Del Amitri - Into the Mirror: Del Amitri Live in Concert (2014)

It has been over a decade since Del Amitri disbanded becoming yet another in a long line of footnotes in the history of pop music. After nearly 12 years of prodding from their ardent fan base, Justin Currie and Ian Harvie reformed their fearsome five-piece and hit the road for a series of UK tour dates. The result of those dates is Into the Mirror, the first live album in the 30-year history of Del Amitri.

Throughout record producing history the live album has served as filler. Another release to get in the bins without all the time in the studio or expending more creative capital. Into the Mirror reaches well beyond this standard: a return for a nearly forgotten band and a postcard or memento for scores of supporters.

There are people of a certain age, the very age that Del Amitri albums were being aimed, that never got to see them play. With scant few top 40 tunes in the US, Del Amitri seldom performed in all-ages venues. The record-buying teenagers that propelled the bands success could seldom get closer than the backdoor of clubs they were too young to enter. Now they each have the chance to own this career spanning 2-disc CD set.

The album itself is a masterpiece collection of some of the 1990’s greatest and most overlooked pop songs. Currie is likely the most underrated songwriter of his generation and his brilliant story telling comes through tune after tune. The band is tight and energetic and each performance ranks as the best live version of the individual songs ever released. Justin’s voice is in rare form as he nails the climax in “Here and Now” like never before. Everyone from the most fervent fan to oblivious observers of music owes it two themselves to listen to this collection.

As a special gift to collectors, Justin and Ian hand signed several copies of the set for those who pre-ordered this UK only release. Examples are already drawing top dollar on popular auction sites. Music buyers can only hope there will be more new titles from Del Amitri in the future. The indie pop kings have a new jewel in their crown and it is recommended listening for all.

TRACKLIST
01. Always the Last to Know (4:30)
02. KIss This Thing Goodbye (4:07)
03. The Ones That You Love Lead You Nowhere (3:36)
04. Just Like a Man (5:13)
05. What I Think She Sees (2:51)
06. Not Where It's At (4:07)
07. Sleep Instead of Teardrops (4:42)
08. Be My Downfall (4:52)
09. Food for Songs (3:15)
10. Tell Her This (3:16)
11. In the Frame (3:46)
12. Nothing Ever Happens (4:17)
13. Roll to Me (2:17)
14. Driving With the Brakes On (5:20)
15. Hammering Heart (3:27)
16. Spit in the Rain (4:10)
17. Stone Cold Sober (4:48)
18. Being Somebody Else (5:45)
19. Drunk in a Band (3:20)
20. In the Meantime (6:09)
21. Here and Now (5:34)
22. Just Before You Leave (5:07)
23. Move Away Jimmy Blue (7:13)