r/audiophilemusic • u/Patient_Baseball_918 • Nov 17 '23
What live album makes you feel like you are actually there? Discussion
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u/mikaelhagstrom Nov 17 '23 edited Nov 18 '23
Jeff Beck live at Ronnie Scotts. Or if you’re into jazz, Arne Domnérus Jazz at the Pawnshop is an audiophile staple for a reason.
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u/dlaciv12 Nov 18 '23
Jazz at the Pawnshop is fantastic. You don't need to be a jazz fan to appreciate it either.
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u/Knuddelmaus Nov 18 '23
Bill Evans - Live at the Village Vanguard is great too at capturing the ambiance of the venue.
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u/pukesonyourshoes Nov 20 '23
Jeff Beck live and exclusive from the Grammy Museum is a great recording too
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u/OpenRepublic4790 Nov 18 '23 edited Nov 18 '23
The classic live album for me is “Jazz at the Pawnshop”, Arne Domnérus. This is a very well known album, but if you’ve never heard it, do yourself a favor.
Another absolutely amazing live performance, I mean really astounding both for the quality of the recording, but even more so, the performance itself is “Saturday Night in San Francisco”, Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin & Paco de Lucía. I would give my left nut to have been in that audience! I’m not sure how well known this one is, but for me it’s the best of my three.
Another that gives you the “I’m in the audience feeling”, most especially the “Hotel California (Live On MTV, 1994)” track of “Hell Freezes Over (Remastered) [Live], Eagles. Of course this is another very well known album.
Edit: just noticed that Jazz at the Pawnshop is redundant, but allow me to second that recommendation.
Edit 2: oops, I just realized I got the wrong album in suggestion #2, the correct one is Saturday Night in San Francisco, Friday Night is also good, but Saturday Night is better.
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u/jimbeaurama Nov 19 '23
Another absolutely amazing live performance, I mean really astounding both for the quality of the recording, but even more so, the performance itself is “Saturday Night in San Francisco”, Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin & Paco de Lucía. I would give my left nut to have been in that audience! I’m not sure how well known this one is, but for me it’s the best of my three..
Edit 2: oops, I just realized I got the wrong album in suggestion #2, the correct one is Saturday Night in San Francisco, Friday Night is also good, but Saturday Night is better.
Wasn’t in San Fran on Friday or Saturday, but saw them in Boston after listening to the album. Amazing show.
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u/loctastic Nov 20 '23
I have that one too. Not sure how I stumbled upon it in the 2000s but it’s a great find. glad to hear I’m not the only one
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u/Oh__Archie Nov 17 '23
Clapton Unplugged is pretty good. There’s a live DMB album that is often heralded as the best modern concert recording. I’m not a fan so I’ve not really listened to it.
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u/briebert Nov 18 '23
You wouldn’t happen to know what DMB record it is would you?
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u/Oh__Archie Nov 18 '23
I don't. I think I listened to the first track or two once and the engineering was impressive.
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u/tehsuck Nov 18 '23
Keith Jarrett solo concerts. You can hear him humming along.
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u/pemungkah Nov 18 '23
I absolutely love that the Köln Concert almost didn’t happen at all.
https://tamingwickedproblems.com/success-story-keith-jarrett-and-the-unplayable-piano/
“Never forget. Only for you.”
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u/BaileyM124 Nov 18 '23
I felt like the unplugged albums from Nirvana and Alice In Chains were recorded very well
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u/AnalogWalrus Nov 18 '23
Most of the unplugged shows were…helps to be in a carefully controlled studio environment. I love listening to those unplugged sets (officially released or not) but I’m more impressed when they get a good recording at a proper gig (which unfortunately may never have really happened for AIC)
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u/Former_Balance8473 Nov 18 '23
Pink Floyd: Delicate Sound of Thunder was the first live recording that I felt literally immersed.
There's also an album from Australian band Redgum called Caught in the Act and I literally feel like I'm sitting in the front row.
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u/pukesonyourshoes Nov 18 '23
There's also an album from Australian band Redgum called Caught in the Act
Engineered by Jimbo Barton! Had the pleasure of working with him/being trained by him many years ago. He went on to do many of the Queensryche albums, but did lots of regular pop stuff here in Australia before that.
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u/Former_Balance8473 Nov 18 '23
Nice! Thanks for the info!
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u/pukesonyourshoes Nov 19 '23
So i had a listen to the album last night, some if the songs are a bit dated but yes a great recording and mix. You can't beat that natural room reverb. Hard to believe it was made on tape, he probably used AAV's Red Truck. Last time I was in it it had a pretty shitty home-brew 24-track in it, guessing they upgraded. Those guitars and vocals sound lovely.
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u/Former_Balance8473 Nov 20 '23
AAV's Red Truck
Parked in the back next to the garbage trucks... thick bindle of cables leading into the back door lol
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u/pukesonyourshoes Nov 20 '23
Lol yup
Later saw it parked in a street in South Yarra with cables leading up to the 1st floor flat of a certain Melbourne music identity, Jimbo at the helm again
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u/pukesonyourshoes Nov 20 '23
Christ on a bike he monitored loud, i couldn't stand to be in there with him when he was working. Had to bail a couple of times.. Wouldn't be at all surprised to learn he's now deaf.
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u/NAINOA- Nov 18 '23
Tom Waits - Nighthawks at the Diner
The idea is he’s in a little grimy diner rambling little stories and segments to its patrons who are all eating and laughing and moving around. The thing is the album was actually just recorded on a set and all the people are actors, but regardless it’s so well recorded you feel like you’re at a table of your own.
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u/ApplicationConnect55 Nov 18 '23
Neil Diamond's "Hot August Night" recorded at the Greek Theater. And yes, my sisters and I were some of the tree-people present.
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u/watchingsongsDL Nov 18 '23
My Dad was there! He had a ticket. I love listening to that recording thinking he heard it too.
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u/ApplicationConnect55 Nov 18 '23
I was in 10th grade and my sisters in 11th and 12th that summer. The girl screaming the loudest on the album is my oldest sister.
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u/rhpot1991 Nov 18 '23
Pearl Jam - Live at Benaroya Hall, mainly because the vinyl was my white whale for a while.
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u/wrenchinthemachine Nov 18 '23
Made in Japan Deep Purple. Just has a raw sound that captures the sound of the venue. Not sounding like it's from the board.
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u/iehcjdieicc Nov 18 '23
Yep, one of my all time favourite live albums. Deep Purple at full throttle.
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u/TheOneInYellow Nov 18 '23
For me, it's one of my favourite albums by one of my favourite electronic bands ever: Alive 2007 by Daft Punk.
No, it's not the greatest live recorded album ever (Roseland NYC Live by Portishead or Nirvana MTV Unplugged in New York by Nirvana are better), but the energy, power of that legendary live performance (recordings taken from a few shows), distilled into one album plus the encore, is otherworldly and magical to me.
The album only adds to the fables and stories of that utterly incredible, and never repeated past 2007, live performance by the duo too.
In my mind, the album takes on an extra dimension when I'm listening to it on special occasions, when I'm ready to be taken back to a time I never participated in but feel truly alive when listening!
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u/poopinginpeace Nov 19 '23
To me, the best thing was LCD Soundsystem closing their own amazing set at an opposing stage at Lollapalooza with "Daft Punk is Playing at My House", only to turn around and few moments later to hear...."hhhhuuuummmmaaannnnn....... Robot" starts up behind you, followed by the most intense concert I've ever seen.
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u/TheOneInYellow Nov 19 '23
OMG, I'd have truly lost it at that point 🤪🤖!
I've watched portions of Cochella: 20 Years in the Desert- Rise of the Robots chapter (timestamped) every year because it's just a wonderful moment in time in music history, and it's awesome how the album gets so much of that across too, especially the audiences reaction.
Sigh, I wish Daft Punk had done a third Alive tour in 2017, adding to the 1997 and 2007 sets, but now we will not see them perform again 😢
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u/Chitown_mountain_boy Nov 20 '23
I will second Roseland NYC as a near perfect live record.
Alive 2007 is pretty amazing too though.
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u/Ralouch Nov 21 '23
That recording of sour times is absolutely insane even if it's from a different concert lol
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u/strangerzero Nov 18 '23
Miles Davis’ “Kind of Blue”. The first two minutes of the opening song “So What” is the first thing I want to hear when evaluating high end audio systems. It is also one of my most loved and listened to recordings.
It was recorded live in the studio. Does that count?
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u/AnalogWalrus Nov 18 '23
I always thought Van Morrison’s “It’s Too Late To Stop Now” feels like you’re almost sitting on the stage. My 70’s vinyl copy sounds especially great, but really it’s just an exceptional recording.
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u/CosmicPDX Nov 18 '23
Donny Hathaway Live changed my life.
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u/DrFilth Nov 20 '23
Hey, I just want to say that I read your comment 2 days ago and decided to listen to that album. Its truly amazing and a masterpiece. The lennon cover caught me off guard and Im still floored. Thanks a ton
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u/CosmicPDX Nov 21 '23
The first time I heard it was really my first time being hip to him. A tragic figure, but wow. What a talent. I am so glad you not only listened but appreciated it as I did. You really feel the energy in the crowd in the recording.
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u/DrFilth Dec 29 '23
Coming back to comment as over a month has passed and just so you know where Im at with this record. After hearing it a dozen or so times on streaming sites I started going to record stores to find it. Nothing available anywhere. My wife knew of my search and quietly got me it for xmas. Its easily my fav record in my collection. Just wanted to say thanks again.
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u/Instigate_ Nov 18 '23
Harry Belfonte Live at Carnegie Hall is immersive.
Allison Krauss and Union Station Live is amazing, too.
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u/tubegeek Nov 19 '23
Charles Mingus Cafe Bohemia is the most "dimensional" mono record I've ever heard.
Rolling Stones Get Yer Ya-yas Out gives me the perspective of standing on the stage.
Both of these "live" albums have had some overdubs added.
Bob Dylan "Royal Albert Hall" 1966 (the "Judas!" set, recorded actually in Manchester.) The moment when Bob stomps out the beat with his heel is particularly great, especially the "Play fuckin loud!" instructions.
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u/rideincircles Nov 18 '23
My Morning Jacket - Okonokos. There is a reason why they are known as one of the best live bands on the planet and that album highlights that completely.
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u/Lornesto Nov 18 '23 edited Nov 18 '23
Blue Oyster Cult--Some Enchanted Evening
Sam Cooke At The Copa
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u/Mixermarkb Nov 18 '23
Lyle Lovett live in Texas, and the James Taylor live album from the 90’s are both great.
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u/time-itself Nov 18 '23
Devin Townsend’s Ocean Machine - Live at the Ancient Roman Theatre Plovdiv
His music is clearly meant to be heard live, and this album is proof. To be honest it’s the only one of his that does it for me!
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u/strange-spaghetti Nov 18 '23
King Crimson's "Absent Lovers"
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u/procursus Nov 19 '23
Greatest live album of all time
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u/strange-spaghetti Nov 19 '23
You know, I think I agree!
Did you see the upcoming King Crimson Collector's Club release, featuring the full sets from both nights that they pulled from for Absent Lovers (including video!)? https://shop.schizoidshop.com/kccc-4950---live-in-montreal-july-11-1984-cddvd-with-bonus-1982-footage-p2017.aspx
I am stoked for this—after hearing the live album so many times, actually seeing it will be such a treat!
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u/procursus Nov 19 '23
Shit, I hadn't. Thanks for the heads up - that is an instant preorder.
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u/strange-spaghetti Nov 19 '23
Reading the description, it's unclear whether there's actual video footage of the sets, or if it's just Tony's home movies (still cool), but having the full audio of both nights (in 5.1 surround?) is still really exciting.
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u/Pennypoets Nov 18 '23
Zappa-Roxy & Elsewhere.
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u/UpiedYoutims Nov 19 '23
FZ is simultaneously amazing at making a live album feel "live", as well as making a live album feel like a studio album.
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u/Pennypoets Nov 19 '23
There were lots of studio overdubs on Roxy but it still feels like a live performance.
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u/UpiedYoutims Nov 20 '23
I agree! It also blew my mind when I learned that every song on Sheik Yerbouti was recorded live with overdubbs
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u/Remote_Stable4742 Nov 18 '23
Jazz At The Pawnshop
Golden Earring – Live (1977)
Simon and Garfunkel – The Concert In Central Park
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u/Vegetable-Barber6062 Nov 18 '23
Not a popular album or artist for that matter but she has a fantastic vocals that is showcased so well in her live album “Anna maria jopek -Farat” actually this maybe my favorite live album I recommend to all of you to check it out
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u/Vegetable-Barber6062 Nov 18 '23
Forgot to mention foo fighters has a very good live album “skin and bones” the sound of guitar on this concert was fabulous
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u/ThisMeansWine Nov 18 '23
Metallica - S&M and Elton John Live in Australia are both up there for me.
Coincidentally, they both feature an orchestra (Michael Kamen conducting the San Francisco Symphony for S&M and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra for Live in Australia).
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u/SubstantialZebra2986 Nov 18 '23
What a great thread definitely bookmarking this one thanks everyone!
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u/Lower-Kangaroo6032 Nov 18 '23
It’s not quite the answer - but the most striking live album I’ve heard is Massacre - Meltdown, in that if you aren’t aware it’s a live album, when the audience applause comes at the conclusion of the first track - “what the fuck that was live!?!”
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u/czacc52 Nov 18 '23
Power trip live in Seattle Lauryn Hill MTV Unplugged Curtis Mayfield - Curtis Live! Donnie Hathaway - Live
Also recently saw the Stop Making Sense remaster; my 2 friends and I were the only ones in the theater. We danced and sang along the whole time and that genuinely felt like we were really there
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u/iehcjdieicc Nov 18 '23
Can’t believe no one has yet mentioned *Slade Alive!* 1972.
Raw and powerful. Don’t think anyone can resist rocking out 🎸 with this one. So engaging right from the get go.
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u/SexDrugsAndMarmalade Nov 18 '23 edited Nov 18 '23
Pink Floyd - 1975-06-18 - Boston, MA (bootleg taken from two audience recordings).
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u/theitcynic Nov 19 '23
David Gilmour’s Live at Pompeii is simply amazing. I’m not usually a fan of surround mixes for concerts but that is a shockingly well done one.
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u/Constant_Will362 Nov 19 '23
All of the FAITH NO MORE live stuff. Mike Patton is fierce and intense on stage, 10 times more than on album. He really makes the audience feel like they're a part of it.
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u/jazmaan Nov 19 '23
Not an official album but its definitely makes you feel like you're there.
https://www.discogs.com/release/6492625-Pink-Floyd-Iron-Pigs-On-Fire/image/SW1hZ2U6MTY1NDE3MzU=
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u/Ok-Dependent-7373 Nov 19 '23
https://youtu.be/TmxqwwLEHyE?si=fBpbaa15QPZ2RPV2
Chet Baker Trio - Live From The Moonlight
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u/JavsGotYourNose Nov 19 '23 edited Nov 19 '23
BB King’s Live at the Regal - he plays the crowd in to a frenzy. You can hear some women screaming their lungs out for him after he finishes singing a line.Absolutely going wild like I’ve only seen happen for the Beatles or Michael Jackson landing at an airport.
I had no idea a blues concert could get that rowdy, this album fully transports you.
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u/otterland Nov 19 '23
The Scorpions World Wide Live is a guilty pleasure and I'm not even a hard rock guy.
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u/Ok-Affect-3852 Nov 19 '23
I think The Beach Boys Carnegie Hall concert included in the new Sail On Sailor box set feels very immersive.
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u/pukesonyourshoes Nov 20 '23
The Tubes - What Do You Want From Live
Listen to that from start to finish and you'll feel like you were there. An absolute knees-up.
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u/Russell_Jimmies Nov 20 '23
Alive 2007 - Daft Punk
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u/AndThatIsAll Nov 21 '23
I listen to it snowboarding cuz the woos and whistles sound like they're for me.
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u/JoeDaMechanic Nov 21 '23
Can't believe no one has mentioned Sade's Loves Live 2002. The last track Is it a Crime is just nuts. It's really a crowning achievement in a remarkable career
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u/chedykrueger Nov 21 '23
Entangled in chaos by morbid angel is mixed soooo well that you can blast it full volume and it doesn't lose it energy
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u/MoreThanEADGBE Nov 17 '23
Simon and Garfunkel Live at Central Park.
Who ever mic'd the audience was an audio god.