VIXEN – Live & Learn

Posted: 09/09/07

Reviewed by: Dirt

Category: Rock

Released: 01/30/07

Label URL: www.demolitionrecords.com

Artist URL: www.vixenrock.com

1/2

After seeing VH-1 get the classic Vixen lineup back together for a Bands Reunited episode, you might assume that Live & Learn features the reunited group.  Unfortunately, it does not.  Guitarist Jan Kuehnemund is the only one appearing on the new cd, and this is honestly the only connection to the Vixen of the 80s.  Live & Learn presents a completely different sounding Vixen than what we remember from the well-produced Vixen (1988) and Rev It Up (1990).  Jenna Sanz-Agero takes over the lead vocal position and she is the polar opposite of Janet Gardner.  Her tone, texture, and laid back, darker approach turns Vixen into a different animal entirely.  Additionally, the musical approach is very different.  Gone is the fun, upbeat, 80s hard rock style.  In its place, is a stripped down, thinly produced, mid-paced rock record with a downtrodden vibe.  Kuehnemund’s guitar style has been tempered, so much so that you wouldn’t think this was the same person that played on the previously mentioned Vixen recordings.  Where are the fast solos?    The main problem for the new Vixen is that this recording is not what the original fanbase wants from them (at least it's not what I want!).  Kuehnemund has done the unjustice to the Vixen name that Gardner and Petrucci did with Tangerine in the late 90s.

The Bloody Truth:  The tunes on Live & Learn are boring and ‘down’ sounding.  This is not feel good music like early Vixen.  I’m sure there is an audience for this but Kuehnemund should not be calling this Vixen.  We know why she is calling it Vixen though - it’s the only way for her to get a record deal and get tour dates booked.  Unfortunately, she is cheating and misleading the fans.  I have no problem with her trying to make a living or trying to continue her career, but she should have made one of two decisions:  1) Release this material and band under a different name, or 2) Find players (a vocalist, most importantly) that fit the original Vixen mold and written material that was in the vein of the Vixen we remember.  I hate when classic bands with an existing fanbase try to sell a vastly altered sound to their original fans.  We’re not that dumb.