Live Songs from Black Mountain (Live)

Released three years after BIRDS OF PRAY, Live's 2006 album, SONGS FROM BLACK MOUNTAIN, finds the alternative-rock group staying in the vein of the former record's highly melodic sound, while revisiting its early-1990s roots. Often recalling the band's debut, MENTAL JEWELRY, this 12-track outing largely tones down heavy guitar riffs in favor of an acoustic-leaning vibe that allows frontman Ed Kowalcyzk's ever-emotive voice an even stronger presence, as on "The River," a soaring and catchy anthem.

As always, themes of spirituality factor heavily into Live's aesthetic, most notably with the sunny, upbeat "Mystery" and the gentle "Love Shines (A Song for My Daughters About God)." While BLACK MOUNTAIN isn't as musically weighty as THROWING COPPER or SECRET SAMADHI, the ensemble still finds time to rock out--for example, on "Show," a driving number that shifts the focus to Live's formidable drummer, Chad Gracey. Similar to Pearl Jam's self-titled '06 outing, SONGS FROM BLACK MOUNTAIN is an album that calls out to old fans while still looking forward, making it one of the long-running act's finest 21st-century offerings.