Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

This 30 track collection of live songs sees 2001's first edition repackaged with a second disc of equally raw, passionate and inspiring material collected over the space of a decade. Arguably, the live arena is where Joseph reaches his full potential and, as a result, this surpasses any studio based greatest hits collection. Renowned for his strikingly poignant songwriting, this release also proves that the Welsh songsmith is up there with the likes of Billy Bragg and Elvis Costello in terms of fiery performances and uncompromising attacks on matters he deems to be unjust - the extended rants contained within the title track and "He Never Said" are a powerful case in point though some involved in Christian TV might not agree. Elsewhere, classics such as "Have An Angel Walk With Her", "Working Mother" and the Tom Robinson collaboration "Let's Talk About It In The Morning" are warmly presented and seem to improve with age. Indeed, Joseph readily admits that the joy of taking songs out on the road is that they evolve through time and this is most evident in "The Good In Me Is Dead" which incorporates the 9/11 happenings amidst the backdrop of the Balkan atrocities. As ever, references to God and faith are non-conventional - "Strange Way" highlights the preposterous nature of Christ's sacrifice whilst the controversial "Liberal Backslider" places Joseph's tongue firmly in his cheek when confronted about his walk with God. Occasionally, Joseph veers into the maudlin with the likes of "Dolphins Make Me Cry" and "Cardiff Bay" but on the whole this body of work represents a man with a desire to challenge the norm, do away with the unnecessary and get to the heart of his audience and Saviour.

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