Shudder to Think

Shudder to Think's live show has always been built on excitement and musical friction, and Your Choice Live Series captures the band at its tightest. This would prove to be original drummer Mike Russell's last recording with the band before leaving to become a teacher, but it doesn't stop the record from taking flight. The material covers their beginnings ("I Grow Cold") through the then-unreleased Pony Express Record ("So into You"), and everything in between. You'll also be treated to the tense and soaring "Rag," the beautiful "Day Ditty," and the anthemic "Chocolate." Craig Wedren's voice is as clear and operatic as it is on their studio records, and the band does a good job of dousing the audience with their challenging art rock. Your Choice also contains material from their first album, Curse, Spells, Voodoo, Mooses, which is still unavailable on CD. A good, concise document of Shudder to Think in concert. (Some of the proceeds of this CD will be donated to the U.K. Vegan Society.) ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide