Jerry Lee Lewis - - Last Man Standing Live CD/DVD

Although you can think of this as a companion live CD/DVD to the original comeback album that bears its name, Last Man Standing Live is more of an event all its own, one that makes up for in daring what it lacks in sheer energy (although there's a good bit of that, as well).

The comeback juggernaut that was Jerry Lee Lewis' 2006 CD Last Man Standing proved that he could still be a powerful -- and even somewhat relevant -- force in the modern musical world. Yet it's The Killer's live show that made his original reputation, so this accompanying in-concert artifact, featuring a number of similar superstar duets, is equally as important to his revival. And it's no embarrassment: although he's significantly removed from the hellcat of even twenty years ago, he can still tear up a tune, as these twenty-nine (!) tracks (with nine more on the bonus CD) will attest.

Perhaps fittingly, then, the guest list is a little more daring for these duets, rehearsed and recorded in private concerts on September 28 and 29, 2006 in New York and on October 11 in Los Angeles. For that reason alone, even causal Jerry Lee fans will want this companion piece -- who wouldn't want to see him tackle "Crazy Arms" with Norah Jones, Johnny Ray's deathless "Cry" with Chris Isaak, or "Green Green Grass Of Home" with the equally indestructable Tom Jones? -- but ironically, The Killer seems less lively here than in the recording studio, with a rather toothless opening version of "Great Balls Of Fire" being the tipoff.

Then, too, as with the CD of the same name, not every match is a good idea. Kid Rock was tolerable on the disc's "Honky Tonk Women," but older Lewis fans may not need to see him take on "Little Queenie," as well. And... Don Henley? Jerry seems naturally more at ease with his peers like Solomon Burke, Buddy Guy, and Merle Haggard, but he always gives his all, even when it's not quite enough. If you're buying this to see the clock turned back, you won't; but as a continuing testament to Lewis the interpretive stylist, it'll almost make you forget about his evil, flaming, piano-pounding, hellraising twin of legend. Almost.