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I have the Limited Edition 2CD version of Captured. The first thing you
notice about this version is that the packaging is superb. The whole thing comes
in a cardboard slipcase, containing 2 picture CDs, 2 booklets with stacks of
photos plus lyrics etc., and a laminated backstage pass from the tour. Wow.
In general the album sounds great. The band is in excellent form, and are
clearly having a whale of a time. Unfortunately there are a few problems with
this album...
Firstly, Gary Barden's voice is not impressive, the only real weakness of the
performance. I sense little feeling from his voice, and his range is limited.
Most of the higher notes are not even attempted. Frankly, the Troys and Dennis
Stratton can do a *far* better job of singing than Gary Barden.
The second problem is the selection of songs for the album. No I Know It/Time
Slipping Away, no Beads Of Ebony, no Running For Tomorrow, no Enough Is Enough,
no Battle Royal. But we do get *seven* songs from TTPOT. A big mistake, because
a number of these songs do not reach the standard, and are not very
representative of Mantis.
Third problem is the inclusion of Armed And Ready, the MSG song. Why?? It's a
poor song, embarrassed by the others here. You would think that Stratton's
"solo" efforts, like This Time Girl, would be far more deserving of a place on
the set-list.
Having said that, many of the classics are played superbly, with the vocalist
distracting only slightly. Cheated, Turn The Tables, Flirting etc. all sound
great. Lovers To The Grave sounds particularly good, but I suspect Barden is not
singing! The version of Captured City here is much better than the original,
with the melodies and arrangement much improved.
Overall, a great live album not without its flaws. Why the band feel the need
for a vocalist at all is beyond me, but this album succeeds on the strength of
the musical performance, the great songs and the *excellent* packaging.
Get it. Get *two* copies. Then you can make some money from this Limited Edition
after the next album is a massive world-wide hit! ;)
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