After the monumental
Bauhaus reunion tour in late 1998,
Peter Murphy quickly jumped back into his solo work, making his way around the U.S. in the beginning of the new millennium. He didn't have a label or industry support, just the love of his fans. And in celebration of their dedication,
Murphy issued a best-of collection on Beggars Banquet and took to the stage. Two successful legs of the tour surprised
Murphy, and his expanding fan base surprised him as well. Fans old and new instantly took to his new musical boundaries of Middle Eastern authenticities while forever appreciating his solo hits. To thank his loyal fans,
Murphy issued his eighth album,
Alive Just for Love, in summer 2001. With that new record deal (Metropolis), and a fresh fervor, this double-disc reflects the intimate evening captured at the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles. The songs were stripped down and delicately approached, and
Murphy's hearkening vocals never sounded so lush. Accompanied by
Peter DiStefano (
Porno for Pyros) on guitar and violin virtuoso
Hugh Marsh,
Alive Just for Love highlights
Murphy's personal appeal and intricate acoustic beauty on favorites like "All Night Long" and "Marlene Dietrich's Favourite Poem." However, new song "Cool Cool Breeze," introduces a sweet airiness into
Murphy's approach to songwriting. "Keep Me from Harm," from 1994's Holy Smoke, glitters with
Marsh's violin plucking, creating a new-fangled sneakiness to the song. "Cuts You Up" slides fragile bow guitar licks with
Murphy's hushing vocals, bringing the most cheers of adoration from the crowd. Disc two is short with a rare performance by
Bauhaus mate David J. on "Who Killed Mr. Moonlight" and "All We Ever Wanted Was Everything." Humble and enjoying his cult-like status,
Peter Murphy appears grateful for what he does for a living. He's a perfectionist, but with a newfound humility,
Alive Just for Love personifies those exact things. ~ MacKenzie Wilson