The Posies were one of the most tragically overlooked bands of the '90s. Though possessing stellar songwriting abilities, infectious power-pop melodies, and
Jon Auer and
Ken Stringfellow's airtight harmonies, they achieved only minor commercial success.
Alive Before the Iceberg was recorded live in Barcelona in 1998 as the band promoted their farewell studio release,
Success, with a set composed mostly of material from that album and its predecessor,
Amazing Disgrace. The raw quality of a live environment provides contrast to the polished album versions of tracks like "Flavor of the Month" and "Broken Record," making this a worthwhile release for any true fan. Also included are an absolutely frantic rendition of "Grant Hart" and a memorable version of
Cheap Trick's "Surrender." Despite the unfortunate exclusion of early material,
Alive Before the Iceberg is a genuine representation of a
Posies concert experience. ~ Michael Frey