Starz

The music on Starz -- Back in Action Live 2003 sure sounds like the band, but the shock of seeing these glam rockers almost thirty years after their heyday is -- well, sobering. One female rock critic from that era used to drool over Michael Lee Smith but on this DVD, Mickey Lee looks like the road manager for Bachman Turner Overdrive, not competition for the image of brother Rex Smith when it comes to fan adulation. Rex has aged gracefully over the years, but Michael Lee -- it's real culture shock, folks. The music is good, tight and impressive, but where Mick Jagger and Keith Richards turn their aging faces into defiance against the sands of time, Starz present a "for those who remember, take us as we are" reprise of their live show. No stage clothing to speak of, this looks like a good bar band competing with Flint, the former Grand Funk Railroad without Mark Farner, in a local battle of the bands. "Cherry Baby" is cool 'til Smith looks at his watch -- maybe it's time for him to hit the oxygen tank. There are 19 songs on 18 tracks, no bells and whistles or bonus material, just a well-played concert by some fellows having some fun with their past. It's produced by GB Music president Gary Borress and New England drummer Hirsh Gardner and is something fans of Starz should enjoy. ~ Joe Viglione, All Music Guide