Archive – Album review: Tesla – Mechanical Resonance Live

By VICTORIA FAIRHURST

THIRTY years ago Tesla’s debut Album Mechanical Resonance was released. Now we have a more recently recorded live version release which features all the hits from the original album plus an extra track “Save That Goodness” which was written and produced by Def Leppard’s guitarist, Phil Collen.
It may have been a lifetime since Tesla first appeared but they still know how to rock – this album will bring many fond memories to those who have followed them for the entire period. It seems hard to believe that the band was booed off stage during the beginning of their career while opening for Def Leppard – and yet still 30 years on they are now yet again opening for Sheffield’s finest.
Jeff Keith’s vocals are so very strong and crystal clear here, as if he is reciting an  album created just yesterday; his is such a unique husky voice which is instantly recognised. Even better that it’s a raw live album with no autotune added!
The solos here are just outstanding; some parts of the recording are slightly tweaked differently to the original tracks but this doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing for this album at all.

Platinum releases such as “Little Suzi” and “Modern Day Cowboy” – which featured on the original album – just ooze that hard rock appeal which is totally irresistible to the ears.
The final track “Save That Goodness” (not live) is an absolute treasure. It ‘s got that classic rock feel to it that everyone knows and loves. Alongside Jeff Keith’s sings the lovely Debbi Blackwell-Cook from the blues band Delta Deep. It’s very catchy too, which makes it easy to sing along to.
Get Mechanical Resonance Live on CD