Best recording of a live rock performance?

Posted by: MDS on 08 March 2014

Over the years I’ve become accustomed to being disappointed with recordings of rock concerts and generally avoid buying them. I’ve found that they often suffer from one or more of (a) the loudness of the concert masking weaknesses in the performance which are all too obvious when the recording is played (b) the acoustics of the auditorium make the recording flat or distant and (c) the audience seems separate from the performance of the band so it all feels a bit contrived. There are exceptions, I know, and playing one this evening has caused me to think I should pose the question what do you think is the best? The one I’m going to nominate is this:

The opening song, Thunderstruck, sets a very high standard. The performance of every instrument is spot on, and the interaction of the crowd makes for a wonderful ‘almost-being-here’ atmosphere. It always gives me goosebumps and the need to take a breath at the end of the performance. That sort of ‘connection’ is what good music should be able to do to in my book.

Any other nominations?

Posted on: 09 March 2014 by Bert Schurink

2nd CD is live an brilliant...

Posted on: 09 March 2014 by Kevin-W

Originally Posted by GraemeH:

Originally Posted by Kevin-W:

Originally Posted by GraemeH:

Just seem to get the album art files from archive.org?

Would like to hear this.....

Graeme - type in "Ultra Sonic Studios" in the search box, it should come up

Nothing titled 'Electrif Lycanthrope'......Is there a performance date?

Cheers,

Ultra Sonic Studios, Hempstead, NY 19th Sep 1974.

Make sure you're in the "live music archive" part of the Archive.

Posted on: 09 March 2014 by Kevin-W

Here's a link but it might get pulled: Little Feat

Posted on: 09 March 2014 by GraemeH

Originally Posted by Kevin-W:

Here's a link but it might get pulled: Little Feat

Thanks, I got it Kevin and downloaded the 'lossless Flac' zipped folder to Music. I've unzipped it and put it in my share but nserve is not seeing it......hmmm.

Posted on: 09 March 2014 by ewemon

Originally Posted by GraemeH:

Originally Posted by Kevin-W:

Originally Posted by GraemeH:

Just seem to get the album art files from archive.org?

Would like to hear this.....

Graeme - type in "Ultra Sonic Studios" in the search box, it should come up

Nothing titled 'Electrif Lycanthrope'......Is there a performance date?

Cheers,

There are 2 Ultrasonic shows (4 versions- 2 for each show) up on archive G but make sure you get the one dated 19/9/74.

The one with the most reviews is the best version whilst the other one has the 3 encores.

Also get a copy of the Orpheum gig from the 31/10/75 as that is good as well.

The one other good thing about the archive is that you can listen first before you download.

There are a ton of other bands on there as well so have a look at th whole archive.

Posted on: 09 March 2014 by GraemeH

Originally Posted by ewemon:

Originally Posted by GraemeH:

Originally Posted by Kevin-W:

Originally Posted by GraemeH:

Just seem to get the album art files from archive.org?

Would like to hear this.....

Graeme - type in "Ultra Sonic Studios" in the search box, it should come up

Nothing titled 'Electrif Lycanthrope'......Is there a performance date?

Cheers,

There are 2 Ultrasonic shows (4 versions- 2 for each show) up on archive G but make sure you get the one dated 19/9/74.

The one with the most reviews is the best version whilst the other one has the 3 encores.

Also get a copy of the Orpheum gig from the 31/10/75 as that is good as well.

The one other good thing about the archive is that you can listen first before you download.

There are a ton of other bands on there as well so have a look at th whole archive.

Enjoying it now thanks - I had guessed correctly from the reviews.

Great music!

Posted on: 09 March 2014 by GraemeH

Update - It's superb! Thanks for the heads up on this one - Eats 'Waiting....' Alive!

Posted on: 09 March 2014 by Spotlight Kid

Got it on vinyl

Posted on: 09 March 2014 by MDS

Should probably have mentioned this, though I might be being swayed by the 9 minute rendition of Wonderful Tonight in which Eric's emotion comes through.

Posted on: 09 March 2014 by Clive B

Has anyone mentioned The Who's 'Live at Leeds' yet?

I think it's an excellent live recording, and I particularly enjoy 'Young Man Blues', 'Magic Bus' and 'My Generation'. Wait until there's no one else in the house, put this album on and turn the volume up!

Posted on: 09 March 2014 by MDS

Yes, Clive, I think that one's been mentioned couple of times so it must be good.

Posted on: 09 March 2014 by Clive B

Originally Posted by MDS:

Yes, Clive, I think that one's been mentioned couple of times so it must be good.

Oh, sorry. I am trying to search the forum on an iPad with a slow Internet connection. It means that sometimes it misses posts.

Posted on: 09 March 2014 by Olly

Thanks Guys.

Have downloaded and am looking forward to giving it a listen.

Noted re Ry Cooder too.

Olly

Posted on: 09 March 2014 by Clive B

Originally Posted by Steve C:

The best AC/DC live album

Now that is a cracking good live rock album. I saw AC/DC in Hastings in '79 with Bon Scott. High energy rock and roll, captured well on this disc.

Posted on: 09 March 2014 by Olly

Another couple I'm still getting to grips with, but well worth a listen.

I can't make you love me with Bruce Hornsby on piano is special.

Olly

Posted on: 09 March 2014 by Jay Coleman

Originally Posted by ewemon:

That would be the one.

And Little Feat Waiting for Columbus.

And Lou Reed, Rock and Roll Animal.

Posted on: 09 March 2014 by jimmy 339

Rush - Exit stage left?

Be Bop Deluxe - Live in the air age. Adventures in a yorkshire landscape (Live version) is superb.

Jim.

Posted on: 09 March 2014 by jimmy 339

Or, that old chestnut. "Frampton comes alive".

But for top notch SQ, the more recent Joe Bonamassa "Live from nowhere in particular" takes some beating.

Kevin wont like it though.

Regards Jim.

Posted on: 10 March 2014 by Chris Kelly

I have both those on vinyl and think they are excellent. Both get regular plays on the home system.Originally Posted by Olly:

If it's a broad definition of rock you're applying these two long term faves surpass anything either band cut in the studio IMHO and whatever you might think of the recording quality both have atmosphere in spades. I might just have a quick blast of Sweet Home Alabama, Whiskey Rock & Roller and Lowell's fabulous slide playing on Mercenary Territory!

Olly

Posted on: 10 March 2014 by Chris Kelly

I think a lot of that is down to Albert lee's contribution.Originally Posted by joerand:

Originally Posted by ewemon:

Personally I didn't like this tour as he was highly influenced by Don Williams at the time.

This reminds me, EC's Un-Plugged performance ought to be on the list of the best-est

Posted on: 10 March 2014 by Kevin-W

Originally Posted by jimmy 339:

Or, that old chestnut. "Frampton comes alive".

But for top notch SQ, the more recent Joe Bonamassa "Live from nowhere in particular" takes some beating.

Kevin wont like it though.

Regards Jim.

Live Bonamassa recorded in a way that hi-fi buffs love? Sounds like my idea of heaven.

Agree about Frampers though. Gives a real feel of what went on that night (or nights) at Winterland and elsewhere. Monster!

Posted on: 10 March 2014 by dav301

This is very good.

Posted on: 10 March 2014 by Stevee_S

A great live album, CD1 in particular is excellent.

FW with Peter Green in his prime. IMO the remastered volume 2 is far any away the best of the 3 volumes recorded live at the Boston Tea party in1970

Posted on: 10 March 2014 by Tarquin Maynard-Portly

Ziggy live.

Blistering rock and roll from Mr. Bowie and the Spiders at the height of their powers.

Ronno was an awesome guitarist.