As a unique personality and musical force to be reckoned with for almost twenty years now, it was only a matter of time before Rob Zombie's outlandish and outrageous live show was captured and released on CD (or DVD?). Afterall, aside from Trent Reznor, Rob has possibly the largest selection of non-album releases to choose from in the rock genre. So, honestly, who didn't see this one coming? "Zombie Live" is a fully comprehensive live set recorded during the 2006 "Educated Horses" Tour that spans both his solo career and his past days in White Zombie.

As far as the track listing goes, it couldn't possibly be more jam-packed with hits and classics than it already is. Although more White Zombie material would have been much appreciated -- as it is, we are only treated to five songs from that era -- the fact that we got any at all is a treat. The instantly recognizable, iconic tunes like "Dragula" and "More Human Than Human" sit amongst some more obscure but solid songs like "Dead Girl Superstar," "Creature Of The Wheel," and "Demon Speeding." For the most part, Rob's backing band -- which consists of the legendary John 5 on guitar, Piggy D on bass and Tommy Clufetos on drums -- performs the songs with ease, with the lone exception of "Living Dead Girl" which stutters and stumbles, trying to capture what made the original great. You would think with such a great player as John 5 on hand that the original compositions would be open for some retooling and tinkering, but unfortunately, the band pretty much sticks to format here.

The album is, overall, a pleasant listen for any fan that plays almost like a "Greatest Hits" of sorts. The sound quality is superb, and surely it's worth picking up for the Zombie enthusiast. But it's main downfall is that it does not include the previously promised DVD. A Live DVD would surely be more interesting, especially with all the effort Rob Zombie puts into his live show, and the fact that the DVD portion was left off is a bit vexing. But, the record label promises it will surface in the Spring, and this CD is pretty cheap in most places, so it's kinda hard to knock it.

If anyone has had a chance to see Rob Zombie in concert knows how great he is live. With that being said, fans who have not seen him in person might not fully appreciate this cd. Listening to this cd, you do lose a lot of the studio effects which makes his music great. But don't let this turn you away from experiencing Zombie live. This cd will be mainly for hardcore Zombie fans.

Just saw Rob Zombie with Ozzy Osbourne...it was a great show. I wanted more so I bought this album...if your a Zombie fan then you will enjoy this, especially if you want to hear the guitar work of John 5.

This is a great live CD. I listen to it over and over. It has all my favorites. Rob Zombie is a very talented performer.

The Good

If you've never seen a Zombie live show, then your missing out on one powerful experience. The best thing about the performance is the energy it puts out, because the stage show is usually very minimal. There's just something about Rob's band and his stage presence that captivated you for the entire set. Zombie live does a great job of translating that into an aural experience.

For anyone that has heard it, you know that zombie's last album Educated Horses sucked. Somehow the live version of "American Witch" surpasses the studio version by leaps and bounds. The same can be said for "Let It All Bleed Out." In addition to the Educated Horses tracks, Zombie delivers the hits of course; "Demon Speeding," "Living Dead Girl," "More Human Than Human," "Never Gonna Stop," "Thunder Kiss 65," and "Dragula." The other remaining tracks are a mish-mash of newer Zombie cuts and rarities.

The Bad

A hits collection in 2003, a new studio album in 2006...then another hits collection in 2006, and now a live album in 2007. Enough with the old material, fans would rather have new material. And material better than Educated Horses. We can wait.

The set list is a little lop-sided. Four tracks are from Educated Horses, but song like Feel So Numb and any Zombie cover are missing. Also, don't expect Zombie to sound exactly like he does on his albums. It's not easy creating those vocal effects live. It's most noticeable on "More Human Than Human."

The Verdict

Zombie Live captures and delivers the power and energy that you experience in person at your local club or arena.