Johnny Winter And Live: amazing stuff, The Who Live at Leeds: A real blast and intoxicating, The Allman Bro.s Band at the Filmore East: Awe inspiring rock and roll. Abso**ckinglutly!!!
But when I want to be transported to a different place there is only one live rock album for me: Jimi Hendrix's Band of Gypsys (the original on Capital), tight, powerful & soulful with a guitar player that's just on a different level. It still give me goose bumps to this day after nearly 35 years, now for me thats the real deal. (sonics could be better, but that could be said for a lot of the personal picks here)
IMHO |
Surfgod ...
Had the pleasure of seeing RT open for Crowded House at Carnegie Hall in 1991. At about the same time, he became part of a touring group of singer/songwriters put together by WNEW/WFUV DJ, Vin Scelsa. They toured under the program name of "In Your Own Words" and played the Bottom Line several times. I saw him in the round with Shawn Colvin; Barrett Strong (Temptaions' songwriter ... he wrote "My Girl," etc.); and Dave Alvin. I was also fortunate to have a table butted against the center of the stage when RT played the Bottom Line solo and he premiered "1952 Vincent Black Lightening."
Regards, Rich |
Hey Boa2
Best place I saw RT is in NYC, we have a 170 yr old cathederal named St Ann. They put on a few limited shows and the acoustics were amazing. Hoped you enjoyed the 1,000 yrs show. If you can get a hold of Rts' bootlegs he has a double album called Columbia Gold. If you liked two letter words you will love this one. it was made in Italy which makes excellent boots ( something about the copyright laws ) and its a soundboard recording. Hope you can find it. |
Not even close. Johnny Winter AND Live. The first 10 seconds of Jumping Jack Flash is ALL I need to hear and you know what the rest of the recording is going to be like. Nothing gets me going like that. There is more energy on that one song than what most bands put on 10 cd's. It just doesn't get any better than that for live music. |
Best Live is Gato Barbierri. I lost the album, but it's something like Live at Montreaux, recorded in the 70s. The audience waited until 2:00 am to hear his band/orchestra from Argentina. Most of the band did not make the flight, so half the musicians on the stage are from various groups. You can hear Gato's percussionist and his pianist running around the stage directing the musicians when to change tempo, etc. It is very visceral and extremely exciting (to my ears and soul). Gato is a man possessed. He sounds like he is bending the sax and forcing his will upon it. He, sort of like Django (I say sort of because Django was always in full control), is in a trance, subhuman and just plays without restraint. Total wild-freedom, reaching for estatic release. I would love to get a recording of this if anyone has it.
Finally, I hate his later 80s crap. Nothing but puppy "salsa". Maybe he did blow his soul out that night in France? |
Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE on DVD is STUNNING!!! I would have said Eva Cassidy before hearing SMiLE. |
Yes: Yessongs. While the quality of the original recording was not very good, the sheer artistry, innovation, and talent of the group individually and collectively is unmistakable. I've listened to it hundreds of times over the years. If you can get a good remaster, like progressive rock, and have never heard it before, you owe it to yourself to give Yessongs a long listen. |
Consider picking up RT's Live in Providence DVD.......of which I was at that show. |
I'll definitely pick that up as well, Linkster. Can't wait to see RT...again. He is so good in concert. |
The "1,000 Years of Popular Music" live CD will be available at his shows so you should pick that one up as well. $25 at the show due to no RT original compositions. |
I'll definitely pick up the live RT album. And thanks to your recommendation, I just looked at his site, and found out that he is touring a show called "1000 years of music", and he will be here (Sacramento) in February. He is playing at a 300-seat theater! |
I second the Richard Thompson release which is a 2-disc set. It is a long term reference of mine. It was recorded during the 1994 tour (band included Danny Thompson, Dave Mattacks and Pete Zorn) and released on a private label in 1996. I think you can order it through RT's website. None of the private label stuff released since this recording comes close sonically. |
Leonard Cohen Live
If you like his music, this is also a great disc.
I'll have to get the Richard Thompson. I'm a big fan of his, and I'm surprised I've never heard that recording. Thanks for the recommendation, Surfgod.
Hey, I thought my brother was the Surfgod! He's got about ten boards, and surfing on the brain.
All the best,
Howard |
Hi Boa2
Another live CD that puts magic in a dull digital world is Richard Thompsons' two letter words live 1994. The engineer gets the vocals right along with a beautiful acoustic guitar. I have the Neil Young Unplugged and that also is fine, BUT I think nothing beats the Alice In Chains Unplugged. Will look for your recomendations.
Thanks |
You know, Surfgod, I didn't much care for live CD's until
1) we put together our SET/horn system; and
2) I heard that Alice in Chains--Unplugged
I also really enjoy the Neil Young Unplugged CD as well. And the other one that has scary live presence:
Caetano Veloso--Fina Estampa
And I can't fail to mention: I just bought the remastered version of Bob Marley Live, and about every three seconds I get the chills running down my spine. I'm convinced that man is still alive! |
George Gobel "In Person At The Sands". |
J Geils Full House is pretty good... |
A second for Alice In Chains
I agree 100% with Boa2 this CD has an incrediable real presence in your system. If you forget about the two dimensionality this recording surpasses some good vinyl recordings. |
Some great one listed above.
The best I've heard this year:
JESSICA WILLIAMS LIVE AT YOSHIÂS |
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"Old and In the Way," a classic live bluegrass concert by Jerry Garcia, David Grisman, Peter Rowan, Vassar Clements, and John Kahn, at the Boarding House, San Francisco, Oct. 8, 1973. |
Little Feat- Waiting for Columbus
Dimeola et al-Friday Night in San Francisco
Yes- Yessongs
David Bowie- Live in Philadelphia: a young David Sanborn on sax
Lou Reed- Rock and Roll Animal
Rare Earth Live- a blast from the past
Sarah McLaughlin live- her voice will make your spine tingle
Dixie Dregs- California Screaming. Steve Morse is one of the best guitar players period.
Widespread Panic- Light Fuse.... |
great responses by some; i agree and append:
allmans: fillmore east
grateful dead: live dead
who: live at leeds (my personal favorite)
led zeppelin: how the west was won (if you don't have this, get it---its easily their best record!)
zappa: best band you've never heard in your life
sinatra: live in paris 65 (much better than the sands record)
rhyno |
Skynard- One more from the road. J. Geils Band- Blow your face out. |
Another vote for Friday Night in San Fransisco ! |
Try "Live Dead" by the Grateful Dead. Of course, they and Jerry Garcia have so many live recordings. But this is a good one to start with... |
I haven't heard the remastered version, but Bob Marley's Babylon by Bus is a pretty strong recording. I'm not an avid reggae fan, but this live recording is one of my favorites. |
Alice in Chains--Unplugged (A surprisingly good reference CD)
Tony Williams in Tokyo |
While not a huge Eagles fan, Hell Freezes Over has got to rank up there as one of the best live albums. |
Johnney Winter and Live gets my vote too! |
The Who Live at Leeds is the ne ultra plus of "live" rock and roll recordings of all time. Great sounding recording that really captures the sound and fury of the greatest rock and roll band that ever assaulted an audience with killer decibels, "stick it to the man" attitude, and great chops on top of all that. Sure, I'm biased. I've been a fan since seeing them live at the Fillmore West in 1969. But you certainly won't go wrong adding this one to your collection if you love rock and roll. |
Friday Night In San Francisco, by Al Dimeola, John McLaughlin, & Paco Delucia. |
Eva Cassiday, Live At Blues Alley |
the best album ever heard is "Vortex" by Eddie Palmieri |
for pure sound quality combined with performance magic the two that stand out to me are the 45rpm Classic Records reissue box sets of "Belefonte live at Carnigie Hall" and "the Weavers, 1963 Reunion". these are not rock and roll but will simply grab you and pull you completely into the performances.....almost unreal. if you are looking for the perfect recordings these just may be it.
next best would be my mint Nautilus half-speed of "The Allman Brothers, Live At The Filmore East".......totally great music but not at the magical sound quality of the other 2. |
I'll go for Jimi Hendrix, Live at Winterland, first cd I ever bought and still spinning..... |
Ten Years After , Recorded Live . |
Hbarrel: I saw Heart when they were the "house band" at a bar in Seattle. They had excellent sound and could really move an audiance.
Two LP's stand out in my listening experience for great sound from a live recording; David Bowie Live at the Tower in Philly (double album), and The Guess Who Live (I don't know if that is the correct title, the album was "borrowed"), that has an extended version of "American Woman" revealing a truely political and nasty side of the band. I love them both. |
Heart - "The Road Home" It might suprise you. Produced by John Paul Jones |
Anybody mention The Cowboy Junkies "Trinity Sessions?" Tecnically there was no real audience but the whole thing was recorded live in a church and it sounds great. I still use both the CD and the LP when checking out a new piece of gear. I don't know that it would have any real historical value like some of the other "live" albums but it is a fun listen! |
Definitely some of the above mentioned albums bring back great memories! Most notably Allman Brothers: Fillmore East, Brand X: Livestock, Ellington at Newport.
Also, I know this doesn't count because its a bootleg tape,
but I used to love listening to the famous "Roscoe Pavillion" Grateful Dead tape. Does anyone know if that material is available on vynyl or cd now?
Final Vote however still goes to Gentle Giant Playing the Fool :) |
Johnny Winter And Live is the best Trich727 you are right.
Also thank you to Elgordo for Bravo Brubeck, the day I read this post I was at the music store and found Bravo Brubeck (vinyl used $3) and it is really tasty (I am listening now) Good Call! |
In addition to some of the above:
Lou Reed Rock N' Roll Animal - Great blazing guitars. A great opening blast of twin guitars. Live, decadent, fantastic.
Jackson Browne - Running On Empty - Drums mixed second to Jackson's voice. All new material on a live album. David Lindley on board so great instrumentals and a great band.
Guns N Roses - GNR Live - I am not a big GNR fan but this has great sound and I finally understand why the band was so popular.
The Band - Rock of Ages Live on New Year's Eve. The first reissue on CD sucked. 3 horns including tuba player joining them. Allen Toussaint did the horns. Great version of chest fever. The LP was magical, can't speak as to any reissues since then.
Genesis 1967 - 1975 Boxed Set with Lamb performed live on 2 cd's and also some earlier performances. Accomplished musicianship at the top of their game. Right before Gabriel left the band.
I am sure I will think of more, but this is a start. |
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Oh come on, this is an easy question:
Gentle Giant: Official live Playing the Fool
I have to admit I was a bit irritated when I saw Shudson653 beat me to the answer!!!! |
Peter GabrielÂs Secret World Live. Great performance and very dynamic recording.
I agree with all those folks who think Little FeatÂs Waiting for Columbus is an outstanding performance. I seem to remember reading about that album on Little Feats official web page. It seems Lowell George over dubbed some of the songs. ThatÂs way the album never was nominated for a Grammy in the Live Performance category. |
Hawkwind... oh my does that name bring back memories. Saw them in some small hall (Cleveland, Ohio) circa maybe 1973 |
I'll give you three great ones, Edgar Winter- Roadwork , Gov't Mule- Live with a little help from our friends, and Lonnie Mack Live!- Attack of the killer V. TG |
Aroc - you are not alone (thank goodness - I was more than sure I was). I was going to write this, but the voice of hard music here falls on such dead ears, I had given up. So now, with gladness, here are my picks:
Destruction - Live Without Sense (a thrash epiphany)
Venom - Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (one of the best ever)
Hawkwind - Space Ritual (space rock's gibraltar)
Feel free to email me anytime. This hobby is so full of people who say: "I used to be into hard music until my system got really good, then my horizons started expanding and I lost my taste for hard music." As Manowar says, "Stripes on a tiger don't wash away." My horizons aren't so narrow that I don't branch out, but I listen to what I like, which in my case doesn't even include Gorguts (although I've heard OF them, I've never actually HEARD them). I was a metal DJ from '91-'93, and they were a little after my time I think.
For everyone else - if your horizons expanded, and you stopped listening to other types of music, that is understandable (AND COMMON!), and that is the case for many people. But for some people, credibility is more important than individuality. I've seen alot of people drinking up "flavor of the day" Stereophile recommendations and so on, just to seem "hip", or "in the know". I have talked with young audiophiles before and asked them what type of music they listen to, and they rattle off a few predictable Stereophile flogs like Patricia Barber and Diana Krall, but after I get to know them a bit, their faves are actually modern hard music (Tool, NIN etc.) Once I told them I like the same kind of music, they dropped the smokescreen. Paul Klipsch had a word that would fit here. If you feel safer in a crowd, so be it, but remember that you can be your own person - music is the LAST place you should feel you have to fit in.
Peace, |
Jethro Tull "Bursting Out." Maybe because I saw them live twice on this tour but for me it brings back the memories of show I attended. What more can you ask from a live album. |
