This double-live CD from Russian-American Santa Monica surf-rockers
the Red Elvises may not match the tightness of their studio albums, but it does do a good job of documenting what made them popular in the first place: their live show. Performing for years on the streets of Santa Monica before touring nationally, the band has developed a kind of quirky, crowd-pleasing wit as well as a few gimmicks (like basses in the shape of giant, candy-colored balalaikas). Many of their favorite songs are included here, like "Closet Disco Dancer," "Red Lips, Red Eyes, Red Stockings," and "Sad Cowboy Song," among others. ~ Stacia Proefrock