*** NRBQ

TOKYO

(Rounder)

Past NRBQ live albums have embodied the goofier side of the band, including everything from a karaoke version of Billy Joel's "Just the Way You Are" (on 1989's Diggin' Uncle Q) to show tunes, TV themes, and songs made up on the spot (all on Rykodisc's Honest Dollar, one of the funniest rock albums of 1992). But they're on good behavior this time, with only one novelty tune among 16 of the catchiest from their back catalogue. Which is a nice way of saying they sound a little reined-in; with wildman guitarist Big Al Anderson gone, there's a stronger tilt toward mid-tempo pop numbers. True, bands have built careers out of worse songs than "I Want You Bad" and "If I Don't Have You," but NRBQ don't really get rocking until the obligatory "Me & the Boys" toward disc's end. And the jury's still out on former Incredible Casuals guitarist Johnny Spampinato, who joined NRBQ two years ago and makes his recorded debut with them here. Although he can re-create Anderson's licks, he doesn't match the volume. But when the band kick into high gear behind his swampy solo on "Ain't It All Right," the answer's still yes.

-- Brett Milano