STRAY CATS / BRIAN SETZER & Slim Jim Phantom with Mark Winchester Brand New Convertible Sonicmania Osaka 2004 (2CDR)

STRAY CATS / BRIAN SETZER &
Slim Jim Phantom with Mark Winchester –
Brand New Convertible (2CDR) SY0554
Live at Sonicmania '04 (SM04) – INTEX Osaka, West Stage, Osaka, Japan – February 1, 2004

Disc One
1. Intro
2. Rumble In Brighton
3. Double Talkin’ Baby
4. Something’s Wrong With My Radio
5. My One Desire
6. Ubangi Stomp
7. Guitar Solo > Stray Cat Strut
8. Gene & Eddie
9. Sleepwalk
10. Too Hip Gotta Go
11. I Won’t Stand In Your Way
12. Mystery Train

Disc Two
1. Rev It Up And Go
2. Blast Off
3. Runaway Boys
4. Bring It Back Again
5. (She’s) Sexy & 17
6. Rock This Town
– encore –
7. 18 Miles To Memphis
8. I Fought The Law
9. Fishnet Stockings
10. Something Else

The first release from Sonicmania '04! Even without Lee Rocker, Brian Setzer and Slim Jim Phantom took the Sonicmania stage, bringing Mark Winchester along on upright bass!
This release features a complete recording of their headlining set in Osaka on February 1st, captured in the kind of super-high audio quality—packed with impact and a vivid sense of presence—that only the Sylph label can deliver.
It’s a performance that fans will absolutely love: a high-energy, full-throttle, "bad-boy" rockabilly trio—the Stray Cats at their best! It’s a scorching, intensely masculine performance. The setlist differs by just one song from other shows; here in Osaka, they played "Mystery Train." It is thrilling and incredibly cool. There are a few rough edges, but that’s exactly what makes it so good. Here is a must-have commemorative item for fans!

[Review from a specialized music magazine]
The Sylph label has swiftly released a super-high-quality audience recording of the Osaka show—a performance that kicks off in cool fashion with the opening shout of "Osaka!" Since few die-hard fans likely attended both days, this release is a welcome arrival, finally allowing us to hear the Osaka recording. Osaka crowds are known for their high energy, and this show certainly crackles with more heat and intensity than the Makuhari performance, featuring a truly spirited delivery.
There was only one change to the setlist—"Mystery Train" was played instead of "Build For Speed"—though the execution was a bit shaky in places. Brian was his usual self, but Slim Jim’s playing was admittedly a little unstable. However, given the nature of the songs, the energy never really flagged during the set, so it wasn't a problem. This performance epitomizes how a live show should be—passionate and exciting. Packed with essential tracks that any rock fan (not just die-hard followers) would enjoy, it is a recording well worth listening to if you get the chance.