'Double Trouble' marks the fourth album in for 'Gillan' and amazingly his second release in '81, the format for the album is unusual, in that the first half is studio material, while the second is live tracks mostly taken from the 1981 Reading Festival. Regrettably distinctive guitarist 'Bertie Tormé' is no longer onboard, being replaced by future 'Maiden' man 'Janick Gers', personally I don't think he betters the unique style of 'Tormé', whose contribution to the songwriting is in my opinion missing.

The gritty opener 'I'll Rip Your Spine Out' commences in solid style, 'Janick Gers' gets in some decent hooks, while 'Ian Gillan' is on top form, the song seem to loose a little focus towards the end, but still a good cut. The more classic 'Gillan' sound is present on the carefree yet lively rocker 'Restless', a simplistic but enjoyable track, complete with a strong chorus that's superbly executed. The more rowdy 'Men of War' ensues, a pretty uneven affair, 'Ian Gillan' sounds stunning, but the tempo changes don't feel right and ultimately too inconsistent to make a lasting mark. Much better is the more melodic 'Sun Beam', which emphasises a strange but addictive progressive sound, the instrumental work is splendid, while the penmanship is them at their best. Next up is the 'Colin Towns' penned 'Nightmare', the slightly more commercial feel can easily be overlooked for a simple but very effectively constructed track, the repetitive chorus is just great and 'Ian' gets in a superb scream towards the end. Not in the same league is the pretty awful 'Hadley Bop Bop', lyrically it just hits rock bottom and despite some fine pulsating rhythm work, is ultimately disappointing. Also just missing the mark is the somewhat laboured 'Life Goes On', 'Ian Gillan' turns in another splendid performance and is well supported, but the song feels too disjointed to really make the impact. The first half closes with the epic 'Born to Kill', which features a classic 'Colin Towns' keyboard driven intro, the songs further develops into a powerful yet intricate plodder, with plenty of pace changes, while the penmanship is excellent throughout.

The second half opens with the splendid comical rocker 'No Laughing in Heaven' from 'Future Shock', immediately it's apparent that the production isn't first-rate, but all told it's far from poor especially for '81, the song itself is a very good rendition, lively with fine instrumentation. An extended working of 'No Easy Way' ensues, personally this more jazzy version doesn't better the original from 'Glory Road' in my view and ultimately begins to drag. Into more Bluesy territory is a cover of 'Trouble', 'Ian' really gives it 100% on the vocals and is well supported, not totally sure the song suits the band particularly. Better still is the fantastically penned 'Mutually Assured Destruction', 'Ian's' intro speech to the crowd is a nice touch, while the song is superbly accomplished. 'If you Believe Me' follows, personally I never liked the studio version and am surprised they selected this to play live, far too listless. The album goes out on a high with 'New Orleans', not totally bowled over by the bass driven intro, but it's definitely a brisk, energetic rendition complete with great vocals and nice audience participation.

This is an interesting and worthwhile package, personally I think the studio work is just slightly below par and the production of the live material could be better, but that said 'Gillan' fans will still want a copy.