An outstanding live recording of the Stripes from the beginning of their American Elephant tour in the spring of 2003, this was originally recorded by the band at Boston’s storied Orpheum Theater and subsequently streamed over their official website as a free webcast. Obviously the enterprising folks at Red Zebra caught the stream with a high quality fast connection and dubbed it for the rest of the silver disc world. It’s no longer available at the band’s site so this is the only way to get it now other than tracking it down elsewhere on the ‘net.
It’s a seamless, exciting set highlighted by a brace of great covers, including Son House’s “Death Letter,” Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” and the old country blues traditional “Boll Weevil.” At this point the band was still fresh on the tour and the loose, engaging performance reflects that.
The Red Zebra packaging is quite striking – a full color digipak with some eye-catching photos front (Meg is wearing the dress that Loretta Lynn gave her), rear and inside, including under the clear disc tray. Picture disc as well. And of course lots of white and red motifs. -- OSWALD
