Like squeezing out a newborn from the womb, The Used rear their dirty heads for the first time in two years with the release of "Berth," a live CD/DVD album. They make a wildly impressive return-despite lead singer Bert McCracken's well-known love for blow-and flex their musical powerhouse muscles once again.
"Berth," released Feb. 6, is a whopper of a live album that will keep starving fans sustained until the next studio effort is released this summer.
The CD side of "Berth" holds nine tracks that are highly accessible to most people who have listened to the radio at one time or another. Highlighted hits are hummable tunes like "Take It Away," "Listening," "I Caught Fire," and "Hard To Say." But the hits aren't the only thing worth listening to, there is plenty more material to enjoy.
When it comes to heavy, funky, tasteful grooves, The Used has it covered, easily. "I'm A Fake" shows just how heavy The Used can get without pushing listeners away. It just doesn't get any better when the choruses hit-they're liable to blow out audio speakers with low bass notes.
Keeping in mind that this is a live recording, the sound quality is superb. The sound is crisp and clear, and the mix of the songs sounds great. McCracken's vocals are well heard and to say the least, sound fantastic for a live record.
The bass also packs enough sub-sonic sound to rattle the bowels of listeners. All the while the production locks in tightly to the drums, something that The Used accomplishes much more effortlessly than most bands, creating a neatly knit groove.
The DVD is just as much fun as the CD, as it is hosted by the playful guitarist Quinn Allman and bassist Jeph Howard. They revel in uncovering of the light side of The Used.
Allman and Howard are mostly drunk throughout or act as if they found their dad's stash of hippy lettuce, but nonetheless, they provide some good laughs. Not only do they give viewers a look into The Used's touring lifestyle, but they act out small skits as well.
The DVD covers all the tracks from the CD, which features excellent footage of the group on stage. Cumulatively, the DVD has around four hours of entertainment.
These guys are just a lot of fun, onstage, behind the scenes, and within their music. "Berth" is a must have release for fans that are familiar with The Used who want a look inside of the grittiness.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
