Amazon.com

Originally a two-record set, this live recording has been split and released as separate albums, volume 1 and volume 2. No matter, it's an essential document of one of the finest and most innovative rock bands of all time. 1969: Live catches the band at a juncture in their career, still reeling from the departure of John Cale and settling into the addition of multi-instrumentalist Doug Yule, who would help the band find their rocking heart. Thank god that Maureen Tucker was still around--her inspired, primal drumming makes this recording such a delight. Her quiet thumping on "Lisa Says" is understated and touching, and her timpanic, thunderous rolls on "New Age" are nothing short of awesome. Lou Reed is particularly loose and chatty, more comfortable with his voice as he stretches to hit some tender passages. And the version of "Rock and Roll" here is perhaps the finest of all it's many versions, epic in scope and focused in intensity. --Tod Nelson ... Read more

Reviews (31)

Changed my life
Even more than "The Velvet Underground and Nico," this album made me a lifelong VU obsessive. I learned to play guitar because of this album. It redefined how I would listen to all music afterward. It makes me ache with regret because I was too young to ever see this band live. It's ample proof of Lou Reed's songwriting genius--and surprisingly revealing evidence that he's not just a nasty, scary human being (despite his efforts the rest of his career to prove he is). It's where you should go to hear the underrated, quiet heroes of the VU: Sterling Morrison and Maureen Tucker. It's so essential you won't mind the low-fi sound and tape hiss. It's music that makes you glad to be alive. A Top 5 desert island disc. I could go on...

However, as has already been noted often, breaking up the original two-LP set into individual CDs is an injustice. And the cover is one of the all-time eyesores.

But who cares?

Ehh... good, not their best.
Well, its pretty tough to give an overall "sweeping" rating of this album... there are some great versions, and some lousy ones. Personally, I'd have to say that "Heroin," on this album, really doesn't meet up to expectations, but then again, this was during the post-Cale Yule days, so naturally the older songs are going to be missing something. The gargantuan "Ocean" however, is absolutely amazing, and "Pale Blue Eyes" isn't too bad either. Unfortunately, the people who compiled this album have a little too much "Loaded" bias, and they pretty much admit it(on the back of my old vinyl copy, at least). This is a good album, to be sure, but my personal recommendation is to buy each of the Velvets' studio albums in the order they were released, from self-titled through "Loaded," and then start checking into their live releases.

Lou and company in '69
After hearing all the hype, I was rather disappointed when I actually heard this record. I was expecting fast rocking music. The absence of Cale and attendance of Yule is probably the reasonthis thought was proved wrong. The first three songs are probably the best considering the great slower groove of Waiting For My Man, the gentleness of Lisa Says, and subtle rage of What Goes On. After that though, the CD is merely alright. The Lou sung Femme Fatale is nice and so too is the Rock and Roll. I dont particularly like the Sweet Jane, New Age, or the We're Gonna HAve A Real Good Time Together though. And, the bonus Heroin is missing something. It is still worthy of being owned, even though it's just not up to par with the Studio records.

A beautiful moment in Texas, trapped in time
What a wonderful live set and a wonderful cd from the Velvet Underground. Rather good bootleg quality and sound, Volume 1 really shows the group in their element: live, and in a small setting. They even joke before the show actually begins about the way the Dallas Cowboys played the Eagles before their show, giving it even more of a close feel to it.

This cd contains my favorite renditions of some classics: "Waiting for my man," "Lisa Says," "Femme Fatale," "New Age," "Begining to see the light," and "Heroin."

The sleve of the cd even contains notes from Elliot Murphy talking about the history of the band and what he feels history will remember about the group.

I don't have a lot of Velvet Underground, but what I have I like. This is definately in my top 15 cds in my collection.

Latter Day Velvet Underground At Their Best
Once John Cale left Lou Reed and the gang to pursue his own musical identity, the Velvet Underground was never quite the same. However, while this alone would be more than enough to tear the vast majority of groups apart, The Velvet Underground continued on and proved that they still had a wealth of creative ideas left inside their drugged up brains. These ideas finally took shape in the form of Loaded, an album that is without a doubt the most obvious and recognized example of the Velvets' accomplishments following the departure of their former comrade. In retrospect though, the nearly quintessential live Velvet Underground album 1969 is perhaps an even more telling recording of the band's post-Cale years than the legendary Loaded. Culling together songs from various performances in Texas and San Francisco during a 1969 tour, this two-volume set is the most informative and comprehensive collection of latter era VU material to date. The fact that this detailed set of classic Velvets' songs is live is only an added bonus lifting the impenetrable walls of production on old classics to expose their raw, swirling innards and revealing some previously unreleased gems in the process. Unfortunately, although the Velvet Underground have traditionally always had an amazing live presence with their bursts of feedback and twitchy fiddle runs, the absence of the avant-garde informed John Cale really detracts from their pure shock value. Then again, even though the performances are not as striking or otherworldly on first listen, closer inspection shows that the scaled back aggression really permits the songs to finally breathe freely and display the band's burgeoning songwriting skills. In essence, the Velvet Underground makes up for their less instantaneous attack by developing creatively. The playing of different versions of memorable hits like Sweet Jane and a number of included fully developed unreleased songs shows that even though the VU might not have sounded as poised or vital, they still had plenty of life left in them. With amps roaring and drums pulsing, 1969 really shows how volume and power can be sublimely beautiful as well as disturbingly abrasive making this CD not only valuable as a stunning live release, but as recorded documentation of a brilliant band's equally brilliant, yet understated, meditative, melodic side. The poppy and serene Velvet Underground showcased on 1969 will certainly not take the place of the classic original lineup that emerged from New York in 1964, but such an equally genius and drastically different side of one of rock's most influential groups is definitely not to be ignored. ... Read more

Album Description

This is the Fishbone album fans have been waiting for. Shot and recorded in digital 24 track at the world famous Melkweg Theatre in Amsterdam, Holland during the infamous High Times Cannabis Cup. This is Fishbone at it's most inspired. They are a well oiled Punk/Ska/Funk factory, this being the last night of a 14 week grueling American and European tour. The smoke filled venue filled with thousands of blissed Fishbone fans shakes with the thunderous grooves as the band plays songs that span their 20 year career. The DVD is 1 hour and 20 minutes. ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Solid Compilation
With any compilation CD there will be some awesome songs and others that you will pretty much skip every time and this one is no different. Overall though there are plenty of good tracks to make this worth the money. In my opinion the standout songs are those by NOFX, Anti-Flag (my favorite song on here), Bouncing Souls, Pennywise, and Pulley. New Found Glory, Yellowcard, 1208, and Flogging Molly have pretty good songs on here too. There really aren't many songs that suck except for maybe The Keys to Life vs. 15 Minutes of Fame by Atmosphere, which is a rap song and sounds way out of place on a punk compilation. Some of the bands on here I had never heard of before but they make positive contributions to this CD. So you could find a new band you like here too. Buy this to hold you over until the tour actually starts.

THIS CD ROCKS GCFAN11
Okay To gcfan11 who says that the only good bands are simple plan yellowcard and new found glory its true these are good bands but they are not the only good ones people have to give less known bands a chance and not only bands that are on mtv because alot of good bands are out there, you should'nt feel bad about not being able to go to the concert because you probably wouldnt be able to appreaciate actual punk music. this cd is good just like any other comp u gotta listen to it a couple of times before judging it its worth the price even if it was double the price.

Yup.
In response to the review before me. I would like to say that just because a band isn't on the main stage doesn't mean that they aren't good. It's people like you that I hate at the warped tour, you try so hard to dress "punk" and go there and be the "cool" you. You don't even give the other bands that are playing on a smaller stage a chance. I'm sorry they don't play on the radio, so they can't be good, because everything on MTV is the only thing you should listen because they know good music. I hope you suffocate slowly listening to your damn music.

Careful punks...
The warped tour used to be mostly punk bands with great music, but this 2 disc garbage has got to stop. This isn't much more than one big screamo fest, and as a late-twenties punker who's been to every warped tour lemme just tell you...SCREAMING does not make you punk rock! It really just makes you another in a long line of bands ripping each other off for that rad Jawbreaker sound...or whatever it is they are going for. This comp has some strong material (Alkaline Trio, Bad Religion, The Lawrence Arms, many others) but also has more junk you've never heard of and probably shouldn't. They really should go back to one-disc comps of the really good PUNK on the warped tour and get all these 8th stage wack bands off the comp. Oh yeah, lots of that generic new pop-punk stuff too (yellowturd, taking back sunday, simple plan?!?!?!?!, et al ad nauseum). I got it free w/my warped tour tickets. I wouldn't pay a dime for this lame overdone comp. But it is about 30% rockin'.

Great Collection
I got this at Hot Topic for 8 bucks!! I really got it for the first cd. Dont get me wrong, the second disc is good but I like the first better. Anyway..one issue..why were GC and SP on the Warped Tour? They are not punk at all. Anyway, great cd..!) YEARS!! ... Read more

Album Description

Boston's working class punk kings return with an albumrecorded live over a three-day span centered around St.Patrick's Day in the band's home turf (Boston MA at theAvalon Ballroom). Twenty-six tracks of punk, Oi, streetpunk, hardcore and Celtic folk sounds. 2002. . ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Great album, but I miss Mike
These guys are an amazing group of individuals that I can listen to constantly and never get bored. They represent all of the necessary qualities that a great band must have. They make their music and put it out there. Every song of theirs has a message and a purpose and you've gotta love the bagpipes. These guys do Punk way better than Flogging Molly and it's awesome that this year they get to headline the Warped Tour.

With that said, let's get down to this Greatest hits/live album deal. Just about everyone of their best songs are on here. Everything is fast paced and clear. It's awesome that the CD has the monolagues in between the songs to show what it is like at a Dropkick show.

Here's my problem. If I wasn't a hardkore Dropkick Murphy's fan, I'd give this album 5 stars. But I am a huge fan and i love Mike, the original singer. Nobody can bring it like he did it. Mike is the singer for this band. Do or Die made this band. Mike has an awesome voice for what the band was trying to do. On Do or Die, they were a very political band ready to do big things. But, Al Barr just doesn't have it in him and when he sings the songs off of Do or Die, it shows.

What really pisses me off is that it seems like he doesn't care about the old songs because they aren't his. During songs like Boys on the Docks, he lets the croud do more singing than he does. He ruined Finnigans wake by trying to make it super fast and aggressive instead of keeping it a folky Irish song.

The songs from Sing Loud, Sing Proud were fine. I had no problems with them. Those are his songs so of course he's gonna sound better on them. But PLEASE RESPECT THE OLD STUFF. I LOVE THIS BAND AND I DON'T WANT TO WATCH IT FALL LIKE SO MANY BANDS OUT TODAY.

Yeah, it's good.
I was at the Murphys' March 16 show, and while this CD doesn't quite compare to seeing them live, it does make a nice souvenir. At 26 tracks, it's very inclusive, so you get to hear a nice mix of this band's unusually eclectic (at least for a punk band) catalog. At any rate, it's obvious that the Murphys put a lot of passion and energy into their songs, and getting to hear it live and raw is quite a treat. Al Barr and Ken Casey make an excellent vocal tag-team, and Matt Kelly's machine-like drumming brings a precision and variety more often seen in metal than in punk. Although hard and fast is definitely a recurring theme in the Murphys' music, they also do a good job of slowing it down with melodic, heartfelt numbers like the melancholy "The Torch" and the uplifting "Forever," which is one of the few love ballads that don't make my stomach turn. And I must say, I'm very pleased that they included their cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Fortunate Son," as the way they annihilate that classic song is just great. If you like the Murphys at all, this disc is essential.

I wish I was Irish
Well to begin, I am not a huge fan of punk music. This is mostly because of most bands today that pass themselves as punk, like Sum 41 and Good Charlotte. With that aside, this is pure punk and pure energy. My friend introduced me to this band shortly before St. Patricks day. We we're making Irish cds and he had some of this bands music. I love how they can take traditional Irish songs and make them full of energy. This brings me back to my skateboarding days when punk music was true punk. I have always said that if you want the true vibe of the band you like, hear them live. This album does not dissappoint. People say this album is only for hardcore fans of DKM but I have to say this is the only album that I own from them. This band is one part Irish drinking songs, and one part punk, which works very nicely. I just wish they did a cover of Whiskey in the Jar, but if you want a heavy version of that song, stick to Metallaca's version. Metallica is good in their own respect I guess (I'm not a huge fan of them), but their cover of that song is quite badass. If you want a good cd to play as loud as you can around St. Patties day, this is it. Enjoy.

A great show and a great CD
The Dropkick Murphys concert on St. Patricks Day was absolutely nuts. It was probably one of the top 3 shows I've ever seen. Every song they did was great and the crowd was extreme for the whole show. Hearing these songs again is incredible and makes me remember one of the best shows I've ever seen. The CD has every song that I can remember from the show. Songs like Barroom Hero and Upstarts and Broken Hearts are absolutely classic. If you only one live CD, get this one.

Best Live CD I've ever heard
From the second I popped it into my cd player, I never regretted putting up [$$$]for it. When you don't hear the murphys singin (and even when you do) you can hear the chorus of the crowd keeping the song going. Though the vocals my not be always on key, its a live cd and they can't use multiple takes. Its the next best thing to seeing them live. In between songs there is some hilarious dialogue too. Even the slow songs, "Torch" and "Forever", are worth listening to. My favorite has to be "The Gauntlet". Hearing them play it live gives me goosebumps. If you are looking for a great live cd and are a murphys fan, PICK THIS ONE UP! If you want a super hi quality studio version of the Murphys, take a look at "Sing Loud Sing Proud" or "Do or Die". Overall its the best live cd I've ever heard and a great sing along album to any hardcore murphys fan. ... Read more

Amazon.com

While additional guitarists Brett Nelson of Caustic Resin and Jim Roth of the Delusions pop up in a couple of tracks on Built to Spill's Live, the person most responsible for the extra-crispy sound is Phil Eck. He produced the Idaho-based trio's last two albums, the critically acclaimed Keep It Like a Secret and Perfect from Now On, and here he mans the soundboard to make sure the band's dynamic combination of the intimate and the explosive comes through just right. Live is one of the shinier sounding in-concert documents in recent memory, sounding (at times) more like a polished studio project rather than a collection of live cuts.This works in the group's favor, especially during psychedelic moments such as "I Would Hurt a Fly." Live won't stem the fanatical bootlegging and tape trading among devout fans, but it's a fine sonic souvenir of alt-rock's quirkiest power-pop-'n'-jam band. --Jason Josephes ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Good performances, great sound
I've seen Built To Spill a few times, in large and small venues that had one thing in common - the acoustics and the sound mix were pretty bad. With all the distortion and effects, it made it pretty hard to hear the actual notes being played in the louder passages.

This cd, in contrast, is very nicely mixed; you get to hear all the playing. Martsch's singing is a little strained here and there on tracks (I winced at the very opening of The Plan), but is pretty good overall. There are nice arrangements of songs from recent studio albums, with space in them for his guitar improv work. The more complex and subtle songs from Perfect From Now On get boiled down to essentials - melodic lines and riffs - with guitar noise textures to fill things out in place of the many guest musicians who played on that fine cd. Cortez the Killer, and Broken Chairs, both really let the guys stretch out with loose playing and effects for a great wall of sound. These two songs, especially, are the kinds of things that just sound like mud in a live venue - it's great to be able to hear things more clearly.

Lots of folks rant and rave over Martsch's guitar god status, but I think they're off base a bit. He's not a technical wizard capable of intricately difficult parts like a Steve Morse or Vai. Rather, this is a guy with a good ear for sounds and textures, a good composer and arranger, who happens to use the guitar to make his music. His playing tends to strong melodies contrasted with broad washes of noise and texture; plus, he's got a good command of dynamics. I say this just to warn anyone who buys this cd hoping for more "clean" traditional technical playing - you might be disappointed.

My only regret with this cd is that there wasn't room for some of the stranger covers that Built To Spill have been known to do, like a Macy Gray song (!) or Ozzy's classic Mr. Crowley.

Great live cd
I was a little disappointed with the song selection of this album, as they didn't really choose my favorite songs. However, the covers are what make this album pretty darn cool. In particular, Cortez the Killer is very cool, and Virginia reels around the fountain is pretty roudy as well. Good album for a built to spill fan. If you're just starting though, i'd say get "there's nothing wrong with love," even though Perfect from now on is my favorite album by bts, tnwwl is more accessible. Anyway, this is a pretty rad album. Better than a lot of lousy live albums

A guitar hero celebrates his craft!
Doug Martsch is a true guitar hero. While he operates out of the mainstream, he is an accomplished and powerful player, and most "classic" rock fans would enjoy this if given a chance. The songwriting is excellent, as always, and the live setting really makes the sound even more powerful than in studio. Buy it for the people who just listen to the same songs over and over, and they'll be converted!

A guitar masterpiece
I'd give it 4.5 if I could. This was the album that got me started on BTS about 2 years ago, so I agree with the people saying this is a good way to get introduced to the band. This album, more than any other I've heard from BTS (or probably anyone, for that matter) has absolutely amazing guitar work.
The two 19 minute tracks are excellent. The meandering guitar on Cortez the Killer is pretty good (and that's the best Neil Young impression I've heard), but the real jewel is Broken Chairs, with its awesome buildups and creshendos.
The Plan, Randy..., Stop the Show, and Car are all significantly better live, as the guitar is allowed to stand out more. And Virginia Reel is amazing. The guitar on that one soars. Seriously, with that song I put on the headphones, close my eyes, and imagine soaring through the clouds.

So overall, this album is really special. If not for Singing Sores, which lacked the interesting guitar work found everywhere else, and Hurt a Fly, which was the exception by being better in the studio version, this would definitely be a perfect album.
If you love great guitar, you really should own this.

Is It Live Or Jane's Addiction?
Built to spill sounds a lot like Jane's Addiction, a bit too much, really. They are loud, they are screechy, they are grating. If you like this sort of wailing hard alternative, why not stick with the innovator? Leave the imatator to rot. ... Read more

Amazon.com

On September 13, 1995, this like-minded triumvirate of country-folk singer-songwriters joined forces for a good old-fashioned song swap. The music's warmth and relaxed vibe make it sound like it was recorded on someone's back porch in Texas as opposed to Nashville's Bluebird Café. Pulled together for an Interfaith Dental Clinic benefit by Guy Clark's wife Susanna, the three old friends sing songs and tell stories in an intimate acoustic-and-a-stool atmosphere in front of an appreciative audience--what more can you ask for when you have such compelling songwriters? The ravenous cult fans of these artists will want to add these delightful performances to their collections, but newcomers will get an engaging and useful primer on the modern Texas troubadour style. --Marc Greilsamer ... Read more

Reviews (19)

As Great As You Suspect
This CD, capturing a 1995 guitar pull with Steve Earle, Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark, is as great as you would picture. The sound quality is excellent sound quality and the song selection is great. Earle and Van Zandt, in particular, are in great voice and spice up several of the songs with charming banter. For Earle, this is a far more satisfying concert snapshot than his full-length SHUT UP AND DIE LIKE AN AVIATOR from years ago. Standout cuts: Earle's Mercenary Blues; Van Zandt's Tecumseh Valley; and Clark's Randall Knife.

A Song For Townes Van Zandt
Apparently, these three underground folk / rock / country greats walked on stage together for what sounds like a nearly impromptu benefit for a proposed Interfaith Dental Clinic (for the "working poor," Van Zandt explains, "who can't get insurance"). Each performs several of his own songs, accompanying himself on guitar with a minimal amount of harmony vocals.

Earle and Clark give strong performances. The stories told between songs are sometimes hilarious -- Townes' story of losing his gold tooth in a game of cards, or Earle's recounting of how his roommates were too dumb to even steal pizza.

But the thing I find really striking about this recording is Townes Van Zandt. Townes died only a couple of years later, the proximate cause being complications following hip surgery, but his alcoholism no doubt contributing. In his performances you can hear his slipping concentration -- missed chords, forgotten lines, etc.

His performance of "A Song For" is heartrending. He forgets parts, and the spare accompaniment accentuates his croaking, corroded voice. "Too late," he sings, "to wish I'd been stronger." A song for what? For a dying poet, a wanderer with no strength left to roam. A song for whom? A song for Townes Van Zandt. Touching.

If you're reading this review, you're probably already familiar with at least one of these legendary songwriters. Get the album -- its intimate, warm, funny feel is delicious even if you already have recordings of all these songs.

guy clark's dublin blues...
during dublin blues, guy clark says "this might just be the best i ever played it." it's amazing.

Great Music - PERIOD!
This is one of those CD's that you use to turn your friends on to great talents.

Steve Earle - Genius
Guy Clark - Super Genius
Townes Van Zandt - Superdee Duper Genius.

Grows in yer heart
I cant believe any of you whiners that dismiss this album as poor. Sure, Townes is loaded, but do you want the truth or do you want some polished puke? Townes Van Zandt is spreading the love on this one, and you can hear how the audience responds not only to his songs, but his stories, which by the way, make me laugh over and over again.
This is honest, not perfect, and beautiful. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Though Dave Alvin's reputation rests with his songwriting, the dynamismof this live recording puts the pedal to the metal and leaves the studioversions of much of this material in the dust. Highlights range from anine-minute medley of Alvin's "Little Honey" andBo Diddley's "Who Do YouLove" to the honky-tonk country of "Highway 99" to the raucous celebration of"American Music" that has been Alvin's anthem since his days with theBlasters. Not sinceCreedence'sJohn Fogerty has aroots rocker mined such a rich vein of Americana, though material such as"Haley's Comet," "Blue Boulevard," and "Wanda and Duane" find Alvin'shard-bitten lyricism growing increasingly dark as it matures. While hishalf-spoken, half-sung vocals lack the nuance of the best of his songwriting, akiller band featuring drummer Bobby Lloyd Hicks and keyboardist Joe Terryprovides propulsive support for his stinging guitar. --Don McLeese ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Fine electric and acoustic live performances
As a full-time road warrior, it's no surprise that Alvin's confluence of music, philosophy and work ethic is captured so vividly on these live recordings. Steeped in rock, blues, folk, and country, Alvin's decidedly non-Hollywood California viewpoint is born from the grit of a working man's life, and fueled by the endless miles in between countless road gigs.

These thirteen titles are drawn from Alvin's earliest work with the Blasters and X, solo albums (including a generous helping from his 1991 debut), recent public domain recordings, and a newly penned saga, "Highway 99." Highlights include "Blue Boulevard," Alvin's riveting homage to an influential, music-loving cousin, and a smokin' piano and guitar-driven cover of Bo Diddley's "Who Do You Love." An acoustic cover of Bo Carter's "All 'Round Man" and an electric stab at Little Walter's "Everything's Gonna Be Alright" show off two sides of Alvin's blues. Grace notes invoke Link Wray, Bruce Channel, and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Whether fronting the Guilty Men in electric club performances, or a smaller acoustic group at a Pasadena church, Alvin puts across his lyrics with incredible conviction. The spontaneity of live performance reveals additional details of his songs, as if their studio incarnations were drawn as maps to the road ahead.

+ 1/2 Stars...Alvin Is a First-Rate Songwriter
Dave Alvin has released only two studio albums since his last live album (1996's equally enjoyable Interstate City), but Alvin said in a local newspaper interview before an Omaha appearance that his favorite thing to do is to play before a live audience. "There are things that happen when we play live--intense musical things that are just about impossible to capture in the studio for whatever reason."

This live album is full of raw energy and touches all the bases of Alvin's career to date. There are songs from his days with The Blasters ("Little Honey," "American Music"), X ("Fourth of July"), and his solo career through 2000's Grammy-winning Public Domain (a seven-minute version of "Don't Let Your Deal Go Down"). Alvin performs four songs from 1991's Blue Blvd: "Andersonville," "Blue Boulevard," "Wanda and Duane" and "Haley's Comet," the latter a touching portrait of fleeting fame. The title refers to Bill Haley, but the song's theme is universal. Alvin's world-weary voice is perfectly suited to these songs and the Guilty Men provide excellent support, including his long-time rhythm section of bassist Gregory Boaz and drummer Bobby Lloyd Hicks who have been with Alvin since his last live album. [Note: "Out In California" is the only track repeated between the two live albums.]

Alvin rounds out the album with some rock chestnuts (Bo Diddley's "Who Do You Love") and obscure R&B (the slighlty racy "All 'Round Man"). An unlisted bonus track is an abbreviated version of "Free Bird," which some joker requests but Alvin takes up as a challenge ("You think we don't know it?" he asks. "You think we can't play it?")--it's a fitting ending to a magical set. This is 76 minutes of American music.

As other reviewers have said, if talent were the only barometer by which musical greatness were measured Dave Alvin would be among the elite. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

why isn't this guy a star?
in a just universe, we'd already be a little tired of dave alvin and the guilty men: the stadium shows, the pepsi commercials, the halftime gigs at the nba finals... but it's not a just universe, and dave and the lads are playing bars and clubs like the venues at which this live set was taped. the music is a gumbo of rockabilly, r & b, country and folk. the band kicks back for a fiddle-flavored "abilene," but it also channels chuck berry as it tears through "american music." this release is rowdier than "interstate city," alvin's previous live album, and the arrangements are busier, but it's all good.

Dave Alvin & The Guilty Men: A True Working Band
My first thoughts on the opening notes of this CD were, "Only the most confident musicians would open a show with the sound of tuning instruments"! "How can they get away with that"? "Are they really that good"? THEY ARE! The songs found here aren't about California dreaming. This isn't Hotel California! It is a culmination of many things found on the road in California, as the dream fades and reality sets in. Hot asphalt, cold beer, little diners, love, loss, dysfunctional relationships, and hope. Not one song on this CD was cleverly thought up by a song writer staring out the window of a luxury tour bus. Dave drives his own van. He lived them before he wrote them. The title track will lift you right off your feet with smokin guitar, and lyrics that compare California mountains to a woman lying naked on a bed. Haley's Comet is also a rocker, but a sad story all the same. The idea that an original American Rock n Roll hero could be forgotten to the point he's not even recognizable. Little Honey is a classic Blasters tune reformatted with guitar licks that will make the listener hang on every note; Mr. Thorogood included. Abilene is the story of too many girls who run away to California, only to end up alone in Hollywood. Don't let your deal go down offers a glimpse into one of the tougher drinking establishments several hundred years ago. Highway 99 is the type of straight ahead country that used to come out of Bakersfield, and actually get played. This is a great song, but it does sound an awful lot like Out in California. With the exception of All around Man, which is a fun loving blues romp full of sexual inuendo, the songs are very much grounded in the hard realities of life. Who would have thought that long after The Beach Boys sang Surfin USA, Some guy from Downey would come along and write a song about a couple fighting in a dark apartment on the Fourth of July? The show begins to wind down with the classic Blaster's tune, American Music. This song not only rocks, but it is also another solid reminder of why the USA is the greatest country on Earth. The last highlight to note falls midway through the final track, when some guy much like myself, shouts out, "Free Bird"! Leonard Skynard is then graciously played by the fabulous Guilty Men! Dave Alvin is a true gentleman, and an American Song writing treasure. Buy it!

Classic Performance from a Classic Songwriter
What I love about Dave Alvin is that he is creative and varied enough to defy any of the categories that most people create for musicians. He can be a country crooner, a rocker, a balladeer, and a thoughtful folk singer. He is known as a brilliant songwriter but is also a compelling figure live. More importantly, just as you get used to one of his creative directions, he finds the ability to do something different. For example in the past year, he has done live shows with his rock band the Guilty Men, done live acoustic shows in places like the Neighborhood Church in Pasadena, played guitar in the Blasters reunion, toured with Christy McWilson, played guitar at a few Chris Gaffeny gigs, and still does a few shows as a member of the Knitters.

So here comes Dave with a new live album! Consider this the Dave Alvin sampler. This gives you an idea of what a wonderful songwriter he is. It also gives you an idea of how energetic his live shows can be. I know because I attended two of the three concerts that were recorded to make this CD. What's great about it is there are live performances of songs that he recorded a number of years ago such as Haley's Comet, Blue Boulevard and Wanda and Duane.

My only complaint about this CD is actually a suggestion. There are so many more songs that Dave does live that are terrific. I hope he issues another CD that would be available to fans at his shows. This could have been a 2-disc CD that would have been just as compelling and fun to listen to. Instead what we have is a single disc CD that is terrific and will leave you begging for more. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Way above average live-album
First: The only reason this album did not get a five-star rating, is that this is a Smiths album, and as such, must live up to some pretty high standards. Now, the Smiths were without doubt the greatest band of the eighties (and one of my all time favourites), and had a reputation for being a huge live-attraction. Now, unfortunately, I never had a chance to catch their live acts (primarily because they split up when I was ten years old), but I do imagine that some piece of their worth as a live band were due to Morrisseys enigmatic stage performance, which isn't easily transformed to a sound recording. That said, all the band members were (are) excellant musicians, as this album is a proof of. Now, to summarize my thoughts about this album:

For:

-It's the Smiths, it must be good. (and it is)

-Good sound quality. Far superior to the bootlegs I have heard.

-Some of the songs are featured in great live versions. This recording of The Queen is dead really opened my eyes, I mean ears, to this song. The studio version of the song had never really appealed to me. Until this one.

-The Draze Train. Amazing intrumental tune. Awesome performance by Marr (as always).

Against:

-Less than great song selections. Vicar in a tutu, Ask, Rushholme ruffians and London have never been among my favourite Smiths-songs, though this version of Vicar is in my opinion far superior to the studio one.

-Less than great live versions of some of the songs. I much prefer the regular album versions of What she said, I know it's over and Bigmouth.

-Though backed by secondary guitarist Carig Gannon, Marr doesn't achieve the amazing guitar-tracks as he does when layering guitars on the studio-album. Still, Marr allways performs well, and this is no exception.

So, if you are a Smiths fan, you already own this album. If not, you are going to buy it tomorrow. If you like the Smiths, but aren't a diehard-fan, then I'd still recommend this album. You won't be disapointed. If you are new to the Smiths, get The Queen is Dead or Louder than Bombs instead (and then get all the others). If you hate the Smiths, then go get the new remixes of Modern Talkings greatest instead.

my favorite live album
I especially love the live renditions of Cemetery Gate, and Big Mouth, much more so than the studio album versions, although I like all of the songs selected on this album. They are to me a really balanced selection of the Smith's styles. The album versions seem a bit, well, studio-like and restrained. Performed live, the songs take on an added essentiallness, drive, and verve. I like listening to the album in its entirety, very loudly or through headphones and each time I am transported to a magical experience. I know the other reviewers have mentioned that this album was a "filler" release after the Smiths broke up but to me this album really exhibits the essential beauty of Morrisey's emotional-laden songs and Johnny Marr's melodicism. By the way, if you like Morrissey's solo work, I recently bought "Maladjusted" and I must say it's a GREAT work!

I know it's Over
And you will too when you listen the this CD. Not that it's that bad, it's just a let down, a big let down. The band is sloppy, too fast, and Morrissey vocals are openly over the top playing off on some derivative of his former self. Almost as if he could care less of what is now just all a big joke. Maybe I'm being too rough but that is what it seems like! Clearly the band final days were felt. All songs are inferior to the studio versions. This opposed to Hatful of Hollow which blew the studio versions away in many cases.

Almost perfect
I think this albus is awesome!!!
I'd only complain about the setlist... all the songs here are just great!! but where is There is a light that never goes out? I also would have like to hear a live version of shelia take a bow. I recomend this to everyone!

This album changed my life
This album was my introduction to The Smiths, and when I finally heard the original recordings I never felt the band's studio sound measured up to the raw quality of Rank. There is an intensity that runs throughout. When I first heard it aged 13, this album brought on the most intense feelings of connection to the music. Finally, someone understands me! Boo hoo.
I'm over that now, but whenever I put Rank on it's still blows me away ... Read more

Amazon.com

This 1986 performance from Austin City Limits (also available on DVD) presents one of country's most powerful artists at his performing peak. The native Texan's series debut finds Earle in the midst of his headstrong breakthrough, drawing from the Guitar Town and Exit 0 albums that put him at the front of the renegade country pack. Within the former album's title track and other performance highlights such as "Good Ol Boy (Gettin' Tough)" and "Nowhere Road," Earle and his band the Dukes combine country twang with rock dynamics. Plainly influenced by Bruce Springsteen, he introduces a taut, riveting cover of "State Trooper" as a song by "a pretty good hillbilly singer from New Jersey," and Earle's own "Fearless Heart" owes a debt of inspiration to Springsteen's "Hungry Heart." Yet the 17-song performance reflects his softer side as well, with the reflective balladry of "My Old Friend the Blues" and the tender lullaby of "Little Rock 'n' Roller" packing as much of an emotional punch as the tougher stuff. Where Austin City Limits typically edits an artist's taping into a half hour for airing, this 65-minute release treats listeners to the full set. --Don McLeese ... Read more

Amazon.com

It's the rarest of live albums whose songs add anything to the majesty of the original studio recordings. This one adds immeasurable data to the Velvet's story. Without 1969: Live we might never have known that they were more than just an art outfit, that they could actually rock with fury. Check out Reed's strumming on "What Goes On" if you want to have your mind blown. None of these staples of the V.U. catalog can be truly known without hearing these fully formed, fleshed-out versions, so for history's sake alone we must treasure this. History's tragedy of course is that we get to hear the excruciatingly light applause--it sounds like there's only 10 people in the room at some points--after each course in ass kicking. They were wrongly under-appreciated in their time, and for this we must all pay forever by playing this record constantly. --Gene Booth ... Read more

Reviews (15)

-+Historic performances by legendary Velvet Underground
Some live recordings of standard VU-songs that outperform the original studio-releases.

Pale Blue Eyes has a perfect laid-back mood to it and sounds real vivid compared to the original that was recorded too clean. The playing grows in tightness and spirit while performing. Guitar solo is great.

An absolutely stunning version of Herion, contrary to the one on the first disk. Towards the end, Reed sounds agressively decadent and the band is playing brilliantly. This is the only time on both CD's I get the impression that I'm hearing the rock-side of the VU like they really were all about in their early years.

Some Kinda Love is a simpele song with nice, though rather (anti-) moralistic lyrics. It is played absolutely intense however and this both lifts the song to a higher ground and makes its performance very entertaining.

Over You is one of my favourite songs ever. To my knowledge, no studio-recording exists. This 'little' song illustrates once more that Reed is indeed one of the greatest songwriters who ever lived on this planet. The recording has some annoying noise to it in the beginning.

Essential
This was where I first heard "Ocean"-- and that ten minute version that opens this disc is reason alone to buy it. "Ocean" is now available in several versions- but despite the poor, hissy audio this is probably my favorite version of one of VU's masterpieces. Oh yeah, I haven't mentioned the other 8 tracks-- terrific versions of some better known songs as well as a couple obscurities. It's been said many times but this combined with Vol. 1 makes up one of the truly great live rock albums.

No collection is complete without it
The version of "Ocean" on this album is mind-blowing. You have to buy the CDs just for that. The rest of the Vol. 2 CD is excellent, as is Vol. 1, but that recording of "Ocean"...oh, it's impossible to do any justice to it here.

THE BEST Velvets Album
This is one of the rare cases when volume 2 is better than the first. Of course, it would be best to buy both but if you have to pick one, pick this volume.

This is the album that made me really appreciate the Velvets. I love live music and this album really captures the band as they were meant to be heard -- Jamming, Moody, Rock and Roll. The first 3 songs especially (Ocean, Pale Blue Eyes, and Heroin) have reverberated in my musical memory for a very long time.

A GREAT FIRST VU ALBUM! If you know the Velvets or even just think you might like them, you can't go wrong with these live concerts.

If you have the 1st one you must get this...or vice versa
Volume 2 picks up where the first one leaves off, opening with a ten minute version of OCEAN, complete with Crashing waves of cymbals. This also has rare gems you cant find anywhere else like the short but sweet OVER YOU, and the 50's rockabilly, speed freak sounding combo of SWEET BONNIE BROWN/IT'S JUST TOO MUCH.
Then there is the extended noise drone of WHITE LIGHT/WHITE HEAT.

Just more evidence that the VU were a real loose dirty rock band who were more at home playing in dive bars than the early Warhol era trendy art crowd. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Mogwai has always been one of those near-great bands that you never give up on because they're a thrilling live act with a terrifically bold, louder than God sound and their use of loud-soft-loud dynamics is rivaled only by Godpseed, the Dirty Three and Slint. But on their albums, Mogwai so often seems lost in search of an actual song that, well, it's easy to get bored. This album collects tunes the band recorded for the BBC, and it walks the balance between experimentation and melody far finer than any of their proper albums. Perhaps the need to record songs quickly in the studio for airplay compelled them towards accessibility rather than ear-bleeding wankiness? Regardless, this is not only a must for Mogwai fans, it's the beginners' best place to start. The collection is dedicated to the late, brilliant DJ John Peel, for whom many of the songs were recorded. --Mike McGonigal ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Perfect
Mogwai simply never sounded this good on a regular LP.

"Hunted by a Freak" and "Stop Coming to my House" sound about 10 times better on this."Superheroes of BMX" also sounds a lot better.Everything sounds better.All of it slow, brooding, perfect.

This release puts Mogwai on par with GSPYE! in my opinion.

SAD
The sad songs on this "psychotherapy soundtrack" perfectly reflect my sadness at having purchased this CD--even though I got it for free from Borders!!Instrumentals are often given a bad rep because some of them (the bad ones) are merely pop compositions with the vocals removed, leaving just the boring repetitive accompaniment.That is what Mogwai sounds like.Even worse, every song is as slow as a ballad but as long as a rhapsody.It's true--Mogwai is even slower than Tortoise!The musical arrangements are as follows:1) Establish a baseline; 2) Make a slight deviation from the norm; 3) Repeat several measures; 4) Rinse and repeat.It doesn't have to be like this!M83 and TRS-80 are post-modern instrumental bands, but they're not boring.Mogwai is boring.That's the bottom line.

Product review
In all fairness Mogwai have released some very boring music. The last few records stand out as there most marginal. To get the real deal you have to back to 1999 and the LP Come On Die Young. What Mogwai does best on their early releases is to create mini melodies, stick them in a microwave let you pick up the pieces.
"Like Herod" the highlight on the new CD is the true sound of Classic Mogwai. 7 minutes longer than the version on Young Team thetune starts quiet and peaceful then explodes withpower chords, tons of distortion and feedback.Very satisfying.

This CD is a great way to introduce yourself to the band or give you a reminder of their amazing ground shaking live sound.

A collection of great sessions.
The volume and energy of these recordings cannot compete with witnessing a live Mogwai show, but these recordings are still filled with the same passionate playing that one can expect from them. There are subtle differences within each song that set them apart from their album versions.

The tracklisting was very well chosen; the recording quality and production values are outstanding. Standout tracks include "Hunted by A Freak", "Like Herod", and "New Paths to Helicon Pt. 1".

All in all, a very good listen.

Not what I was expecting
I think it's automatically safe to say that if you've ever seen Mogwai live, you'll be disappointed with this album.Looking through the tracklist, you're probably thinking "Oh this album is gonna be sweet!"Well, it's not.The songs aren't bad, they just don't have the power that would knock you off your feet at the concert

This is one of those things where I like the band too much to take this cd back to trade it in, but I can't see myself listening to this one very often.There are a few exceptions, but most of these songs sounded better on the studio albums they came from, and that's something unusual I wouldn't have expected from such a great band.

In a word, underwhelming. ... Read more

Album Details

Having Seen New Order Evolve from Tentative (Post Curtis) Synth-twiddling to Monumental Soundscaping Via Icily Perfect Techno-pop, We Arrive at the First of the Sessions on this CD. Recorded in 1998 the Versions of 'true Faith', 'touched' and Joy Division's 'isolation' Draw Heavily on the Dance Production Values of the Time, to Devastating Effect, While Retaining the Unmistakable Bass Hooks, Guitar Motifs and Vocal Melodies which Make the Tracks Inimitably New Order. For 'atmosphere' the Tempo and Arrangements Are Taken Right Down, the Song Emerging as a Starkly Powerful Drum-led Ballad, While 'paradise' Sees New Order Indulge their Classic Pop Skills. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Exactly what I was looking for....
I really enjoyed the 511 and 316 DVDs, and the versions of the songs here are similar to how they played them in those concerts. You get some "updated" versions of the old classics such as 'True Faith' and 'Touched by the Hand of God' as well as Barney doing some Joy Division songs in a "New Order" style. The songs from 'Get Ready' are more impressive than they were on the original album. I'm still amazed that after 25 years or so this band can still release material that remains true to their roots and sounds fresh. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Hugely popular in their homeland of Ireland, the Frames top the charts and play to 30,000 people in Dublin. The aptly-titled live album is their fifth and the one they're hoping will connect in America. The quintet's sound draws upon such acts as the Clash (with whom they share a love of the anthemic) and the Pixies (with whom they share a quest for more oblique explorations), as well as on native traditions (albeit updated with a big wallop and galloping propulsion). Recorded before an enthusiastic audience, the band is clearly spurred on by the adoration, as well as a sense of community. The songs often feel like they're giving voice to their countrymen, celebrating a shared sense of justice, outrage, home, faith, and hope. One of the secrets to the band's dazzling and incendiary sound is the mix of full throttle guitar and soaring violin. Lead singer Glen Hansard builds heartfelt ruminations into his between song patter, and leads the band down many surprise avenues, with bits of Bob Marley's "Redemption Song" and Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire" appearing out of their own numbers. --David Greenberger ... Read more

Reviews (5)

AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!
All I can say is this: the frames are just an outstanding band. I love every song they sing. BUY THIS CD!!!!!!!

Am I missing somethine here?
The Frames have been around for almost twenty years. They have a cult following in Ireland. The Frames are going to hang in there forever until everyone has heard them or bought an album. They are waiting for U2 to ask them to open their next world tour. When fans are singing along with such hits like "Relevate" you feel like you are at a fanclub show. They are a mix of folk and punk with some literary influences. You would think you were at a religious revival hearing songs like "God Bless Mom" and "Santa Maria." In the United States, people are stating to pay attention. They are touring with Damien Rice. We will see if it catches on.

Fantastic-Emotionally Charged-Wholly Sincere
I heard Pavement Tune on KEXP and was immediatly impressed. "God Bless Mom" is my hands down favorite, but the entire albumn is great. I lucked out and got to see them open up for Damien Rice at the Moore theater. I don't think a great portion of the audience was there to see the Frames, so it was awesome watching them completely win over the crowd. This isn't one of those CD's that takes a few listenings to - You will love it right off. They just started a tour, and I dare say that they put on one of the best live performances I have seen. Please see them if you have the chance. A side note - I find some of their other albumns to be pretty subdued - If you have heard of their devoted following in Ireland it probably has a lot to do with the emotionalism of their shows. It carries over onto this Live CD perfectly.

A good live snapshot added to an extensive discography
Harmonious Irish pop-rock hot on the tail of U2, focusing heavily on the electric-acoustic guitars, with sensitive yet recoilingly angry vocal tracks. "Set List's" lyrics speak of oppression and broken hearts, tugging at the listeners heartstrings and giving a shot out to mum. When you hear the crowd shout every word of every chorus back to the band in "Set List", you will have an idea of how well they are appreciated at home. The intimate setting in which the band speaks with the audience between songs and the additions of female vocalists and violins puts The Frames in an interesting situation. They draw from the techniques of their predecessors; Springsteen & Dylan speak through the frames, but more blatant influences of traditional Irish folk ballads and harmonies underline their already bold Rock & Roll. The band is currently on an international tour supporting "Set List", and will travel to China in May as part of a cultural exchange program.

Live Album/Greatest Hits all in one..
This is a great starting point for anyone wanting to get into The Frames. This Irish band were number one here in the album charts for two weeks last summer with this record. It is a live album that essentially reads as their "best of" This band really are at their best live and are easily the best live band I have seen.. The CD really does show this live quality as best as it can be without actually being present at a concert. There really is not a bad track on this CD. The lead singer Glen Hansards between song stories really add a personal touch to the record..A great addition for any fan and an excellent start if you want to get into some great modern Irish songwriting.. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Who besides Ani DiFranco would begin an album with a piercing buzz and a muttered "I don't know why the f**k I play acoustic guitars"? But then who else would release a double-disc concert set only five years after the last one? Like 1997's Living in Clip, her latest live document is sublimely packaged and messily recorded, and features the backing of a howling audience and a hot jazz-rock band. Highlights include a funky, almost gangsta take of her best New York song, "Cradle and All"; Julie Wolf's grinding organ on "Napoleon"; and the previously unreleased post-9/11, antiwar poem "Self Evident." The performances (culled from venues across the U.S., as well as France and Canada) feature lots of witty soap-boxing (apparently no one told Ani that Clear Channel's infamous banned song list doesn't exist... does it?) in addition to some gorgeous guitar picking and inventive horn lines. In the end, all the flaws, giggles, stumbling starts, and risky arrangements are a testament to how much she trusts her audience and how much they trust her. Do her fans really need another double live album? When the performances brim with this much charisma, adventure, and conviction, yes, they do. --Roy Kasten ... Read more

Reviews (52)

ani's like no one else live
I saw ani difranco live about a year ago and was totally blown away by her enthusiasm, charisma, and fun she had for her audience. She really connects with them like no one else, and thats what makes her such a great live act. This CD showcases it as well. For the old fans, there is a total potpourri of stuff from her puddle dive days (my iq), dilate (napoleon), not a pretty girl (title track, 32 flavors) to the teeth (title track) little plastic castle (swan dive) all the way up to her last album, revelling/reckoning (aint that the way, tambrritza lingua, revelling, reckoning, rock paper scissors, whathowwhenwhere) and the songs sound really different live. So thers whole new, extended or abridged versions of classics. Plus, she performs her poem about 9/11 (self evident) and a bonus, "you had time". The CD runs for more than 2 hours and even if you havent heard ani before here is a fabulous place to start.

So Much Enjoyment
Disc One:
Swan Dive - 10/10 This much needed live version of the song does not disappoint. Adds great depth to the originally very accoustic song.
Letter to a John - 9/10 Very good rendition of the song. A favorite of mine from Out of Range
Grey - 9/10 I glide past through this song on Revelling/Reckoning, but this rendition is amazing. You can feel the intimacy of the song in the performance. Stunning!
Cradle and All - 10/10 One of the best songs on the album. Good song from Not a Pretty Girl, but a highlight rendition on So Much Shouting, So Much Laughter
What All is Nice - 6/10 I skip past it
What How When Where - 8/10 Good song, not one of my favorites from Revelling/Reckoning but a good rendition nonetheless
To the Teeth - 10/10 So much better than the album version. It's nice to hear the crowd reaction add more relatability to the performance.
Revelling - 7/10 Good rendition
Napoleon - 9/10 not as good as the version on Living in Clip, but it'original and fun and that's all that matters
Shrug - 8/10 From Evolve, I actually like this version. The song sounds raw on this version
Welcome To: - 10/10 So much better than the album version (from Evolve). She sings it on a higher key and it sounds so much more melodic and so much more passionate

Girls Singing Night:
Comes a Time - 5/10 Skip it. No point in having it on the album
Ain't That the Way - 8/10 I don't like this song, but this is a good rendition of it anyways. She sounds very good on it, but the lyrics are her worst ever.
Dilate - 9/10 So much better without the disruption you hear on Render. It sounds good with the full band as well.
Gratitude - 10/10 A highlight to hear an old Ani classic
Rock Paper Scissors - 6/10 Another boring song from Revelling/Reckoning
32 Flavors - 9/10 I actually prefer this version from Living in Clip because it's fuller and less boring. Some may disagree, but I mark it as a highlight on Girls Singing Night
Loom/Pulse - 9/10 I love this version. The tempo is sped up and it is very enjoyable
Not a Pretty Girl - 10/10 Perfect. Amazing. The best version I've heard live. She totally rearranges the song, and it benefits it greatly here.
Self Evident - 10/10 Here we go. One of the best poems I have ever heard. I was lucky to hear it live, but the band adds so much depth to the song. We hold these truths to be self evident: number 1 - George W. Bush is not president.
Reckoning - 7/10 It's ok. I like it better than Revelling
My IQ - 10/10 Awesome with the band. Awesome
Jukebox - 10/10 Her vocals are amazing and the arrangement is really good. A song you can have fun with while listening.
You Had Time - 9/10 A good way to end the album and I'm sure Ani fans will appreciate a classic song at the end.

Ani Difranco is so much better live. You can hear the intimacy and passion in her when she is on stage. While this is not a ticket to a show, So Much Shouting/So Much Laughter is a good representation on Ani's making good music with her band. Not as good as the incredible album Living in Clip, but still amazing nonetheless.

She's amazing!
This CD was my introduction to Ani DiFranco - a friend of mine put on the song about September 11th and it sent shivers fown my spine. This woman is an artist. To call her a singer is mistaken. This is way more powerful than merely singing. Highly recommended!

Sheer energy: shocking and powerful
To say Ani DiFranco is a powerful performer is an understatement. Let me put this out: this is my first Ani DiFranco album ever, but now I know it will not be my last one. Musically, her style brings to mind Dave Matthews (with her guitar playing and somewhat fusion-jazz-rock sound in the background at times), but Tori Amos, Laurie Anderson and Kate Bush influences can -to a certain extent- be felt here.

However, her lyrics (loaded with a significant social weight and an clear anti-establishment theme, sometimes sung in a clever slow rap-like fashion that I just love) make her stand out on a totally different level. The newly released "Self Evident" is the best testimony of this. The only other artist I have heard that remotely sounds like her on stage is Peter Hammill, but even that can be a bit of a stretch. The fact is: you have to take Ani DiFranco at face value, take any prejudices off your mind and listen to her. I think you will be surprised as I was, and wonder: where have I been all this time, while she's been recording music?

BEST live CD
What's great about this cd is that Ani provides different versions of already published tunes, so that the songs performed live are almost different songs -- musically speaking. LOVE them! ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Pearl Jam eases into its epic 48-song marathon!
Pearl Jam eases into its epic 48-song Mansfield, MA, show with the poignant "Long Road" from the 1996 film Dead Man Walking. It is the perfect opener for these aging alternative giants who have made a mission out of avoiding the path of least resistance and putting on marathon live shows. This first set of the evening sticks to acoustic versions of fan favorites like "Indifference" and "Sometimes" before breaking for a Sleater-Kinney set (not included). Set two kicks off with an ominous version of "Can't Keep" from Riot Act before exploding into brutal, full-throated renderings of "Breakerfall" and "Brain of J." Eddie Vedder sounds tired yet incrementally possessed as the show continues, delivering the anthemic "Why Go" with its chorus of "Why go home/Why go home" like a schoolyard dare. The audience takes his advice and screams through three encores, including classics like "Jeremy" and classic covers like "Fortunate Son" and "Rockin' in the Free World," before delivering the enduring singalong B-side "Yellow Ledbetter" like the blue-collar road dogs the band has become

A must for Pearl Jam fans
This terrific cd shows why people still come to Pearl Jam's live shows. They still have not "lost it."(...)
In this unusual setup, Pearl Jam was their own opening act, so to speak. They came out early to do a (mostly) acoustic set for almost an hour. Following the performance of their real opening act (Sleater-Kinney), they returned for their main set, for about another two-and-a-half hours!
Disc one includes the acoustic set. Eddie Vedder thanks the crowd for coming early "to the experiment". The set starts with the lesser-known "Long Road." This song is so good,one wonders why it isn't on one of their regular albums. Excellent versions of "All Those Yesterdays", "Thin Air", and the b-side "Footsteps" are included.
The main set is included in thier entirety on the second and third discs (except for "Arc", which isn't on any of the live cds).
This tour was in support of the "Riot Act" album, and killer versions of songs from that album appear here. "Can't Keep", "Ghost", and "Cropduster", for examlple, show why "Riot Act" ranks among their best albums. (...)
PJ include a wide variety of songs from thier entire catalog here, and do them well. Big hits, album cuts, b-sides, songs that only PJ fans know all appear here.
The "man" trilogy appears here, highlighted by the crowd singing along with "Betterman". Proof positive That PJ still thrills and excites their audience. Even early fan favorites such as "Blood", and "Jeremy" are still played to the hilt. There is no "walking through" these songs,even after having played them a zillion times over the years.
Sleater-Kinney return to play CCR's "Fortunate Son" and Neil Young's "Rockin'in the Free World" with PJ. The set finishes with "Yellow Leddbetter."
Filled with outstanding live material, this 3 cd set is a "must own" for any and all Pearl Jam fans.

Gives me goosebumps
After a bit of last minute rushing around (including a strange run-in with a couple of jerk parking lot attendants), I was lucky enough to attend this show, and it was more than worth both the overpriced ticket and the afformentioned difficulties. PJ made good on their promist to cover as much of their catalog as possible and both the band and the crowd got quite a workout. Starting in the late afternoon with an acoustic set (disc 1), the band offered a nice laid back mix of old favorites and rarities highlighted by some of my personal favorites like "Footsteps", "Off He Goes", "Drifting", "Thin Air", and ending with a powerful version of "Indifference". Then after an OK Sleater-Kinney performance, the fun really started. With Great Woods' stupid time restraints, the boys had to hurry through the set, but it ended up being a good thing as the sped-up versions of songs like "Brain of J", "Why Go", "Spin the Black Circle", and "Given to Fly" were even more powerful than usual. They slowed it down a bit and Eddie interacted with the crowd, asking for our help to sing along with the end of "Wishlist" and then went into the Man trilogy, in which the entire crowd took over on lead vocals for "Betterman". Listening to it now makes me tingle. The 3rd set included a great rendition of "Breath" and an even better version of "Habit". Then they closed the 3rd set with "Black" & "Jeremy", the latter in which we all were reminded why we loved this band in the first place as we all belted out the final "Oooooooooohhhhhhoohhhoooo!" (very loud and accurately I might add). After being joined by SK for the Encore version of CCR's "Fortunate Son" they teased us with a one note song, and sent us all home satisfied with the only song they repeated over the 3 shows they played at Mansfield, "Yellow Ledbetter". This was one of the most incredible shows I have ever attended and I was so pleased to learn the bootleg was out. I listen to this constantly despite my usual distaste for live albums, and I never get sick of it. It is a great reminder of a great night, and the set list is so good that it is still worth the price of the set even if I hadn't been there. Any PJ fan would have enjoyed the show, and luckily for those who missed it, the excitement is captured here. Simply a great show.

Addendum to my previous review
I had to submit a new review, this one at 3 stars, to balance out my 5 star review for a total of 4...the previous reviewer, Todd M. Goff, is going to be disappointed when he gets his discs for this show, because Pearl Jam decided not to release the song where "Veder (sic) worked - seemingly adlib - recording his voice one layer on top of another. Each time they would play it back, he would add another layer on top of it. He did this for about 5 minutes until the recorded version - containing all the various layers he had just cried out - became this melodic and haughting melody; it absolutely kicked my ass and I can't wait to hear it again." This song is called "Arc", appears in shortened form on their album "Riot Act", was performed 9 times (and since this was dedicated to the 9 people who died at the Roskilde Festival, some claim that it was performed one time for each person who died, though there's no band confirmation of this)....and does NOT appear on any official bootleg release, including the 8 other shows where this appears that were distributed through Sony direct only. I'm so glad I taped in Council Bluffs, and you can find the performances from Council Bluffs, Fargo, and this one if you look around. Pearl Jam is ok with taping so you don't have to worry about piracy or "angering the band" so long as you don't PAY anyone to obtain this recording.

Retaining the Memory
Okay. I've actually just purchased this CD. I write this review already knowing the content because I was there at the third show in Mansfield. I have been a solid fan for many, many years and have attended some spectacular shows of their's while living in Atlanta during the 90s. This show in Mansfield blew everything else away. The vast majority of the show was songs that you almost never would hear @ your run-of-the-mill PJ concert. If you've been looking for a recording holding many alternative Pearl Jam songs, look no further. One song in particular was stunning. Veder worked - seemingly adlib - recording his voice one layer on top of another. Each time they would play it back, he would add another layer on top of it. He did this for about 5 minutes until the recorded version - containing all the various layers he had just cried out - became this melodic and haughting melody; it absolutely kicked my ass and I can't wait to hear it again.
I write this knowing what's in store for me. I can't wait to get it. It's unlikely I will ever see another of their shows that will out do this one - buy it today. ... Read more

Amazon.com

For those late to the Soul Asylum party, which began in 1981 on cozy Minneapolis stages as Loud Fast Rules, the "Best-Live-Band-in-the-Country" badge pinned on them by countless longtime fans from David Letterman to George Wendt may seem like an exaggerated yarn. After the Flood finds the foursome at the pinnacle of their runaway-train popularity, a potent, airtight foursome living up to its reputation on a Saturday night at an airplane hangar in North Dakota, circa 1997, playing for high schoolers in a northern town ravaged by floods that summer. The applause meter on "hits" like "Black Gold," "Misery" and "Runaway Train" proves that most of the audience hopped aboard during 1993’s Gravedancer’s Union. And while the band fails (purposely neglects?) to sample from its essential punk rock back pages--Made to Be Broken or While You Were Out--it manages to revive those legendary stage chops on a half-dozen covers, including a metalish jaunt through Alice Cooper's "School’s Out," a straight shot of Johnny Nash's "I Can See Clearly Now," a flannel-soul edition of Marvin Gaye’s "Sexual Healing" and LuLu’s "To Sir With Love," on which chameleon vocalist Dave Pirner wails with grace. -- Scott Holter ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Good album, great memories
I thought this was a great album as well, mostly because I was there was well.I not only attended the prom the two previous years, but also went to this prom a year after I graduated (I subsequently went to two more proms after that) and this music brings back good memories.

Normally I listen hip-hop when I drive my civic around town, but I give this album a thumbs up.

Great Live CD - Great Cover Choices
This band is a phenomenal live band and this CD features them playing a great set list at the peak of their popularity.While their most memorable hits are here, what really makes this set list great is the cover tunes that they chose to play.The extraordinary Alice Cooper rock anthem 'School's Out' kicks the CD off.'I Can See Clearly Now' is very appropriate given that they were playing a post flood prom.'To Sir With Love' is awesome.'I Know' is really fun to listen to.Even 'Rhinestone Cowboy' is given the royal rock treatment and becomes a sing along favorite.I gotta believe that this track was added for the cheesiness factor, but it's done very well.

The only negative to this CD is that Dave Pirner's voice sounds off at times during Misery.But I didn't mind that so much because it only adds to the credibility of this being a true live CD and not an over produced piece trying to pass for a live CD.

I've seen Soul Asylum live multiple times.They are an incredible live band.It's great to be able to be able to bring that energy home or in the car via this CD.I'm impatiently awaiting their next studio album.(Soul Asylum, if you are reading this, I'd love to hear you guys cover Shawn Cassidy's `That's Rock & Roll' for the cheesiness factor.I think you could make it rock)This is an excellent buy.Do yourselves a favor and buy this CD.

Excellent
One of the best live albums I have ever picked up. Thanks Sony, thanks Soul Asylum. This needed to get out!

I was there...
Wow, I can't believe this got released!I was at the hanger for the Prom that night... the only High School dance I ever attended.I can tell you first hand that the atmosphere in the town at the time was pretty depressing.Most everyone I knew had lost pretty much everything they owned; houses, vehicles and almost everything else was fair game for the raging Red River that spring.

Our graduating High School class had spent the weeks leading up to the eventual evacuation sandbagging the dikes around the river, trying (in vain it turned out) to keep the flooding river out of our homes and lives.

Many families didn't realize the severity of the situation until the National Guardsmen came to our doors and told us to "pack for about 3 days, you need to be gone in 2 hours".That 3 days turned into upwards of 2 months for many of us.Friends were seperated with no way to get back in touch with one another and not knowing who was going to make it back for graduation... or even if we were going to have one.

When they announced that we would be still having a graduation and would even still hold the Prom, we were ecstatic.It was a much needed break from all the rebuilding that was going on.Even more exciting; somehow, someway, someone had managed to get Soul Asylum to agree to play our Prom!

When Soul Asylum took the stage, the energy in the hanger was palpable... you could almost taste excitement in the air.They didn't just *play* for us though, they got up there and poured their hearts into making the best of a bad situation for us and for that, I will be forever grateful.It was a stellar show and made for some pretty interesting stories when we started returning tuxedo's with tore-off sleeves and jackets that got ripped while crowd surfing.

Thanks again gentleman for giving yourselves to a town that needed a little pick me up, it was a much needed boost and it's not something that we'll soon forget!

Great music recorded live...doesn't get any better than this
I have several live Soul Asylum albums...this one takes the cake. I've seen them live in person before, but I can only imagine what this one felt like to be there.They are indeed the best live band you could see live. You can tell that Soul Asylum poured their hearts and souls into this performance. A forgettable tragedy turns into an unforgettable night that student will always remember and fans can listen in on again and again.You will not regret it. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Wayne "The Train" keeps a-rollin' as the Austin honky-tonk hero struts his stuff in live sessions on his home turf, energizing the dancers and putting a smile on the face of anyone who prefers country music with an old-fashioned kick. The ex-Marine is a hard-core country traditionalist, but his devotion to swing--Western and otherwise--gives his honky-tonk fluidity. Swing Time, produced by Texan Lloyd Maines, makes excellent use of crack guitarists Paul Skelton and Dave Biller, who deftly combine vintage licks with contemporary energy. Steel guitarist Eddie Rivers is equally effective, especially on songs like "Louisiana Blues," "Flatland Boogie," and "Big City Good Time Gal." Still it's Watson's no-nonsense vocals and 21st-century Hank Williams persona that makes the music click. Hancock reprises several songs from previous recordings, adding a quick trip down "Route 66" and an intriguing take on the standard "Summertime." --Michael Point ... Read more

Reviews (2)

very addictive
I recently disovered the wonders of Accuradio and, in particular, the station TWANG. It is awesome. There are a few CD's that are in heavy rotation other than Johnny Cash or Willie Nelson. This is one of them, and for good reason. It sounds new and old, and Wayne's voice does have an uncanny resemblance to a certain Hank Williams. The music has this quality that you rarely hear of being familiar and completely unique at the same time. Hat's off to the band for making it sound oh so easy. It's toe tapping heaven.

A fun, relaxed live set
A great live set recorded down in Austin by hard-country hero Wayne The Train Hancock and his band, featuring Dave Biller on guitar, a bit of trombone tootling by Bob "Texaco" Stafford, and solid, lively backing by all the others. From the album title, I had expected Hancock to indulge his interest in jazz-standards and swing, but I ain't complaining that this is a strait-up country album instead -- not by a longshot! Really, it's amazing to hear anyone playing such as rough and rowdy, yet accomplished and historically aware kinda country these days, and this disc captures the energy and charm of Hancock's live shows pretty well. High points include his new version of "Thunderstorms And Neon Signs," which may actually outdo the original -- overall, another top-notch release! Highly recommended. ... Read more

Amazon.com

On their first album since 1998, the Mavericks have finally made a Career Move that Matters--they’ve ditched the desperate, ultra-cool factor and settled down to play straight-head, unselfconscious pop. If Raul Malo & Company had simply done this earlier, it might have buoyed their off-and-on career, and moved them beyond country radio, where they never really belonged in the first place. As such, the album signifies a rebirth, reflected in the self-titling of what amounts to their reunion album.From the opening cut, the driving "I Wanna Know," the band immerses itself in the thrill and energy of ‘60s British pop, with the usual side trips to the graves of Roy Orbisonand Elvis Presley, and to the sonic birthplace of Malo’s Cuban heritage. While a faithful remake of the Hollies’ "The Air That I Breathe" closes the record, it sets the scene for the album as a whole with its grandiose and theatrical homage to obsessive love. At last, the melodramatic Malo never sounds overreaching, because he’s made the material match his nearly operatic vision. Throughout, The Mavericks is smart, sophisticated, and knowing, from its lush and sensuous cocktail forays ("Wondering," "A Little Too Lonely"), to its sexy Latin come-on ("San Jose") and swingy shuffle ("Because of You"), the latter of which recalls the way Presley updated hoary country songs recycled from Hank Snow and Eddy Arnold. Still, it’s not the ghost of either of the big Hanks that hangs over this album, but Phil Spector. A dazzling comeback, and one of the year’s best albums. --Alanna Nash ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Typical Mavericks
Don't get me wrong, The Mavericks is one of my favorite groups and I listen to them more than anyone else. I love their songs and their ways of playing. This CD gets only three stars because it brings to the table nothing more than a typical, though solid, Mavericks CD. Longtime fans should be able to tell you what is there: a fast-paced strong tune made for turning up loud, a Latiny-sounding tune, a couple of I-can-sing-Sinatra-songs-too tunes, a cover of an old standby, a song that sounds country, etc. Once again...I love Raul Malo's voice and the things this band does. I will listen to this latest effort again and again, but I think that Trampoline and Music For All Occasions will get more play time. I hope this didn't sound too negative, because I want to end with...WELCOME BACK, GUYS, AND THANKS!

Welcome Back
Their last album, Trampoline (1998), remains one of our most frequently played. So it is indeed a delight to salute the Mavericks' triumphant return, after a hiatus which allowed leader Raul Malo to indulge his penchant for Latin music on his terrific solo album 'Today'. Resuming right where they left off, The Mavs have honored us with another set of ear-catching tunes over a similar range of styles, from merengue to waltz, with the same range of influences, from Patsy Cline to The Beatles. Their sound is vintage-no trace of the hip or the hop, their spirit ebullient. Fronted by vocalist nonpareil Malo and backed by a studio full of talented musicians, this fillerless record is orchestral and Orbisonic (we're thinking of patenting that word). We welcome the Mavericks back.

A great album.
These guys get better with every outing, and this album is terrific. I haven't stopped playing it since I got it. The vocals are clear, and the harmonies are a thrill. Plus they sound like they are having fun, not always true with groups who re-form. There is no one who does toe-tapping honky tonk like the Mavericks, and there are some great cuts on this album. Buy it.

Repeat & Roy O.
Two types of music, art, books, movies, etc. The ones you like, the ones you don't like.

You gotta like the Mavericks. Ashamed to say, after all these years of listening to music, my first exposure. Catchy pop tunes, great talent, and you know, just keeps returning to my CD player.....

And good god, if you ever loved Roy Orbinson, you gotta pick this up. Don't know their history, don't know Mavericks lead singer..... but anyone who doesn't hear Roy all over this production ..... (hmmmm, "By the Time"... "San Jose"). And the first two tracks ("I want to Know" & "In my Dreams")... impossible to stay angry regardless of how bad a day you've had...
All in All.... a big time keeper. Don't know why, but reminds me of Peter Wolf's "Sleepless" (former lead singer of J. Giles), another CD that keeps finding its way to the top of the stack.

You gotta love quality. You gotta love the Mavericks.

Very catchy and fun. Would be a 5 if not for the production
As longtime fans know, The Mavericks were one of the most acclaimed country bands of the '90s and, at their apex, they were among the most popular. They never fit the mold of what people think of as "country" and some were very critical of their sound, but in my opinion good music is good music no matter where it originates from or where the company/the record industry chooses to try and place them because it seems like they think we are idiots and need to have our music in neat little packages. Some other musicians, like k.d. lang and wynonna judd, have been criticized for leaving their country roots behind, but in my mind their development as artists should take them wherever it takes them. Having said that, I too may be guilty of having some genre biases as I was hoping that this release would try and hit it out of the ballpark by roughing up the production a little. The guys sound better than ever, but the production and certain musical arrangements strips them of a certain liveliness that prevents this release from being the AMAZING homerun that it would otherwise have been.

There is no doubt that Raul Malo is an outstanding singer and that this release has some great and catchy tunes, but as I listened to it I wanted Raul and the band to let loose. I know that hardcore fans will think that I am crazy and go to town on this review, but I am not a Mavericks hater, but a fan was bothered by how distant the band sounds due to the aforementioned production and orchestration.

After hearing my critique some may think that I did not like this release, but that would not be correct as I think it's a pretty good effort. "I Want To Know" is a great anthem. "In My Dreams" is beautiful and although some criticize Raul for sounding like a poor man's Roy Orbison, I have to respectfully disagree as all artists show their influences and Raul is no different. If you listen carefully you can see that he has also listened to Chris Isaak, Patsy Cline, the Beatles, and Jose Feliciano, and k.d. lang, and Los Lobos just to name a few. "I am Wondering" is simply gorgeous and may be my favorite song on the CD. I love the guitar and harmonica. This song screams summer! "By The Time" shows the band's country waltz roots and has a quiet strength. "Would You Believe" is a catchy classic waiting to be stripped of the busy production that derails Raul emotive singing. "Too Lonely" is sumptuous and seductive.

At first I did not like "Time Goes By" because it seemed a little out of place and Willie Nelson did not quite convince me, but I have grown to love it and it's one of my favorites. I love the guitars and horns!! "San Jose" is the only wrong turn as it is almost killed by a mess of strings at the beginning and it does quite get back on course. "Because Of You" is a party waiting to happen! "Air That I Breathe" is surprisingly good as I was ready to hate it because I wanted Raul to break lose, but to my surprise he has made the song his own and it could become the definitive version of the song.

This CD easily earns 4 stars and I would raise it to 5 if it were not for the production. I've heard these guys live and I can tell you that this is tame compared to the energy in their live shows. Although I am generally not a huge fan of live releases, I would love for these guys to record an unplugged version of this CD or a live one that would show the world that Raul is more than a Roy Orbison sound-alike and that these guys can rock with the best of them. Check out Raul Malo's solo release titled "Today" to hear the power of his voice when it's not overproduced. ... Read more