Out West

Disc 1
1	Get Miles 4:47
2	Shot Shot 3:00
3	Hangover 3:12
4	Going Out West 3:25
5	Here Comes the Breeze 8:55
6	We Haven't Turned Around 4:46
7	Fill My Cup 3:55
8	Do One 2:45
9	Revolutionary Kind 11:05
Disc 2
1	Bring It on 5:35
2	Nothing Is Wrong 5:00
3	Love Is Better Than a Warm Trombone 3:35
4	Do's and Don'ts 2:55
5	Black Eyed Dog/Free to Run 8:51
6	Ping One Down 5:36
7	Blue Moon Rising 7:36
8	Get Myself Arrested 5:09
9	These 3 Sins 2:38
10	Make No Sound 3:53
11	Whippin' Piccadilly 3:35

Barnes & Noble

This Brit combo have been bubbling under the mainstream for several years now, and this double-disc live set might be just the thing to grease an upward path -- and not just because of the new affiliation with the Dave Matthews–centered ATO label. The live setting is attractive because it allows Ben Ottewell and company to stretch their expansive ballads, adding something of a jam-band freeness without sacrificing the inherent infectiousness of tunes like "Bring It On" and "Split the Difference." Most of Out West's 20 offerings appear here as living, breathing organisms, as opposed to mere copies of their studio brethren. "Liquid Skin" and "In Our Gun," for instance, are infused with a more potent dose of old-school psychedelia, replete with set-to-stun guitar accoutrements that would make Syd Barrett smile. Even more important, the collection showcases the beat savvy of the quintet's rhythm section, which spins from island-inflected to Madchester manic at the drop of a hat -- which goes a long way toward helping the ass to follow once Ottewell has freed your mind. David Sprague

All Music Guide

Despite the fact that they were signed to a label before they ever played a live show, Gomez quickly became known as a great live act due to their solid musicianship, ability to create new arrangements on the spot, and no-nonsense, energetic performances where the band seem to be enjoying themselves as much as the fans. Apparently, they had wanted to release a live album for some time, but could not reach an agreement with Virgin, so when Gomez and Virgin parted ways following the release of Split the Difference in 2004, the time seemed right. They played a three-night stand at San Francisco's famed Fillmore in January of 2005, signed with ATO, and released Out West in June of the same year. The set draws from all four of their albums (leaning heavily on the first album) with a couple choice covers thrown in. Most of the tunes are similar to their studio counterparts, just rocked up a bit in a live context with an extra emphasis on guitars. In fact, the guitars are louder and more forceful on nearly every track, and the crisp recording really lets you hear the details. "Here Comes the Breeze" and "Bring It On" especially benefit from more guitar, and both "Here Comes the Breeze" and "Whippin' Piccadilly" get kicked up a notch or two by Olly Peacock's ferocious drumming. They do a stomping cover of Tom Waits' "Going Out West" and an interesting cover of Nick Drake's "Black Dog," which segues nicely into "Free to Run" and on into "Ping One Down." There may be a fan favorite or two missing from the set list, but the selections are excellent overall, and it's nice to have a sample of what they sound like live, whether you've missed them to this point or just want a great-sounding souvenir. Sean Westergaard