Whitesnake – Made in Japan

Releasedate: 19-04-2013; Label: Frontiers Records
By: Thorsten Hendriks

This 12th album (!!!) of the legendary Whitesnake, lead by David Coverdale was recorded at the Loud Park Festival in Saitama, Japan on 15 October 2011 during their “Forevermore World Tour”, released on 23rd April 2013 on Frontiers Records. This is the second time David Cverdale released an album with the name ‘Live in Japan’, as he did that previously with Deep Purple in 1972.

The past few years it has been quiet around this band, which had its heyday during the 80s and early 90s. Even after nearly 45 years in the industry (The Government ’68-’72; Fabulosa Brothers ’72-’73; Deep Purple ’73-’76; Solo ’77-’78; Whitesnake ’77-present), David Coverdale still has the power and vocal ability to entertain thousands. The man originally comes from a small seaside town called Saltburn-by-the-Sea in England (actually not too far from where the writer of this articles lives) and became a US citizen in 2007. The 20 songs are all well known and laced with the usual growls, yells, guitar and drum solos. Everything you’d expect from an all time Rock n’ Roll band. Their music appeals to the masses, as it has elements of blues and a hint of romance.

CD 1 contains all the usual great hits we all know from this multi-million selling rock band. David Coverdale’s voice is still going strong, considering he is 60(!!!). The first three tracks are proper rock songs but the next one ‘Is this love’ is a nice slow interlude, gotta love this ballad! And it sounds awesome live!. ‘Steal your heart’ away awakens you with an awesome guitar intro then going into a hard rocking song that will all heads banging. ‘Forevermore’ goes back to that tranquil feeling, it is almost acoustic and the vocals are very controlled. Halfway the song though it changes with loud guitars and distinctive percussion into something magical. On track 7 ‘Six String Showdown’ Doug Aldrich is introduced to exhibit his skills and a mighty 6 minute guitarsolo follows. ‘Love will set you free’ goes into that typical sound we all know from this band, all songs seem to touch on the ‘love’ subject but with the rock element gives it that element of desire. On track 9 it is Briian Tichy’s turn to show the crowd what he can do with 2 sticks on drums.
The next 3 songs, kept for last, are the public’s favourites and most well known. ‘Fool for your loving’ sounds exceptionally good performed live and if you turn the volume up, it will make you feel like you’re right there with them in the crowd. The
next song ‘Here I go again’ doesn’t need any introduction as it was, and still is, a hugely popular song with people. The
last track on CD 1 is ‘Still of the night’ last 11 minutes with some proper audience participation.

CD 2 was added as a bonus for the buyer; it contains 4 sound check recordings, giving the listener an idea what goes on before the actual evening performance and 4 acoustic versions of songs. These acoustic songs show you that Whitesnake is able to turn down the rock sound and present you with music which is very well composed and performed by skilled musicians. These 2 CD’s are a long listen considering that all songs, bar one, last longer than 4 minutes with the longest lasting 11 minutes (!!!). If you love rock n’ roll, this is definitely an album you should own. Whitesnake are touring Spain till end of June and then they are off Stateside and Canada for 26 concerts before travelling to Brazil for the ‘Monsters of Rock Festival’ on 20 October 2013.
A new 2 CD album called ‘Made in Britain – The World Record’ is due for release on 5th July 2013. Another amazing night to remember and to share with all the fans! “Don’t be shy…C’mon…Make Some Fucking Noise!!!”

Line-up
David Coverdale (vocals)
Doug Aldrich (guitars)
Reb Beach (guitars)
Michael Devin (bass)
Briian Tichy (drums)
special guest Brian Ruedy (keyboards)

Tracklist: Cd 1 1) Best Years; 2) Give Me All Your Love Tonight; 3) Love Ain’t No Stranger; 4) Is This Love; 5) Steal Your Heart Away; 6) Forevermore; 7) Six String Showdown; Love Will Set You Free; 9) Drum Solo; 10) Fool For Your Loving; 11) Here I Go Again; 12) Still Of The Night. Cd 2 13) Love Will Set You Free (Sound Check); 14) Steal Your Heart Away (Sound Check); 15) Fare Thee Well (Acoustic Version); 16) One Of These Days (Acoustic Version); 17) Lay Down Your Love (Sound Check); 1 Evil Ways(Sound Check); 19) Good To Be Bad (Acoustic Version); 20) Tell Me How (Acoustic Version)

Links:
Whitesnake Official