Enjoying the energetic tunes of your beloved band is undoubtedly entertaining. However, nothing quite compares to witnessing their electrifying performance firsthand at a live concert. Unfortunately, it’s not always feasible to attend in-person shows by our favorite bands. This is where live albums come into play, bridging the gap between the fans and the live experience. Let’s begin with the top ranked fan favorites of all time:
25. Talking Heads, ‘The Name of This Band is Talking Heads’
Talking Heads, a new wave rock band, released a live album called “The Name of This Band is Talking Heads” in 1982. It includes recordings of their performances from 1977 to 1981, including shows in Tokyo, Japan, and New York City. At the time, the band was still relatively new, so the live album may not be flawless.
However, it gained popularity and reached the 28th position on the charts in 1982. Its success led to a CD reissue in 2004, which included 16 additional tracks.
24. Grateful Dead, ‘Europe ’72’
Europe ’72 is a triple-live album by the Grateful Dead that documents their tour of Western Europe in 1972. The album was released to help recover some of the financial losses incurred during the costly European tour.
It includes songs that were never officially recorded in a studio. Additionally, it holds sentimental value for fans as it was the final work featuring band member Ron “Pigpen” McKernan, who passed away in 1973. Grateful Dead will always hold this album close to their hearts.
23. Sam Cooke, ‘Live at the Harlem Square Club, 1963’
What makes this live album unique is that it was released 22 years after the actual live performances took place. For instance, Sam Cooke’s album “Live at the Harlem Square Club” featured recordings from a show in 1963 but wasn’t released until 1985 because the record label decided to hold off on it.
During those 22 years, Sam Cooke’s popularity declined, and he didn’t have the same fanbase as before. However, when the live album finally came out, it showcased a fresh and unfiltered perspective, which helped him attract a new generation of fans. This recognition was well-deserved for an artist as talented as him.
22. Thin Lizzy, ‘Live and Dangerous’
In the 1970s, rock music was gaining immense popularity, and the live album “Live and Dangerous” by Thin Lizzy, released in 1978, perfectly captures that era. The album was recorded during live performances in London in 1976 and in Philadelphia and Toronto in 1977.
The reason behind its release was that the band’s producer, Tony Visconti, didn’t have enough time to work on a full studio album. So, Thin Lizzy made the decision to release a live album instead, which turned out to be a success. Through their powerful performances, they proved themselves as a formidable force in the rock scene and gained a growing fanbase. It’s great to see their achievements!
21. Lou Reed, ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Animal’
While most albums on this list typically feature around 20 songs, Lou Reed’s live album “Rock ‘n’ Roll Animal” stands out with just five tracks. These songs were recorded during a December 1973 concert in New York City and were released the following year.
In addition to the five songs, the album also includes an instrumental prologue and a new version of the beloved song “Heroin,” which quickly became a fan favorite. Despite its brevity, this album became a surprise hit, reaching the 45th position on the Billboard 200 album chart. It even earned RIAA gold certification in 1978, proving how much fans adored this live recording.
20. B.B. King, ‘Live at the Regal’
In 1964, legendary blues guitarist and singer B.B. King recorded his live album “Live at the Regal” at the Regal Theater in Chicago. When the album was released in 1965, it received immediate acclaim and is now considered one of the greatest blues albums ever recorded.
Throughout his career, B.B. King’s style evolved, but he ultimately became known for his distinctive and beloved guitar playing. He skillfully blended traditional blues with elements of jazz, swing, and pop, creating a unique sound that resonated with a wide audience beyond just blues enthusiasts. His talent garnered well-deserved attention and admiration.
19. Peter Frampton, ‘Frampton Comes Alive’
In 1976, British rock musician Peter Frampton released a double live album titled “Frampton Comes Alive” in both the United States and the United Kingdom. The album was recorded during the summer and fall of 1975, with performances primarily held in San Francisco and New York.
At the time, Frampton was signed to A&M Records, and they were looking for more than just a solo album from him. That’s when the idea for this live album came about. Prior to its release, Frampton had only experienced moderate success, but “Frampton Comes Alive” became a game-changer for him, adding the perfect finishing touch to his career.
18. The Band, ‘The Last Waltz’
The live album “The Last Waltz” by the Canadian-American rock band The Band is a recording of a concert film with the same name. This special live compilation featured a dozen guest artists, including renowned musicians like Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, and Bob Dylan.
“The Last Waltz” was promoted as The Band’s final performance and was recorded on November 25, 1976, at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco. The concert even included a Thanksgiving feast for attendees who paid an additional $25 per ticket. In today’s standards, that would be quite a bargain!
17. Daft Punk, ‘Alive 2007’
“Alive 2007” is the second live album by the French electronic music duo Daft Punk. It captures their performance at the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy arena on June 14, 2007 and was released later that same year.
This live album brought Daft Punk significant recognition, earning them two Grammy Awards in 2009 for Best Electronic/Dance Album and Best Dance Recording for their song “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger.”
It stood out because they skillfully reworked and remixed their popular songs, providing fans with a fresh and exciting experience. This showcases their true talent and ability to create something special for their audience to enjoy.
16. Neil Young and Crazy Horse, ‘Live Rust’
Similar to The Band and their live album “The Last Waltz,” Neil Young and Crazy Horse also released a live album accompanied by a concert film. The live album featured recordings from various venues, including the Cow Palace near San Francisco.
“Live Rust” was recorded during Neil Young’s Rust Never Sleeps tour in the fall of 1978, which coincidentally shared the same title as his concert film. Young took on the role of director for the film, using the pseudonym Bernard Shakey for all his film-related endeavors.
15. Grateful Dead, ‘Live/Dead’
“Live/Dead” is the Grateful Dead’s very first official live album, among their extensive collection of over 70 live albums. This 16-track album showcases their signature blend of rock improvisation and psychedelic rock music. It was released in 1969 and features recordings from a series of concerts performed earlier that year.
Notably, this album played a crucial role in helping the Grateful Dead overcome financial difficulties. Following the release of their 1969 album “Aoxomoxa,” the band found themselves in a $180,000 debt to their record label, Warner Brothers. Fortunately, the immense success of “Live/Dead” alleviated their financial worries.
14. Duke Ellington, ‘Ellington at Newport’
Duke Ellington holds a prominent place in jazz music history, and his live album “Ellington at Newport” played a crucial role in solidifying his career. This iconic album was recorded at the Newport Jazz Festival, cementing Ellington’s status as a jazz legend.
Following the release of this masterpiece, Ellington gained widespread recognition and even graced the cover of Time magazine. Two years later, he released a follow-up album titled “Newport 1958.” Remarkably, in 2022, “Ellington at Newport” was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the United States National Recording Registry. This prestigious honor underscores the immense significance of this album.
13. Eric Clapton, ‘Unplugged’
In 1992, Eric Clapton recorded his album “Unplugged” at Bray Studios in England for the famous MTV Unplugged music television show. Clapton collaborated with bassist Nathan East, drummer Steve Ferron, and pianist Chuck Leavell on this album. He also worked alongside guitarist Andy Fairweather Low.
Fans were particularly captivated by the acoustic renditions of his hits “Layla” and “Tears in Heaven.” The album went on to become the highest-selling live album of all time and Clapton’s best-selling album overall, selling a remarkable 26 million copies worldwide in 1993.
12. MC5, ‘Kick out the Jams’
“Kick Out The Jams” is the first album by the proto-punk band MC5. It was recorded live at Detroit’s Grande Ballroom on two nights in 1968: October 30, famously known as Devil’s Night, and October 31, Halloween. The album was released by Elektra Records in February 1969 and had two versions: an edited and unedited version.
MC5’s passionate lead singer, Rob Tyner, was known for his use of expletives, and this album reflected that. As a result, a Detroit-based chain called Hudson’s Department Stores refused to stock and sell the album.
In response, the band placed a full-page advertisement in a newspaper, expressing their anger and using it as an opportunity to gain even more exposure and expand their album’s reach to a wider audience.
11. Jimi Hendrix, ‘Band of Gypsys’
After the breakup of the Jimi Hendrix Experience in June 1969, Jimi Hendrix continued to release music. In 1970, he released his first live album without his original trio, titled “Band of Gypsys.”
The album was recorded over two consecutive nights at the Fillmore East in New York City and featured Buddy Miles on drums and Billy Cox on bass. With this new group, Hendrix needed to establish their identity, and fortunately, this album played a significant role in accomplishing that. It laid the foundation for their future success and helped them find their unique sound.
10. Keith Jarrett, ‘The Köln Concert’
“The Köln Concert” is an extraordinary live album featuring piano improvisation by Keith Jarrett. Recorded at the Opera House in Cologne, Germany, on January 24, 1975, this double-vinyl album was released in November of the same year.
What makes this live album truly remarkable is that it was a solo performance. Despite facing challenges such as lack of sleep, physical discomfort, and not having his preferred piano, Jarrett managed to create one of the bestselling solo jazz and piano albums in the history of the genre. His talent and improvisational skills shone through, captivating listeners and making this album a true masterpiece.
9. Deep Purple, ‘Made in Japan’
The live album “Made in Japan” by English rock band Deep Purple was recorded during their first tour of Japan in August 1972. Recognized for their captivating stage performances, the band saw a live album as a great opportunity to promote their music.
Despite having a budget of only $3,000, the album received an overwhelming response in terms of publicity. It was both critically acclaimed and commercially successful. In the United States, the hit song “Smoke on the Water” became widely popular throughout the 1970s and played a significant role in the band’s success.
8. The Who, ‘Live at Leeds’
Back on Valentine’s Day in 1970, the legendary rock band The Who took the stage at the University of Leeds. Their electrifying performance was captured and became their very first live album, known as “Live at Leeds.”
Originally, the album featured six tracks from that memorable concert. However, in subsequent versions, they included an additional 27 songs from the same show. Today, “Live at Leeds” is widely regarded as one of the greatest live rock recordings ever made, showcasing The Who’s immense talent and energy on stage.
7. James Brown, ‘Live at the Apollo’
James Brown’s very first live album, “Live at the Apollo,” holds a special place in music history. Recorded on October 24, 1962, Brown took it upon himself to finance the entire show.
Surprisingly, his record label, King Records, didn’t initially recognize the potential of a live performance for Brown’s success. However, Brown himself believed in its power and went ahead.
The 31-minute performance had an incredible impact, spending a remarkable 66 weeks on the Billboard charts. Fans were left craving for more of his music.
The album’s significance was further acknowledged over the years. In 1998, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and in 2004, the Library of Congress selected it to be included in the National Recording
Registry. These honors are a true testament to the album’s lasting impact and James Brown’s talent.
6. Talking Heads, ‘Stop Making Sense’
The live album “Stop Making Sense” was released in 1984 and consisted of nine tracks from the concert film of the same name. Both the film and the album were recorded during three nights at Hollywood’s Pantages Theater in December 1983.
The purpose of the concert film and live album was to promote the album “Speaking in Tongues.” The live album had an impressive run, spending more than two years on the Billboard 200 chart.
It also gained recognition as it secured the 345th spot on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.
5. Fishmans, ‘98.12.28 Otokotachi no Wakare’
“98.12.28” was the last live album recorded by the highly popular Japanese band Fishmans. The album captures their final live performance with lead vocalist Shinji Sato, who tragically passed away. The concert took place on December 28, 1998, at the Akasaka Blitz, a music venue in Minato, Tokyo. Polydor Records released the album in Japan on September 29, 1999.
The album also marked the end of an era for the band, as bassist Yuzuru Kashiwabara was departing after the tour titled “A Men’s Farewell: December 28, 1998,” signifying the end of their time as a three-piece band.
4. Neil Young and Crazy Horse, ‘Rust Never Sleeps’
Rust Never Sleeps is a live album by Neil Young and his renowned rock band Crazy Horse. It features recordings from their 1978 performances, which were also used for the concert film and album Live Rust. However, this album has a unique twist.
In addition to the original recordings, Rust Never Sleeps includes added overdubs, with the songs divided into electric and acoustic versions.
Reprise Records released the album on June 22, 1979. The album gets its name from Young’s concept of “rust never sleeps,” which inspired him to tour extensively with Crazy Horse. Quite an interesting concept!
3. The Allman Brothers Band, ‘At Fillmore East’
At Fillmore East is the first live album and third overall album by The Allman Brothers Band. It was recorded during three nights of performances at the Fillmore East in New York City in March 1972.
During these shows, the band treated the audience to extended jam versions of their popular songs.
The release of this album introduced The Allman Brothers Band to a whole new group of devoted fans. Many concert-goers and music enthusiasts consider it one of the greatest live albums ever recorded, especially within the realm of jazz music.
In recognition of its significance, At Fillmore East was selected for preservation in the Library of Congress by the National Recording Registry in 2004.
2. Johnny Cash, ‘At Folsom Prison’
At Folsom Prison is the first live album ever released by Johnny Cash, and it played a crucial role in revitalizing his career, which had been struggling due to his battles with substance abuse.
Inspired by the success of his hit song “Folsom Prison Blues,” Cash had the idea of recording a live performance at a prison. Although the idea was initially postponed, it eventually came to fruition in 1968 with the support of Columbia Records.
Accompanied by June Carter, Carl Perkins, and the Tennessee Three, Cash performed two shows at Folsom State Prison in California in January 1968.
The live album captured 15 songs from the first show and two from the second. In celebration of its 50th anniversary, a special edition of the live album was released in 2018.
1. Nirvana, ‘MTV Unplugged in New York’
MTV Unplugged in New York is a live album by the popular band Nirvana. The band’s acoustic performances had a special place in the hearts of their fans.
However, this particular MTV Unplugged set had a unique twist. Instead of sticking to a purely acoustic sound, Nirvana added electric amplification and guitar effects to give their performance an extra kick.
In addition, the band chose to play a mix of lesser-known songs and cover songs, surprising many listeners.
The live album was recorded in November 1993 and later aired on television on December 16, 1993. It was officially released as an album about a year later on November 1, 1994.
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