Best live Rock albums
February 20th 2011 02:23
I was asked recently what my favorite live rock albums of all time are. Several come to mind, but the following randomly ordered list would have to be my top 10 picks from my own collection.
Nirvana, Unplugged in New York. I remember watching this live on MTV. From all the times I'd gone to Nirvana shows, I'd never experienced a concert like this. Kurt Cobain showcased a presence -- almost a quiet innocence -- that will forever linger in my mind. This live Nirvana album released in 1994 features many of their most popular songs such as "All Apologies, Come as You Are, On a Plain, Lake of Fire and Plateau."
Johnny Cash, At Folsom Prison. For any fan of Johnny Cash, this is a must-have live album. Recorded at California's infamous Folsom Prison in 1968, Cash captivated his audience and gave them quite possibly, the best experience of their lives. Cash gave his all for this concert and it can be heard throughout the album. Performing with Cash was June Carter, his wife-to-be, Carl Perkins and the Tennessee Three.
Cheap Trick, Live at Budokan. I recall buying this live album when I was a young girl. Cheap Trick was one of my favorite bands growing up and this album is still one of their best ever recorded. Live at Budokan ranked #13 on the Billboard Charts in 1979 and sold more than 30-million copies worldwide.
KISS, Alive!. Who could forget this two-record set, released as KISS' fourth album in 1975. KISS was my favorite band and I've been fortunate enough to collect each of their albums/CDs throughout their 35 year career. Alive! showcased hit songs like "Strutter, Firehouse, Hotter Than Hell and Rock and Roll All Nite."
Led Zeppelin, How the West Was Won. This three-CD and audio DVD collection wasn't released until 2003, but was initially recorded in 1972 from the band's performances at the L.A. Forum and Long Beach Arena. Q Magazine listed the CD collection as one of the "10 Live Albums You Must Own." Live versions of the following songs are available: "Going to California, Stairway to Heaven, Immigrant Song, Whole Lotta Love and Rock and Roll."
Queen, Live At Wembley '86. One of the best compilations ever made of Queen's music, Live at Wembley was released in 1992. This two-disc album showcased some of their most amazing songs like "I Want to Break Free, Another One Bites the Dust, Who Wants to Live Forever and Bohemian Rhapsody." A DVD of the live concert was also released in 2003.
The Doors, Absolutely Live. This live album was recorded from various shows performed in 1970. What's interesting is that many of the songs are not full recordings from one show or another. According to The Doors producer Paul Rothchild, the best parts of songs were spliced together, creating the best sounding album possible.
The Beatles, Live At The Hollywood Bowl. This two-disc live album features recordings from two Beatles performances at the Hollywood Bowl in August 1964 and 1965. Capitol Records released the album in 1977 to North America and the United Kingdom. Songs available include "Help!, All My Loving, Twist and Shout, Can't Buy Me Love and Ticket to Ride."
Lynyrd Skynryd, One More For The Road. This was the only live album released prior to Ronnie Van Zandt's death in 1977. The album was released as a double LP, with only three to four songs on each side. Available music on this live album ranges from the bands early years of 1970 to 1977.
The Who, Live At Leeds. This was The Who's first live album, released in 1970. In 2005, it was listed as one of Rolling Stone Magazine's "500 Greatest Albums of All Time." Since 1970, this album has been remastered and re-released three more times to include several more songs and live performances.
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Nirvana, Unplugged in New York. I remember watching this live on MTV. From all the times I'd gone to Nirvana shows, I'd never experienced a concert like this. Kurt Cobain showcased a presence -- almost a quiet innocence -- that will forever linger in my mind. This live Nirvana album released in 1994 features many of their most popular songs such as "All Apologies, Come as You Are, On a Plain, Lake of Fire and Plateau."
Johnny Cash, At Folsom Prison. For any fan of Johnny Cash, this is a must-have live album. Recorded at California's infamous Folsom Prison in 1968, Cash captivated his audience and gave them quite possibly, the best experience of their lives. Cash gave his all for this concert and it can be heard throughout the album. Performing with Cash was June Carter, his wife-to-be, Carl Perkins and the Tennessee Three.
Cheap Trick, Live at Budokan. I recall buying this live album when I was a young girl. Cheap Trick was one of my favorite bands growing up and this album is still one of their best ever recorded. Live at Budokan ranked #13 on the Billboard Charts in 1979 and sold more than 30-million copies worldwide.
KISS, Alive!. Who could forget this two-record set, released as KISS' fourth album in 1975. KISS was my favorite band and I've been fortunate enough to collect each of their albums/CDs throughout their 35 year career. Alive! showcased hit songs like "Strutter, Firehouse, Hotter Than Hell and Rock and Roll All Nite."
Led Zeppelin, How the West Was Won. This three-CD and audio DVD collection wasn't released until 2003, but was initially recorded in 1972 from the band's performances at the L.A. Forum and Long Beach Arena. Q Magazine listed the CD collection as one of the "10 Live Albums You Must Own." Live versions of the following songs are available: "Going to California, Stairway to Heaven, Immigrant Song, Whole Lotta Love and Rock and Roll."
Queen, Live At Wembley '86. One of the best compilations ever made of Queen's music, Live at Wembley was released in 1992. This two-disc album showcased some of their most amazing songs like "I Want to Break Free, Another One Bites the Dust, Who Wants to Live Forever and Bohemian Rhapsody." A DVD of the live concert was also released in 2003.
The Doors, Absolutely Live. This live album was recorded from various shows performed in 1970. What's interesting is that many of the songs are not full recordings from one show or another. According to The Doors producer Paul Rothchild, the best parts of songs were spliced together, creating the best sounding album possible.
The Beatles, Live At The Hollywood Bowl. This two-disc live album features recordings from two Beatles performances at the Hollywood Bowl in August 1964 and 1965. Capitol Records released the album in 1977 to North America and the United Kingdom. Songs available include "Help!, All My Loving, Twist and Shout, Can't Buy Me Love and Ticket to Ride."
Lynyrd Skynryd, One More For The Road. This was the only live album released prior to Ronnie Van Zandt's death in 1977. The album was released as a double LP, with only three to four songs on each side. Available music on this live album ranges from the bands early years of 1970 to 1977.
The Who, Live At Leeds. This was The Who's first live album, released in 1970. In 2005, it was listed as one of Rolling Stone Magazine's "500 Greatest Albums of All Time." Since 1970, this album has been remastered and re-released three more times to include several more songs and live performances.
Enjoy this article? You can receive email alerts when a new article is posted. Just click the 'Subscribe' button at the top of the page. Also, feel free to follow me on Twitter, connect with me on Facebook or visit my primary website. Thanks for reading!
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