Doný you love a decent live album? Where you hear the crowd go crazy. Where there is time and space for some different arrangements, or just where it is a proper list of greatest hits? I’m sure I do, therefore today I’m sharing my Top10 favorite live albums.
1. Pink Floyd: Delicate Sound of Thunder (1988)
Ever since I first heard this album I made copies and it has always been with me while on the road. The first years still with my parents (my dad loves Pink Floyd as well). As soon as I had my driving license and made a CD wallet to have always with me.
Some people prefer Pink Floyd’s Pulse album as their favorite, for me it is this one. Love the version of Shine On Your Crazy Diamond.
2. Dire Straits: Alchemy (1984)
In 1985 my parents bought a new stereo. This time including a cd player. The first CD we got was Dire Straits’ Brothers in Arms, in my opinion their best studio album. Shortly after I discovered this live CD from a year earlier. Just like Pink Floyd’s Delicate Sound of Thunder, this one has never left the cd wallet or car again. My favorite tracks on this one are Private Investigations and Going Home (Theme from Local Hero).
3. Jason Mraz: Beautiful Mess – Live On Earth (2009)
This guy is so incredibly talented. When you watch him play, he makes it seem so easy. Great feelgood album. If you like Jason Mraz, check this show too. I live recording of a show in someone’s backyard.
4. Simon & Garfunkel: The Concert in Central Park (1982)
I have never been to New York, it is still on my to do list. But a live concert in Central Park from Simon & Garfunkel seemed a good reason to go there. So did 500.000 people back in 1981. Proceeds went toward the redevelopment and maintenance of the park, which had deteriorated due to lack of municipal funding.
5. Nirvana – MTV Unplugged In New York (1993)
In a break with MTV Unplugged tradition, Nirvana played mainly lesser-known material and covers of songs by the Vaselines, David Bowie, Lead Belly and Meat Puppets. Unlike prior MTV Unplugged performances, which were entirely acoustic, Nirvana used electric amplification and guitar effects during the set. They were joined by rhythm guitarist Pat Smear and cellist Lori Goldston, alongside Meat Puppets members Cris and Curt Kirkwood for some songs. Recorded at November 1st 1993, just 5 months before Kurt’s suicide.
6. Doe Maar: Het afscheidsconcert (farewell concert) (1984)
First Dutch band in this list, and these guys are also singing in Dutch. At that time by far the biggest band in The Netherlands. Have seen them a couple of times during the various reunion tours, but this recording from their farewell concert is one of my favorites.
7. De Dijk: Live (1990)
This band cannot miss in this list. One of the most succesfull band in Dutch history. Last year they stopped due to health issues from singer Huub van der Lubbe. The band has been together for 41 years. In the early ’90s I used to see them twice a year in famy favorite local club De Waakzaamheid. Unfortunately there is no video footage from this show.
8. The Orb: Orb Live 93 (1993)
As already mentioned in other lists, I have been a huge Orb fan for quite some time. In 1993 they came with their first live album. Live 93 is a collection of highlights from The Orb’s 1993 performances in Europe and Asia.
9. George Michael And Queen With Lisa Stansfield – Five Live (1993)
Just because of the brilliant version of Killer/Papa was a Rolling Stone.
10. Racoon: Live At HMH, Amsterdam – Theatre Show 2016
Finishing this list with another Dutch band, although these guys are singing in English. Video below is footage from the same tour.
Ik kom niet eens aan 10 live albums.