Live in Berkeley, CA 1982

is derived from an FM radio broadcast of the final U.S. date on 's tour. Likewise a majority of the material comes from and their previous studio outing, . Apart from being more complete than bootlegs of this show, the sound -- while far from perfect -- is infinitely better. The '80s reformation of was a flurry of activity. They had released two albums and supported them with multi-continental tours. This incarnation of the band is in essence -- and by definition -- a supergroup as all four members had been key factors in previously successful musical ventures. As , however, the quartet had the potential to become sonically superhuman. While not overly variant or distinctive in terms of material, this particular performance at the Greek Theatre bristles with an energy and a vitality that others during this tour seemingly lack. However, vocalist and guitarist 's between-song chatter indicating how "c-c-c-c-cold" it is on this evening might be a more tangible source of the music's drive. Passionate renderings of and highlight this set. The frenetic and polyrhythmic musical commerce that transpires here is unique. The limits and boundaries tethering the band earthbound are shattered. Reaching beyond a typical reading, the second encore, contains a theatrical quality that aptly parallels the dramatic contrasts inherent in the song. Equally impassioned are the delicate the travelogue and the instrumental throwback to the '70s -- Each contains distinctive arrangements seemingly unique to this incarnation of the band. ~ Lindsay Planer