This disc is the classic Cheap Trick album At Budokan with several tracks added to make it both representative of the whole performance and a two CD set. It is safe to say that Cheap Trick both defined and transcended the power pop genre. They combined (and continue to) catchy melodies, metallic leanings, Beatlesish arrangements and punk angst to produce a sound all their own. Indeed, it has been reported that, shortly before his death, John Lennon was asked what the Beatles would sound like if they were still together. He responded by saying that they would sound very much like Cheap Trick.

Listening to this album, it is easy to see how Cheap Trick influenced punk and thrash while calling neither home. They really seem to have been a very large influence on Jane's Addiction and others. Seen as a snapshot of a period of the band`s career, this is a fine album. The discs include well done CDrom functions including short interviews of each band member (Rick Nielsen, Bun E. Carlos, Tom Petersson and Robin Zander), two live videos and access to the web page (through an ISP). The website can also be accessed by pointing your browser to http://www.cheaptrick.com.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: The Early Years Volume 4 at garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-The-Early-Years.