Album Review

The Cat Empire – Live On Earth

• 26th Jul 2009

Live On Earth is The Cat Empire’s first live album, they have a live DVD and EP, but this is their first live full length. Recorded around the world over three years, the quality of some of the recordings are a little patchy compared to the others, but when you consider that various numbers have been recorded only by venue staff, then “heroically remixed”, this is no small feat.

The Cat Empire list nine people responsible for creating the latin-tinged jazz-ska-rock found over the two discs. This includes three horn players, which should indicate the kind of music The Cat Empire make.

Highlights of the collection include The Car Song, Dumb Things and In My Pocket, and intriguingly a French-lyric cover of The Eagles Hotel California.

All in all, if you already like The Cat Empire, you’ll probably enjoy this album. Otherwise, over 120 minutes spread across two discs maybe something of a long introduction.