DEF LEPPARD fans will be very happy indeed with the release of the new album "Mirror Ball". It is a live double CD ,taken from the Sparkle Lounge tour of 2008-2009, with 21 live tracks and three new studio songs ("Undefeated" is the new hit, in my opinion and a personal favorite). Basically, it is DEF LEPPARD'sfirst ever official live album. You could say that it is more of agreatest hits disc with most of the band's records being covered, like "High 'n Dry", "Pyromania", "Hysteria", "Adrenalize" and songs From the "Sparkle Lounge". It was a pity though when I realized that albums such as 1979′s "On Through The Night", "Slang", "Euphoria", and "X" are left out.It would have been nice to have their wholehistory of 30 years represented in a way but...

Nevertheless, it's nice to get an excellent live release such as this from one of the major 80s groups. Crystal clear and powerful sound, good production, floods of energy from the vibrant crowd that are captured in this recording, a carefully selected track list and of course a magnificent performance by the British veterans. But as they say, every rose has its thorn. Something that really messed me up is the studio track "Kings of the World". It's supposed to be a tribute song to "Queen" but to me it kind of sounded like a really lame copy , a wanna-be "Bohemian Rhapsody" , with no nerve and a great dose of sleepy feeling. Sorry guys but that was not my cup of tea.

Apart from the above mentioned minor "default" and without wanting me topettifog about trivialities, I consider this record to be a great package for diehard fans and newbies too. The band, following the example of JOURNEY, KISS, FOREIGNER and AC/DC, have decided "Mirror Ball" to be exclusively released through the retail giant Wal-Mart. The price is way too low (under $12) and some extras are provided also. Unfortunately, this is just in the United States and not for us poor fellas in Europe.