THE GREATEST
LIVE ALBUMS OF
ROCK AND ROLL
(Pt. II)
In Part One of this
series, I revealed
and examined rock's
greatest double live
albums. Today I'll
be revisiting the best
single live records.
Enjoy!
________________________
10.
NIRVANA
(1994)
Taped in late 1993, this 14-song
set was released only six months
following the April 1994 death of
founding frontman Kurt Cobain.
Combining many well-known band
staples with several compelling
cover tunes, it has sold over six
million copies worldwide and
remains arguably the best of
the MTV UNPLUGGED series.
million copies worldwide and
remains arguably the best of
the MTV UNPLUGGED series.
9. THE
BLUES BROTHERS
(1978)
The brainchild of SNL's Dan
Aykroyd and John Belushi, the
record featured such legendary
musicians as Steve Cropper,
Donald "Duck" Dunn, and
Matt "Guitar" Murphy. This
chart-topping album intro-
duced authentic blues and R&B
to a new generation of fans.
8.
JUDAS PRIEST
(1979)
Hot, up-and-coming
'70s rock band? Check.
'70s rock band? Check.
Live album? Check.
Recorded in Japan? Check.
Simply put — this is
Judas Priest's finest moment.
7.
MOTORHEAD
(1988)
From the opening track,
"Doctor Rock," to "Dogs,"
"Traitor," "Deaf Forever"
and "Killed by Death,"
this iconic record is
"Doctor Rock," to "Dogs,"
"Traitor," "Deaf Forever"
and "Killed by Death,"
this iconic record is
packed with heartfelt,
timeless treasures, including
the chart-busting "Ace of
Spades" and "Eat the Rich."
Features the golden era line-
up of Lemmy, Phil Campbell,
Würzel and "Philthy" Phil.
timeless treasures, including
the chart-busting "Ace of
Spades" and "Eat the Rich."
Features the golden era line-
up of Lemmy, Phil Campbell,
Würzel and "Philthy" Phil.
6.
THE
RUNAWAYS
RUNAWAYS
(1977)
Often imitated, never
duplicated, The Runaways
was the first all-girl band
that truly competed with
the boys — delivering
no-holds-barred rock and
roll. Years ahead of their
time, Cherie, Joan, Lita,
Sandy and Jackie never
roll. Years ahead of their
time, Cherie, Joan, Lita,
Sandy and Jackie never
achieved the collective
recognition that they de-
served. However, this
down and dirty record has
stood up nicely since its
1977 release and remains
a magnificent snapshot
of a superb band live on
stage, while in its prime.
Highlights include "Queens
of Noise," "Neon Angels on
the Road to Ruin," "C'mon"
and Lou Reed's classic,
"Rock and Roll."
recognition that they de-
served. However, this
down and dirty record has
stood up nicely since its
1977 release and remains
a magnificent snapshot
of a superb band live on
stage, while in its prime.
Highlights include "Queens
of Noise," "Neon Angels on
the Road to Ruin," "C'mon"
and Lou Reed's classic,
"Rock and Roll."
5.
FRANK MARINO &
MAHAGONY RUSH
(1978)
Re-channeling the spirit of
electrified blues-based an-
thems, it's a bona fide gem.
thems, it's a bona fide gem.
I'm a king bee, baby.
Dig it!
4.
THE WHO
(1970)
Clocking in at a mere 35 min-
utes, "Leeds" has long been
regarded by critics as rock's
all-time greatest live record.
40+ years later, it still shines
in all of its unbridled, blistering
beauty. Highlights include
"Young Man Blues" and
utes, "Leeds" has long been
regarded by critics as rock's
all-time greatest live record.
40+ years later, it still shines
in all of its unbridled, blistering
beauty. Highlights include
"Young Man Blues" and
"Summertime Blues."
3.FOGHAT
(1977)
Foghat was, as they say, the
"whole enchilada." They had
"whole enchilada." They had
fabulous mustaches, cool riffs
and — great songs. Upon its
release, three of the record's
six tunes ("Slow Ride," "I Just
Wanna Make Love to You,"
"Fool for the City") already
had become FM staples. How-
and — great songs. Upon its
release, three of the record's
six tunes ("Slow Ride," "I Just
Wanna Make Love to You,"
"Fool for the City") already
had become FM staples. How-
ever, the true magic here can
best be summed up in just
two words: "Honey Hush!"
best be summed up in just
two words: "Honey Hush!"
2.
CHEAP TRICK
(1979)
The album that wasn't even
intended to be released in
America made this Illinois-
based power-pop group an
overnight international sen-
sation. Boasting the Top 40
hits, "Surrender," "Ain't That
intended to be released in
America made this Illinois-
based power-pop group an
overnight international sen-
sation. Boasting the Top 40
hits, "Surrender," "Ain't That
a Shame" and the iconic "I
Want You to Want Me," the
Want You to Want Me," the
album remains as fresh as
ever and will never lose
its charm and luster.
ever and will never lose
its charm and luster.
1.
PAT TRAVERS
BAND
(1979)
Ello music lovers. Now,
here's to kick your ass —
here's to kick your ass —
The Pat Travers Band!
Fueled by a lethal mixture
of vintage blues and modern
hard rock, this eight-song set
is simply the most exciting,
turbo-charged live album
ever! Boom Boom, indeed.
ever! Boom Boom, indeed.
HONORABLE MENTION
Sammy Hagar - All Night Long
Rick Derringer - Derringer Live
Johnny Winter - Captured Live
_______________________________________________________________________
I received a personal email yesterday from a well-known rock critic who voiced his lack of enthusiasm for this series — and I couldn't have been more pleased by his disapproval. Feel free to offer your personal comments below. In Part III, I will be revisiting some of the biggest "stinkers" and "sleepers" of the live album genre — stand by!
-Christopher Long
(May 2014)
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