career. He has three songs from his monster self-titled debut ("Never Be The Same", "Sailing", and "Ride Like the Wind"). He has two songs from the "Another Page" album ("Think of Laura" and "All Right"). Of course the title song from "Arthur" ("Arthur's Theme") is included. The remainder of the songs are from Cross' other albums from the past two decades. The CD says there are 10 Live Songs and 2 songs from "Walking in Avalon", but my CD has an "Easter Egg". There actually is a 13th track on my CD - a live version of "Alibi" from the 1988 "Back of My Mind" album. This 13th track is unlisted and comes after the track "Hunger". If you buy the "Walking in Avalon" double CD, there are 5 addition live songs that are included. Of those songs, most noteable is the track "Minstrel Gigolo" from the debut album. I was disappointed that this track wasn't included on the "Greatest Hits Live" CD, but was pleased that this is a track that was included somewhere live. The two studio tracks from "Walking in Avalon" included on "Greatest Hits Live" are "Walking in Avalon" and "Hunger". "Walking in Avalon" is a very good song and is probably one of the best Cross songs I have heard in years. "Hunger" isn't quite as strong and isn't one I'm going to play over and over on this CD.



For "Ride Like the Wind", fans will be happy to know that Michael McDonald does make a guest appearance for this song. McDonald's voice always was the perfect compliment and echo to Christopher Cross as he sings the chorus. "Ride Like the Wind" is my all-time favorite Cross song, but somehow the live version is a little bit of a let-down. Cross seems to lack the intensity on this track that he had on the studio track. Perhaps some songs are just better suited to be studio tracks. It would have been nice if McDonald and Cross did a live version of the other song they did, "I Really Don't Know Anymore". Rob Meurer, who played keyboards on Cross' debut album - and would eventually become Cross' songwriting partner and producer is on the tour as well - playing keyboards. It is also worth noting tour musician Gigi Worth provides co-vocals with Cross on the duet "Open Up My Window" (from the 1994 album "Window").



One of the big surprise songs of the collection is the song "Every Turn of the World". This song has more of a rock-edge than do most of the other tracks that Cross normally does. Another song that Cross does very well with is "Sailing". This is a song that is done very well live. Other songs like "Never Be the Same" and "Think of Laura" are good, but like the live version of "Ride Like The Wind", they just don't live up to the high expectations I had for this live set.



Another problem is the performance itself. This was a live recording from 1998 at The Galaxy Theatre in Santa Ana California. Yes there is some dialogue that Cross will deliver to the audience, but somehow it doesn't seem enough. I don't get the sense for Cross opening up the concert and there are no parameters for when Cross would close the main set and do the finale and encore. I know many live albums don't do this, but a practice like this can only help a live album. Perhaps because this album is a subset, much of the concert effect is gone.



As for the liner notes. There are no lyrics included. For the new songs, the liner notes do reference you to Christopher Cross' website. It is worth noting that to get the lyrics on Cross' website, you have to load a PDF file (but the good news is you can save that to your disk). Songwriting credits are included for all of the songs. Band credits for the live performance and studio tracks are included. It would have also been nice if they had album references for the live songs.



The conclusion I reach - this is a good live CD, not a great one. I'If you are a casual Cross fan, this won't do the job. If you like Cross, you still may want to look at getting the "Walking in Avalon" Double CD because you'll get more for your money than on this one.

"When You Get Caught Between the Moon and New York City..."

"The best that you can do is fall in love...". And if you fell in love to the music of the 80's or know someone who did, surprise them with this wonderful CD collection of "Christopher Cross..Greatest Hits Live".

Recorded live at the Galaxy Theatre in March 1998, it is an excellent selection and terrific recording of Cross' most popular works. His familiar and sweet voice take you on an emotional roller coaster ride. Opening with "Never Be The Same" and going right into the mesmerizing "Sailing" you'll be captivated immediatly.You'll be "Swept Away" by the romantic tune he wrote for an episode of "Growing Pains" and get emtionally involved with his soulful rendition of "Think of Laura".

Of course also included is the terrific theme song from the movie "Arthur", and special guest Michael McDonald joins him for "Ride Like the Wind". We are also treated to a couple of Studio Tracks of his more recent "Walking in Avalon" and "Hunger".(For a complete list see buying info, where you can also listen to some samples).

The performance is wonderful, the audience reaction is electric and contagious, and it sounds great on the stereo. I love it!

Enjoy....Laurie

Stiil as good as ever

Hi,
I saw the event of this recording on TV and it was marvellous. Sometimes Chris had problems with the pitch but the band is powerful and the feeling in the songs is great. Never be the same is terrific and Think aof Laura is absolutely smashing.
If you were a fan of his in the 80s this is something you need.