Well this was quite a find for 'Don Dokken', a tasty live release from '81, which not only includes some of the best tracks from 'Breaking the Chains' but three previously unreleased songs to boot. The performances are raw yet tight and the album is surprisingly blessed with an excellent production, that far and away surpasses 'Japan Live '95'. The liner notes state that 'Jeff Pilson' is playing bass on this release, but I don't buy this, he didn't join the band until '82, so how can he play on a '81 release? it's more likely to be earlier bassist 'Juan Croucier' with whom they recorded 'Breaking the Chains'.

Opening in splendid fashion is the riff driven 'Paris' (later renamed 'Paris is Burning') and as with later renditions does not disappoint, 'Don's' vocals are very crisp, not only here but on the whole recording, combine this with flashes of 'George' Lynch's' early genius and it's a great start. The previously unreleased 'Goin Down' ensues and like all the 'new' tracks could have easily made it onto 'Breaking the Chains', this has a carefree almost 'Mötley Crüe' feel, lyrically it's not one of their finest, but the ebbing rhythm is very catchy and all told good stuff. The tempo falls for 'In the Middle', a more grooving mid-tempo affair, although a tad lacklustre in places as is the studio counterpart, can be forgiven by the solid chorus and strong fret work. Even more appealing is an energetic run-through of 'Young girls', admittedly the lyrics are fairly forgettable, but this is undeniably catchy, while 'Hit and Run' is another unreleased gem, this is probably the best of them all, at times it has a slight 'Thin Lizzy' approach and features a flawless vocal display from 'Don'. Ensuing in glorious form is an extended rendition of 'Night Rider', which includes a superbly executed instrumental break and plenty of 'Don' lead audience participation. It's 'George Lynch's' turn to take centre stage with a blazing master class in fret, admittedly it doesn't surpass 'Mr. Scary', but there are comparable elements, especially in the way he works the scales. Next up is a brisk working of 'Live to Rock', personally I found the studio counterpart a little pedestrian, but this benefits from an injection of urgency and an overall heavier, more guitar influenced approach. The old favourite 'Breaking the Chains' follows and as with most live versions of this song, differs very little from the studio version, while the final encore track 'Liar' is a short energetic rocker, which highlights the early vocal talents of 'Don'.

I'm impressed with this early live release, I must admit I was expecting some ropy early recordings not too dissimilar from 'Japan Live '95', but this is a must for all 'Dokken' fans, especially with the three excellent previously unreleased tracks!