Live

Sadly preserving the later, multi-instrumental version of Carter the Unstoppable Sex Machine, as opposed to the pure anarchy of the original two- (or intermediary three-) piece, Live is nevertheless an enjoyable souvenir of one of the most novel bands to emerge from pre-Brit-pop Britain, albeit one that dates from the very end of their reign. Of course, most of the expected numbers are here and, if the band format did knock away some of the mad spontaneity that was the band's early hallmark, it replaced that with a frenetic energy and volume that still surprises. Indeed, as it races through a set that draws upon every corner of Carter's career, Live surely ranks among the most fulfilling maniacal live albums you'll ever wrap your ears around. And you probably never thought you'd hear that about an album that closes with a cover of Kraftwerk's "The Model."