Share your favorite live records with us!
Here are some questions for discussion:
What performances really stand out for you? What is unique about the way the band performs live? What draws you to the live performance? Do you prefer a live version of a song over the recording? Why?
Talking Heads - Stop Making Sense. David Byrne’s performance is captivating. I’ve probably watched the video a hundred times and listened to the album countless times. Every song is better than the studio version
Probably a three way tie among:
Nirvana - MTV Unplugged in New York
Portishead - Roseland NYC Live
Dave Matthews Band - The Central Park Concert
I also have a soft spot for The Complete Monterey Pop Festival
Kurt’s vocal on Where Did You Sleep Last Night is one of the most visceral things I’ve ever heard. Get that on through decent headphones and you’ll never listen to it the same way again. That breath he takes before the last lines is absolutely haunting.
Watch the video with headphones. His facial expressions match.
Nirvana’s Unplugged in New York album is, in my opinion, as close to perfect as it gets.
Mine is Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds Live at Radio City. Someone showed me that as an introduction to Dave Matthews and it was right when I was getting into playing guitar and I was awestruck! Watched the whole thing in one sitting and then learned several of the songs over the next few months.
To speak on the topic generally rather than answer the question specifically, I would say that almost every blues album is better live than studio recorded.
Heilung - LIFA. Their performances are rituals, and you can really feel the energy in the live version vs the studio version. A particularly good example is the LIFA version of Hamrer Hippyer vs the studio version from Furtha.
This is what I would have mentioned here, too. There is also an official full video of this show online. If you like this kind of music I really recommend going to a live concert if you have the possibility… It is just a whole new experience compared to watching/listening to the recording. For me it finally took the place of best show ever from Therion.
I saw heilung live for the first time this year and it was magical, I wonder if the album could do the experience justice.
Rush - Snakes and Arrows Live 2007. It was a perfect set list. Plus, the cinematography of the concert DVD was beautifully done.
Saw them at Sheffield on that tour. One of favourite gigs ever.
coldplay live in buenos aires 🔥
Sarah McLachlan - Mirrorball
I don’t know if it counts as a live album as such, because as far as I’m aware it was never released, but The Weakerthans - Live At The Burton Cummings Theatre is a wonderful show. I ripped the audio from it to put on my iPod, so technically it is a live album to me…
Edit: Totally counts, it’s available in all of the places…
I got into The Weakerthans within the last year or two as well. I listened to Propagandhi a lot as a teenager and never really followed what happened with John when he left. Teenage me would not have appreciated/enjoyed it probably, but adult me is loving it - and the live album is amazing!
It’s on Spotify! I love this album and The Weakerthans! Such a great band, hope they come back one day!
Huh, turns out it’s on Apple Music too! Guess it’s not a technical answer after all!
Oh man thanks for the link! I’ve only started listening to The Weakerthans in the past few years and will definitely be checking out this performance
Welcome to the Sad Dad club, where the music we enjoy is about feelings and missing cats. You’ll never be happy again, but you’ll love the music nonetheless!
Bjork - Vespertine Live
Every song seems like a slice of magic. It’s both perfect and naturally in-exact.
I absolutely adore U2’s Under A Blood Red Sky. U2 are my favorite band and I think I have other favorite live shows as bootlegs (Dublin 93!! Point Depot 89!!), but this is my favorite live official release. It is also my bucket list show. If I could go back in time, this is the concert I’d want to go to. Red Rocks is an incredible venue and the performance of The Electric Co. is, well, electric. Also “40”…just an incredible tune and the magic of hearing the audience chant “how long…” is spine tingling. Would have loved to be there.
I think one of my other favorites is Live After Death by Iron Maiden. They perform Flight of Icarus and Rime of the Ancient Mariner and it’s incredible. Also, Phantom of the Opera from the Hammersmith is included on this remaster and that’s in my top 5 Maiden songs.
Under A Blood Red Sky is the reason I added Red Rocks to my travel bucket list!
Simon and Garfunkel’s Concert in Central Park. I know Art was choking the whole time but it’s just a great album nonetheless. Definitely a concert I would time travel to attend.
oh this one’s in my soul
yeah good call
Can’t believe it hasn’t been said, Pink Floyd’s P.U.L S.E.
Had this on laser disc as a youth. Absolutely amazing video and audio presentation. https://youtu.be/HriYRoxWo1I
… Fuck I’m old
I’ve been looking for an HR copy of this and your telling me it’s just been sitting on YouTube? I’ve been using my old DVD
Tyler Childers Live on Red Barn Radio.
His music already has a lot of heart and emotion in the studio and it’s even better in these live recordings, also excellent set list.
