Vixen: Live in Sweden

Love it or hate it, the fact remains that Vixen are one of the most successful all-female rock bands in history. The glam band started humbly enough in Minnesota before founding guitarist (and only remaining original member) Jan Kuehnemund packed up and moved to California for the bright lights of the Sunset Strip.

By the late 1980s, Vixen was formed and the quartet found themselves on MTV in heavy rotation. They also played some big shows, including a run with Bon Jovi. Then reality set in, the girls bickered and Vixen disbanded. Fast forward several years and the band makes a lot of false starts with various members. Then, just two years ago, Kuehnemund put together the current Vixen line-up and started touring Europe. This European vacation eventually landed the women a spot on the roster of the 2005 Sweden Rock Festival. The band recorded the performance, simply called Vixen: Live in Sweden. In all, the album is both a raw and exciting listen.

Vixen: Live in Sweden opens with the title track to the band’s second album Rev It Up. The crowd response is good, and helps get the momentum going for “Streets in Paradise,” also originally recorded for Rev It Up. In 2006, Vixen released an album of all-new material called Live and Learn. Many of the songs for the album were either written or recorded by the time Vixen took the Sweden Rock stage. It’s not surprising that some of those songs made their way into the set-list. “Anyway” is one of these tracks. An upbeat rocker with Vixen’s trademark melody makes the track more than listenable. What’s more the crowd seems to love the song, even if it is unfamiliar.

Vixen’s most famous songs, “Cryin’” and “Edge of a Broken Heart” are buried deep in the set, as expected. Moreover, you can hear thousands of voices singing right along as the band plays both tracks. To the band’s credit, the production on the effort is exceptionally high. It’s very easy to hear the crowd, but the fans don’t overpower the band. Ironically, the last song on Vixen: Live in Sweden is “Bad Reputation.” Vixen dedicates the song to Vince Neil of Motley Crue. The kings of Sunset Strip Metal also played the 2005 Sweden Rock Festival. In all, “Bad Reputation” is a more than fitting encore for all the glam bands at the massive event.

Comments

[Rob Rockitt, Hard Rock Hideout]

I think I am going to have to skip this one. For whatever reason, I just can't get into this band.

Maybe it is because they are in (way to) high rotation on the Boneyard on XM Radio. I cringe every time I hear a Vixen song now.

[Rhodeislandrock, Heavy Metal Addiction]

I'll pass on this one unless I find it under $5. I picked up the latest Vixen studio album, LIVE & LEARN, and I thought it was terrible.

[BillyKiss]

I agree and this is why!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXpyB88P34s

Now that 48 seconds is more than enough for me.

Thanks for the input but I'll skip the live gigs and listen to Vixens studio material through my stereo's speakers.

[Kenny Ozz]

I actually liked Vixen years ago, even the release in 1998, Tangerine, was very good. But the new record "live and learn" is GOD AWFUL. Jan needs to get the REAL Vixen back together.

[Chey]

vixen is awsome its just this version i can't get into. this is one of those bands where i just don't like it if it isn;t the original memebers. besides Janet Gardner is a much better singer than the one that sings now. and their style was alot better.

[supersixx]

I love vixen , I love the original Vixen , I think Jan Kuehnemund still kick ass but the rest of the band sucks big is a shame , I hope to see vixen reunited for the good times !!