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Single favourite live concert album...?

post #1 of 30
Thread Starter 
Only one:
I have many favourite artists: Waits, Coltrane, Monk, Simone, Velvets, Zappa etc but I have to admit that the single most rewarding live recording album I listen to over and over, week in week out, is the double CD Van Morrison: A night In San Francisco. It satisfies on so many levels.
The original meaning of R'n'B, Rhythm and Blues is exemplified here. A double album concert including the wonderful artists Georgie Fame, Jimmie Witherspoon, Brian Kennedy, Ronnie Johnson, and a guest appearance from John Lee Hooker. Van is on top form employing the full range of his phrasings and vocal abilities; gutteral drawls, incantations, harmonic drones etc. (Even as an athiest I can overlook the tracks referencing the Lord, the spirit and all of that stuff.) The pure, joyous sounds and harmonies (especially through my old Grado SR60s) is sublime. I find many live CDs over-produced, often unbalanced. I find the mixing here is just right in terms of spatial dynamics, under-/over-tones, backing vocals etc.
I would cite standout tracks as: I forgot that love existed; Vanlose Stairway; Ain't that lovin' you baby; Tupelo Honey; I'll Take care of you/It's a man's world; and In the Garden / You send me. Simply sublime stuff. Great musicianship, arrangements, the works. Oh to have been there... Were any of you?
If you're in a relationship or not there are songs on here for you whatever your place in life; you just need to be open to the pure beauty of the music, the melodies and harmonies; no preconceptions . Certain tracks simply destroy me if I'm in a certain mood. My girlfriend wonders (I'm sure) why I become more emotional and affectionate than usual. She's an absolute angel at the best of times and when I've had a dose of this music I want to give her everything, and more.
What a voice the man has. And he doesn't play the media circus like so many celebs with less than an iota of his talent. Delivers the goods year in, year out. No media BS, as he might say. Indeed, he is "˜Van the Man'. I hope some of you will listen to this, start to finish, in solitude, with an open mind, even if it ain't your thang.
post #2 of 30
post #3 of 30
Tough call, I don't think I could name just one favorite. Levon Helm and the RCO All Stars's Live at the Palladium is so phenomenal. Helm, Donald Duck Dunn, Paul Butterfield, Dr. John, etc. One of the best concert bands ever assembled. There are some Oscar Peterson, Coltrane, Art Pepper, etc. albums that I really cherish. Few things rip my heart out like Pepper's late live work. Maniacal, inspired, sheer genius.
post #4 of 30
Grateful Dead 5/9/77
post #5 of 30
Rush in Rio.
post #6 of 30
Talking Heads Stop Making Sense.
post #7 of 30
Bill Evans' Sunday at the Village Vanguard or the Talking Heads' Stop Making Sense.
post #8 of 30
Frank Sinatra with the Count Basie Orchestra Live at the Sands in 1966 and Velvet Underground Live 1969. I must admit that Aerosmith Live Bootleg was one of my first albums.
post #9 of 30
John Mayer- Where The Light Is
post #10 of 30
Portishead, Roseland NYC Live
post #11 of 30
Quote:
Originally Posted by Baron View Post
Frank Sinatra with the Count Basie Orchestra Live at the Sands in 1966

True dat.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Baron View Post
Velvet Underground Live 1969.

As in the Quine tapes? 45 minutes of Sister Ray completely owns as does Follow the Leader.
post #12 of 30
post #13 of 30
depeche mode-101
post #14 of 30
nick cave and the bad seeds "live seeds" rem "so much younger then"/"we're having a heavenly time" bootlegs. this one was pretty good.... this husker du bootleg was good
post #15 of 30
Tina Turner, Live in Rio '88 is so great. Stop Making Sense is
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