This magnificent live in-concert CD opens with the South Park Theme by Primus, assisted by the lovable urchins (is that the ill-fated Kenny's muffled voice?) and concludes with a distinctive sound associated with the Canadian superstars Terrance and Phillip. The artists are charmingly introduced by Chef, from Crystal Method, Ozzy Osborne, DMX and Dirty Ol' Bastard doing Nowhere To Run after a rather rude introduction. This is followed by a stunning solo performance by Chef on the soulful Chocolate Salty Balls.
A highlight of the album is Eric Cartman's stirring rendition of Come Sail Away, performed with a maturity that belies his age. This is really gorgeous. Brad Logan by Rancid is a passionate slab of angry rock as is Hot Lava by Perry Farrell. The South Park urchins appear with Wyclef Jean on the tuneful ballad Bubblegoose. Wake Up Wendy sees Elton John in a rocking mood on this great love song with its rollicking keyboards, whilst Huboon Stomp by Devo represents a welcome return by these 1980s new wavers and Love Gravy is a surprisingly soulful duet by the legendary Ike Turner and Rick James.
Feel Like Makin' Love by Ned Gerblansky sounds like something by The Residents, and another highlight is H°m0 Rainbow by Ween, sensitively introduced by Chef, and what a beautiful rock ballad it is! Speaking of which, Meat Loaf puts in a sparkling, if somewhat over-energized, performance on his duet with Chef, Tonight Is Right For Love. The chef manages to restrain him, and they conclude the song in soulful harmony to rapturous applause.
Next up is Joe Strummer with It's A Rockin' World, an impressive old-style rock song. Mentally Dull by Vitro and the South Park Cast concludes this riveting live album and here one can hear not only the urchins but their wonderful mothers too, on a fabulous grand finale. Chef Aid is remarkable in its diversity, with shlt hot rock, hip-hop, funk and smooth soul by the lovable Chef himself; it's the best live album in my collection. Sure it's a bit rude here and there but so is popular culture nowadays.
See all 21 tracks on this disc
