Dr. Feelgood

A straightforward release of the 1992 Live Legends VHS (less one track), Dr. Feelgood: Live necessarily catches the band as its long career prepared to wind down -- frontman Lee Brilleaux's worsening health and the seemingly eternal lineup changes had utterly transformed the quartet from the snarling monster that emerged two decades earlier. Still, the performance is nothing if not fiery, a breakneck ricochet that looks back across the group's entire career and serves up dramatic renditions of more favorites than you could shake a pint glass at: "As Long As the Price Is Right," "Back in the Night," "Roxette," "Baby Jane," "She's a Wind Up," "Milk and Alcohol" -- it's the Feelgoods' greatest hits, enacted within their greatest environment, a sweaty club full of die-hard fans. One can seek out more thrilling examinations of this most quintessential British live band -- the Going Back Home document of a 1976 show in hometown Southend, for example. But, though devotees might argue that that was the band at its genuine peak, a less partisan eye will find this show comes a close second. For when were the Feelgoods not at their peak? ~ Dave Thompson, All Music Guide