On March 22, Green Day released their new live album, “Awesome As F**K,” amid intrigue from fans but they did not garner as much attention from the music industry itself. The release is a combo package similar to 2005’s “Bullet In A Bible,” consisting of a CD documenting bits and pieces of shows from all over the world, and a concert footage taken of a performance in Tokyo, Japan.
This release earns the name it was given. The audio is some of the best quality I have heard from a live album, and the song selection and track listing is perfect. The audio portion really gives you the impression that you’re at the concert because it takes you through the ebbs and flows of the setlist, as oppose to just stitching together hit after hit from random spots in the show.
The album also showcases Green Day’s notoriously long shows with 22 tracks. In reality a Green Day set is closer to 35 songs but it had to be cut down to make the album. Some standout tracks include the old favorite “Welcome To Paradise” and “American Eulogy,” off of their most recent album “21st Century Breakdown.”
The video portion is even more badass than the audio. The video is highly produced with a number of different camera angles and effects that will catch your eye. A variety of camera positions, throughout the crowd, gives the viewer the impression they’re in the pit, actually at the show and going crazy with the 25,000 Japanese fans that were in attendance. The best track off the film is “Jesus Of Suburbia,” Green Day’s eleven minute long, five-part anthem to American life. The video conveys the song’s dynamic energy and shows Bille Joe Armstrong’s gripping control over a crowd. Another great video is of the first song of the DVD, “21st Century Breakdown.” The song is another multi-part anthem that starts off slow and moves into a blazing, hard rock fist pumping jam, it’s a great way to start off a show.
Fans listening to the album or watching the film are taken on a journey through one wild night. “Awesome As F**K” is the best live album of the year, so far, and for less than $20.00 you get a pretty authentic Green day experience. It’s a must buy for any Green Day fan.