Introduction
Tesla, a band active in the '80s heavy metal scene and instrumental in sparking the '90s unplugged boom, has released a live album celebrating the 30th anniversary of their debut album, "Mechanical Resonance" (1986)! Featuring all tracks from "Mechanical Resonance" plus studio tracks written by Def Leppard's Phil Collen, this is a fitting anniversary release for the classic!
Tesla emerged from Sacramento, California in 1986 with their debut album, "Mechanical Resonance." Their melodic hard rock with blues and soulful influences set them apart from the mainstream pop metal of the time, garnering attention, and the album sold over one million copies in the US alone. Riding this momentum, the band released their second album, The Great Radio Controversy (1989), with the ballad "Love Song," which reached number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking their big break.
In 1990, they performed a live acoustic set, which was rare at the time, and released the footage as "Five Man Acoustical Jam" (1990). This album reached number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and the single "Signs" became a hit, reaching number 9. This helped spark the rise of MTV Unplugged in the 1990s. After their third album, Psychotic Supper (1991), reached number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, they adapted to the changing times by releasing their fourth album, Bust a Nut (1994), which incorporated heavier elements. However, the band's activities stalled and they chose to disband in 1996.
Reuniting in 2000, they released their comeback album "Into the Now" (2004), their sixth album "Forever More" (2008), and their seventh album "Simplicity," while also releasing covers and live albums. In the meantime, they've continued to perform live, including participating in "LOUD PARK 07" in 2007. To commemorate the 30th anniversary of their debut album, "Mechanical Resonance," they released the live album "Mechanical Resonance Live," featuring the entire album.
Tesla currently consists of five members: Jeff Keith (vocals), Frank Hannon (guitar), Brian Wheat (bass), Troy Luchetta (drums), and Dave Rude (guitar) (original member Tommy Schio left the band in 2006). The recorded live performance begins with "Rock Me to the Top," and instead of playing the songs in the exact order they appear on the album, they play them in a way that's easy for them to play, enhancing the excitement of their live shows. Some of the songs haven't been played in years, and the album clearly conveys the band's enjoyment in playing them.
The bonus track "Save That Godness" was written by Def Leppard's Phil Collen, who was previously managed by Tesla and toured with them during the release of "Mechanical Resonance." It's an intriguing track that blends Def Leppard and Tesla.
Thirty years have passed since the release of "Mechanical Resonance." "Mechanical Resonance Live" not only reaffirms the richness of "Mechanical Resonance," but also allows you to fully appreciate Tesla's appeal as a live band. [Japan Edition Exclusive Bonus Tracks / Japanese Commentary Booklet Included]
[Members]
Jeff Keith (Lead Vocals)
Frank Hannon (Guitar/Keyboards/Vocals)
Brian Wheat (Bass/Vocals)
Troy Luchetta (Drums)
Dave Rude (Guitar/Vocals)
[Track List]
1. Rock Me to the Top
2. Easy Come Easy Go
3. Gettin' Better
4. Comin' Acha Live
5. Changes
6. Before My Eyes
7. Too Late for Love
8. We're No Good Together
9. Love Me
10. Cover Queen
11. Lil' Suzi
12. Modern Day Cowboy
13. Save That Godness (Bonus Track)
14. Hang Tough (Japan-only bonus track)
Media reviews and more
Tesla, a band active in the 1980s heavy metal scene and instrumental in sparking the unplugged boom of the 1990s, has released a live album celebrating the 30th anniversary of their debut album, "Mechanical Resonance" (1986). Featuring all tracks from "Mechanical Resonance" plus studio tracks written by Def Leppard's Phil Collen, this is a fitting anniversary release for the classic "Mechanical Resonance"! (C)RS