God bless 'em though, they don't give a crap about what's hip or not. If they like something, they like it. They don't need any industry execs force feeding and brainwashing their musical tastes. No one here will catch on all of a sudden, but considering "Firehouse" must still have a credible following, and I dare say steadily rebuilding in the wake of this latest rock resurgence, this is a decent release to bridge the gap between now and later.

The overall sound is a bit muted, but seems to improve the further we go, and just how many people were they playing in front of anyway? I remember Leverty and Snare from the band, but don't know about these other two guys. It probably is the whole band performing here, but regardless it sounds like you'd expect "Firehouse" to sound. They do plug in and wail away every now and again though, don't they?

Out of the fifteen total tracks, expected favorites include "All She Wrote," "Hold Your Fire," where the intro itself is almost like someone's preaching a sermon as quiet as it got, and "Dream." There's definitely some quality music on here, which is great for me, because I'll never listen to an entire "Firehouse" album more than once. But now, getting the chance to hear these select cuts from each of their first three or four albums here is okay.

I'm not sure where "Hold The Dream" is, but it looks like they bailed on it which I can't understand. Was there ever a better closing song written for the stage? "Dream" however, which I believe to be recent, makes an appearance. It's similar to the aforementioned "Hold The Dream," but not as good. However, in the ballad circles it's one of their strong points and a nice break in the action.

Then they one better themselves with the classic "When I Look Into Your Eyes." "Love Of A Lifetime" is, of course, one of the real showstoppers by the apparent roar of approval, and comes out strong, true and very nostalgic. Following up with the slightly ballsier "Reach For The Sky" was a good move, with it's slow and matching opening, quick and heavy guitar power strokes, and anthemic ability. Can't you just picture everyone raising their arms during the chorus in this one? Kinda makes me glad I'm listening at a safe distance away!

Well, for anyone waiting on the edge of their seat in anticipation of the closer, they go back to their very first recording and you already know what it is anyway. It's not bad for a first go round in the live forum. "Firehouse" is doing what they've always done - heavy melodic rock with beefy choruses and sappy ballads. And they eat this stuff up I swear! I caught onto a couple of the newer tracks I think, since I'm unfamiliar with their newer material of late, and discovered stuff like "Overnight Sensation," which they opened the gig with. Then I think "Acid Rain" was all right.