Larry Norman - Road Rage: On Tour In The Old World

Reviewed by Dougie Adam

I own the two original CDs from which this live compilation was made (‘Larry Norman Live At Flevo With Q-Stone’ and ‘Shouting In The Storm’ with Beam at Flevo 1998) and I can report that most of the best tracks from the two original albums have found there way on here. Although the concerts were recorded almost a decade apart with different bands and technology utilised the two sets sit quite nicely edited together here. I do wish a bit more faith had been shown to the newer material in both sets; sadly a blistering “Nightmare #49 (Part One)” which blasted the studio version out the water has failed to be included here as have “Heaven Wants To Bless You” and the reggae influenced “Let It Go”. Still there is no arguing with the material which did make it on this one. Generally speaking, these live versions either give their best studio cuts a serious run for their money or blow them away entirely. If you don’t own any Larry Norman live albums or are starting your collection then this is well worth considering buying as you have well recorded great performances of some of his biggest hits sitting alongside the odd surprising choice “Be Careful What You Sign” and some successful and inventive re-workings of classics like “Six Sixty Six” and “Sweet Sweet Song Of Salvation” plus a few rarer songs like “Twelve Good Men” and “Everybody Work”. My own highlight of the set is the electrifying rendition of “Messiah” which closes the album. One of CCM’s most enigmatic but gifted live performers at the peak of his performing powers and backed by two of the best bands he ever worked with throughout his long career. Recommended for casual fans as well as completists.