By
George Dionne,
Podcaster
Tuesday, July 18, 2023 @ 10:15 AM
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Y & T Yesterday and Today Live
Metal Blade Records
www.yandtrocks.com
The year was 1990. Y & T had just released their tenth studio album, appropriately titled Ten, but as the lead track of the album projected, the Oakland, California Hard Rock act was going through some "Hard Times". Label issues, a changing music landscape, and band members' firings led to frontman Dave Meniketti deciding to pull the plug on the band.
Rather than disappear and soon be forgotten, Y & T decided to put on one hell of a celebration and ride into the sunset on their terms. Yesterday and Today Live marks the "final" performances of Y & T, and highlights a seven show run in their home state of California.
Originally released in 1991, Yesterday and Today Live (Expanded Edition) has recently been re-released by Metal Blade Records on various multi-colored vinyl, double CD, and digital streaming. The expanded edition features two live performances left off the original release, "Earth Shaker" and "Rescue Me".
"Mean Streak" kicks off the set full of piss and vinegar. The band is on point, and vocalist Dave Meniketti is at his peak. "Hurricane" keeps the energy at optimum levels. "Don't Stop Running" is instantly burned into your consciousness with its addictive chorus. Y & T is on their vocal harmony game here.
"Struck Down" goes way back to 1977, but seems as fresh as the band's latter material. I don't think it was a popular track for the band, but its blues influence and gritty delivery packs quite the punch. "Winds of Change" slows things down a bit, but Meniketti's soulful tones keep the listener zeroed in.
"Black Tiger" is almost a must in the Y & T set, edgy and powerful. "Midnight in Tokyo" is high on melody and emotion. "Hard Times" should have been swapped out for "Don't Be Afraid of The Dark", as that song was the centerpiece of the Ten album in my opinion. Still a great performance. Meniketti puts his bluesy guitar chops on full display with "I'll Cry". This was a much better option than the obligatory indulgent guitar solo break most bands take.
"I Believe in You" builds slowly to an intense chorus. Longtime bassist Phil Kennemore takes over on vocals for "Squeeze" and commands the crowd with ease. Y & T closes the set with a 7 minute bang-up version of "Forever" that leaves the crowd in a frenzy. Bonus tracks "Earth Shaker" and "Rescue Me" are right on par quality-wise with the original set.
Yesterday and Today Live is a bittersweet conclusion to a band that should have gone to greater heights during the time period this set list represents. Yesterday and Today Live is much better than any greatest hits compilation that the band could have put together. The live energy, power, and mastery of Y & T simply cannot be matched in the studio. I have the vinyl version of this re-release and the sound quality is impeccable.
The band's break-up lasted less than two years before they were back to recording and performing live again. There have been some stops and starts along the way, but frontman Dave Meniketti is still keeping the band alive and well, and performing nearly identical to his younger self. Recently deemed in remission from prostate cancer, catch Meniketti and Y & T on the road in 2023.
"Black Tiger" is almost a must in the Y & T set, edgy and powerful. "Midnight in Tokyo" is high on melody and emotion. "Hard Times" should have been swapped out for "Don't Be Afraid of The Dark", as that song was the centerpiece of the Ten album in my opinion. Still a great performance. Meniketti puts his bluesy guitar chops on full display with "I'll Cry". This was a much better option than the obligatory indulgent guitar solo break most bands take.