Despite
Quiet Riot being a veteran
metal act that racked up a healthy amount of "road miles" over the years, as of the late '90s, the post-
Randy Rhoads lineup had yet to issue a live set. With a title such as
Alive and Well, you'd think fans would finally be getting their wish (also since the well-known
Metal Health lineup had just reunited). But the title turned out to be misleading, as the album is comprised of nine new studio tracks (one being a cover --
AC/DC's
"Highway to Hell"), as well as six re-recordings of early hits. While longtime fans will be overjoyed to see bassist
Rudy Sarzo back in the group's ranks, there's no hiding the fact that the material here isn't nearly close to what made
Metal Health such a party favorite back in 1983. Few riffs are memorable, and the lyrics, well, a sample from
"Slam Dunk (Way to Go)" goes something like this -- "Slam dunk, way to go, what do you say, let's
rock & roll!" And as far as the re-recorded tracks, nothing comes close to topping the stronger original versions (singer
Kevin DuBrow's vocals sound especially strained on quite a few of these selections). Interestingly, the second studio album that the reunited
DuBrow/
Cavazo/
Sarzo/
Banali lineup recorded, 2001's
Guilty Pleasures, contained much stronger material. ~ Greg Prato
