OPERATION: LIVECRIME

What happens when you take one of the best concept albums ever recorded and put it on stage from start to finish? Well, you get one hell of a show, and Queenrÿche's stab at capturing the moment is as good as any other. Operation: LiveCrime captures the live rendition of Operation: MindCrime from three dates on the Building Empires tour.

The album was played in its entirety, supported by video behind the band and the excellent pipes of Pamela Moore, reprising her role as Sister Mary. What makes this live abum stand out more than most others is its near flawless execution. Each song is played almost exactly as it is on the original album. Really, that's what makes this live album a masterpiece in its own right. It is true that live albums can't really capture the atmosphere of being there in person, but this one comes closer than just about any other.

Add to that the video, capturing the same three nights, and you've got something that shows you a good portion of what MindCrime live was about. Either the CD/tape or the video/DVD alone would make an excellent additon to most anyone's music collection; together... definately reason to make room in your collection.

Even if you're not a fan of Queensrÿche, this album deserves at least a listen or two. This is what a live album really should be.