Punk Rock Retrospective: Jesus Lizard's Show

Show by the Jesus Lizard, recorded to commemorate the 20th anniversary of [the now defunct] CBGB's, is a must-have for any fan of rock, or, in this case, live rock.

While Show is no substitute for hearing the legendary Chicago-based Jesus Lizard live in person, it does provide an entertaining romp. Some valuable renditions of hits like "Monkey Trick," "Wheelchair Epidemic," and "Mistletoe," can be found on the album and, for any fan of the band, the entirety of Show is one of the band's best performances.

Even if the energy isn't as high as some of the previously released bootlegs that can be found floating around the Internet, at least the sound is good-- no hisses or pops on this one, although some of the levels seem a bit flat.

Overall, Jesus Lizard's Show seems a bit long, and if it weren't for the hilarious banter provided by both lead singer David Yow and the audience, the set might not fly so well when experienced by a single listener.

I can't imagine what David Yow's parents look like (according to Yow, they were sitting at a table, evidently enjoying the show), but I sure as hell can't imagine the expressions on their faces as the show progressed, as Yow is notorious for being one of the wildest performers in rock history.

Still, it's the musicianship that carries Jesus Lizard. The chemistry of the band is critically one of the best sounding; they did, of course, win over Kurt Cobain as one of his favorite bands to both watch and hear. Smooth, transitionally eclectic bass lines drive riveting guitar sequences, with crashing drums picking up the slack. Show, of course, is no exception, but it's not as clean as the studio recordings, of course.

The only REAL problem with Show is that it is simply such a disappointment to anyone who's hearing the album, period. Nothing compares to Jesus Lizard live on stage, especially Jesus Lizard live on speaker.

But what's important is that the talent shines. In contrast to Show's shortcomings, the Jesus Lizard still delivers in full. This just goes to show how deep the band's roots go, musically and personally.

In the end, Show isn't exactly the cream of the Jesus Lizard crop, but it's worth having. Used copies can be found almost anywhere for under $10, and that's including cassettes. Show is best worth listening to before going to a live concert, and it's definitely a great album to drink to as well.