Skin and Bones (by Foo Fighters, Rock)

In the summer of 2006, the Foo Fighters embarked on an acoustic tour and the album SKIN AND BONES captures them one night in Los Angeles. A few songs that would've seemed ideal for this setting end up lacking: "Walking After You" feels chunky and staid, and "Big Me" is slowed way down and pales in comparison to the jauntiness of the original version. The band's standard shimmering guitar chords also run together, punctuated only by an occasional drumbeat. The Foos do go electric at certain points (it's not quite the "acoustic" tour it advertises -- at some points, as many as eight people are on stage playing strings, electric bass, and a full drum kit).

The band does deserve credit for trying to expand their sound beyond their loud grunge roots, but for the most part, the performance tends to tread a safe path that results in a somewhat dull live recording. The listener who makes it to the final tracks, though, will be richly rewarded. "February Stars" sounds magnificent with the full ensemble onstage, and on the solo performance of "Best of You," Grohl lets out some demons -- and the crowd responds. The CD climaxes nicely with "Everlong," masterfully intensifying while taking full advantage of the live orchestra.

Released on: November 7, 2006
Label: RCA
Genre: Rock