Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes – Live: Reach Up and Touch the Sky
BGO Records
www.bgo-records.com
Rating: B
By 1981, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes were becoming a thing of the past on the charts, already surpassed by the other guy from New Jersey named Springsteen and soon to be overshadowed by other native son Jon Bon Jovi. However, the band was not dead yet as they, more than the others, have the true New Jersey rock and roll feeling. They stayed true to the sound they loved and the roots that they grew up with.
On Live: Reach Up and Touch the Sky the band poured it all out. They rocked, they rolled and they even made fun of The Eagles! You will just have to buy this one, listen to it and hear it for yourself!
Originally, this was a double live LP on Mercury Records. The tracks are pretty much Johnny’s best stuff from his album releases on Epic and Mercury record labels but there are also a few fun moments where the bands pays homage to Sam Cooke and others.
The album has been remastered by BGO Records and includes new, extensive liner notes. This album takes one back to a time where music was cool. It has a look, a sound, a swagger and nothing was more important than grabbing your girl for the slow song. A true live album from a time that is too far gone in this day and age of throwaway music. Listening to Southside reminds us that music used to mean something. So belly up to the bar, crank this one up, boogie when it is appropriate and don’t you dare let the guys see you shed that tear during the sad songs!
Remember, ya gotta stay cool, man!
Tracklist
- I’m So Anxious
- Talk To Me
- All I Want Is Everything
- Hearts Of Stone
- Take It Easy
- Trapped Again
- Why Is Love Such A Sacrifice
- Restless Heart
- Vertigo
- I Don’t Want To Go Home
- The Fever
- Stagger Lee
- Sam Cooke Medley: Only Sixteen/(What A) Wonderful World/You Send Me/A Change Is Gonna Come
- Bring It On Home To Me
- Having A Party (Part 1)
- Back In The U.S.A.
- Medley: Having A Party (Part 2)/Roll Out The Barrel
By Jeb Wright
