I'm not a Five Iron Frenzy fan. However, from the sounds of their latest live effort, Proof that the Youth are Revolting that could change in the near future.

FIF Live... is the second notable live album from '99 in my book, and is surprisingly up there with it's companion, Grammatrain Live. Although I have yet to see 5 Iron live, and will want to after hearing this disc, the album captures the band's zaniness and on stage ruckus that the band is most noted for. The real treat about FIF Live is not only is your name probably in the liner notes (along with a zillion others if you're a die-hard fan who saw them live), and not only for this being a souvenir for an FIF show, but you get to hear all the silliness the band emits in an impromptu setting-- and it's caught on tape for your listening pleasure.

Highlights on the album include lead vocalist Reese's mock-heavy metal intro to "One Girl Army," and their live renditions of "Ugly Day," "Superpowers," "Dandelions," "Blue Comb 78," among others, and of course the hidden track. The band decided to include a message left on an answering machine that introduces a series of outtakes from the various shows that include forgotten words, wrong lyrics, missed cues, and other assorted mess-ups (gotta love the Monty Python reference).

FIF LIVE: Proof that the Youth are Revolting is the answer for any hungry FIF fan and a fine collection of musical insanity.

- Review date: 1/23/00, written by John DiBiase