In 1965, the Scorpions formed. In 1965, the Lycabettus Theatre in Athens, Greece was built. In 2013, the two came together for two incredible acoustic sets of classic Scorpions songs. This marked the very first time MTV Unplugged was recorded at an out-door venue. Well, lets forget MTV because they long ago forgot about us. Let us talk of the legendary Rock N’ Roll band, the SCORPIONS!
In 1986, I had my first real taste of the Scorpions with their Worldwide Live release. This was my exposure to the songs that were already then hits, classics, and rockers. Here we are, so many years later, listening to a new live recording. The first thing I think, “Man, not much has changed!” Sure, these are acoustic versions of some of the same songs such as Rock You Like a Hurricane, Still Loving You, Big City Nights, Black Out, and Can’t Live Without You, yet they still retain the force they did back then.
There are a few things that always stand out in a Scorpions song: Claus Meine’s loud, powerful and very distinct voice, the killer solos, and best of all, the great sing along chorus that is just about every song they’ve recorded. This new recording is evidence all the great aspects of the Scorpions is still present. Claus sings with the same strength that he always has, though more subdued when considering this is an acoustic album.
All the 16 songs are played in a different way than we are accustomed to. For example, No one like you has a jazzy feel, almost like something you would hear in an older James Bond movie. Some songs have a bit of a country feel; others feature guest vocals (no one you would know), string arrangements, and additional guitars. And yes, Rudolf and Matthias still kick ass on acoustics.
This is a great release, if only for the fact it shows a different side of the band; their ability to play in a different way. There are so many versions of the old songs. This is a fresh take on classic songs. There are rockers and ballads; all great in their own way!
The Scorpions continue on their Farewell World Tour. They have sold over 75 million albums, released 18 studio albums and 5 live albums. And yet, they did this show in such a way that it sounds like an intimate setting. What a great performance! Well worth checking out.
Scorpions online:
the-scorpions.com/english
facebook.com/Scorpions