Album Description

This 18 track CD features two solo gigs at the CambridgeFolk Festival (1981 & 1984) with no duplicated songs.Includes rare photos & detailed notes. 2001. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Real Trip to the Past
This performance really takes you back. It sounds like you took your own little tape recorder with you that night and captured all the sounds in the theater. The sound on this recording is primitive, but actually quite adequate. There is Dave's gravelly voice, and then the enthusiastic cheering of the crowd. Put it in the stereo and turn up the volume and you can picture being there.

Dave has made a good selection of material, and he even includes some W. C. Fields impressions. I think the songs have aged very well; although they are from an earlier era, they still sound good.

This is a good show. It is only 46 minutes, which is the part I most regret, but a good 46 minutes. Any fan of folk music will want to have this CD, and the price is right. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Having signed his first major-label contract with Arista Texas, Robert Earl Keen Jr. says good-bye to Sugar Hill Records with "No. 2 Live Dinner," a concert recording that sums up his eight years and five earlier albums with the company. Keen has a gift for concocting musical stories that bring Texas to life in all its violent, sad, expansive, absurdist glory. His voice is still a ramshackle wreck, but he has learned how to minimize his melodic weaknesses while maximizing his storytelling strengths. Furthermore, Keen's song introductions are often as funny and imaginative as his best songs. Recorded at two 1995 shows in Texas, No. 2 Live Dinner includes a funny tale about his doomed early efforts at a career and an even funnier one about how his car caught fire at Willie Nelson's second-ever Fourth of July picnic. --Geoffrey Himes ... Read more

Reviews (36)

This is a great intro to Robert Earl
I first stumbled on Robert Earl Keen on Austin City Limits several years back and have truly found an American original. This live recording, which has particularly raucous versions of "The Road Goes on Forever" and the classic "Merry Christmas from the Family" shows the singer to be a story- teller of the highest talent level. The story of how he came to meet Willie Nelson had me in sticthes. Great music from a humorous storyteller with a Texas heart.

Lone Star Anthems
Them's here some cousin marrying music. And I don't mean just list-nin' to Robert Earl Keen at your cousin's wedding reception. Nope, I mean up and marrying your cousin yourself.

There's always supposed to be a new Dylan rising. It has been Springsteen, Adam Duritz, the Wallflowers, but Robert Earl Keen is a countrified Dylan, skillful in the art of song craft. Of the two live albums of his, I would have to give the nod to his earlier one simply titled "The Live Album." Its undertones are more grassroots, the music sparse and beautiful, and the storytelling stays fresh and funny. Keen's voice, much like coming to drinking a Shiner Bock or Lone Star Beer for the first time is an acquired taste. But it is unique, gritty, and twangy. His music lies in the land of in betweens. It is in between bluegrass, folk-rock, country and western twang, and grassroots Americana.

This is the best driving music around as you can sing at the top of your lungs to each song and the sound of your own howlin' doesn't diminish the off-key and catchy Robert Earl Keen, who is howlin' right along with you. His stories on this one are funny the first time through and can get some good laughs when shared with friends, but with repeat listens you will find yourself forwarding on through to get to the music. And what music it is...pure Texas, pure grassroots.

"And I'm willin' to bet son that I'm a bigger Texan than you are...on those hard rollin' Amarillo highways."

Sing these to your cousin on your gringo honeymoon.

WHOOP AGGIES! THE BEST KEEN YOU CAN BUY
This is the CD that got me hooked. The best cuts of Keen's best songs. Keen will take you back to the country. He takes you back and reminds you what country should be. It's not all the flash and glimmer of CMTs Most Wanted Live. Keen's love for music and songwriting is infectious and it will certainly get to you. I highly recommend this CD to every country fan and redneck I can find.

This is REAL country!
Robert Earl Keen plays country music the way it was meant to be played, and "No 2 Live Dinner" is Robert Earl Keen the way he was meant to be heard: live in concert! I have several of Bob Earl's albums, but none of his studio releases compares to this live album. Keen's songs are always entertaining, albeit in different ways. "Merry Christmas From The Family" is just plain hilarious. "Gringo Honeymoon" and "Sonora's Death Row" both tell stories so vividly that you'd think they were your own memories. Amarillo Highway just plain rocks (plus I love the 'Shiner Bock and Lone Star' reference). And "The Road Goes On Forever" (Keen's cornerstone track) with its rambling autobiographical intro appeals to everyone because of its unabashed party attitude. Forget the slick, formulaic, commercial country and go with the real deal: Robert Earl Keen, LIVE!

Merry Christmas from the Family
This is a great CD. It is rare for me to find an album that I like most of the songs. The appeal of Robert Earl Keene, especially this album, is not limited to country music fans or Texans. The tracks range from funny and entertaining - "Merry Christmas from the Family", or his story about Willie Nelson preceding "The Road Goes on Forever" to more serious ballads such as "Mariano". Soul searching songs with lyrics like "the semis roll through like stainless steel stallions" portray a vivid and accurate picture of many of the busted old towns on the plains of west Texas. There is nothing like playing that song driving down I-10 west out of Ft. Stockton. ... Read more

Album Description

Live album (Luka's first) recorded in concert at TheaterKoninklijk Carre, Amsterdam on February 11th, 2002.Digipak. Evolver. 2003. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Almost as good as live!
I first heard Luka Bloom open for the Pogues at the Fillmore in San Francisco in the late 80's. I came away with ringing ears (3 days!), one broken rib and a new musician to love! I would go see him whenever he played in less strenuous venues around town, and he was always astonishing. The power and beauty he can pull out of his guitar is sublime, his singing haunting, and his stage performance charming. I never felt like his studio albums did justice to his live performances, until this one. While no CD can simulate the wonder of Mr Bloom singing 40 feet in front of you, this is a fine substitute until he comes to town again!

fantastic
Luka Bloom is an incredible singer whose deeply emotional and convincing vocals are fully intact, and even more animated live.
Buy this CD.

A wonderful concert
Leaving the Carre Theatre in Amsterdam after Luka Bloom's magical performance that night in February 2002 the only sad thing I felt was that I could not replay the evening again at home. As the sleeve notes to the album say, the audience had no clue the evening was recorded. 'Amsterdam' contains a wonderful live selection of songs from his earlier albums, and the intimacy of the evening can be felt throughout the entire record. Definitely a 'must have'.

almost great
Tracks 8 to 12 are alone worth the price of the album. It's pure magic. His energy, vocals and pounding guitar make it all worth it. I only wish he selected different songs for the first half of the album. Quite frankly, I'm tired of "Sunny Sailor Boy" and "Pablo." Such a slow start, why not Blackberry Time or Accoustic Motorbike? Oh well, it's still a keeper.

A magical night captured on tape....
Since Mr. Bloom's early NY days in the late 80's, there's been one thing that music aficionados agree on; he's AMAZING live. More than 15 years later he's still proving this to be true (and long may it be soo!!). And after all this time, the only thing aside from his clear vocal and instrumental prowess that makes his shows so unforgetable that I can figure, is how much FUN he's having while he's up there. How much passion he honestly delivers in his music. And how well he can connect with an audience. He makes an audience feel as if they are part of the performance, and indeed on that night in Amsterdam, a magical connection with the audience provided us all with the opportunity to hear Luka recorded live. Throughout he is performing at his very best, an excellent crossection of songs which starts with the dream-like
'exploring the blue', has the audience singing their hearts out on 'Sunny Sailor Boy' and 'Fertile Rock'...and the audience is still singing as he takes delirious to new heights..while 'hating this bit'...(the difficult guitar solo)...in it. (: And wraps it all up beautifully and quietly with Gabriel. This is a DEFINITE DON'T MISS!!!! It's well worth the every penny! ... Read more

Amazon.com essential recording

These 1963 and 1964 performances from the Newport Folk Festival illustrate the wide range of influences absorbed by flatpicker Doc Watson.Traditional folk, old-time, Piedmont blues, bluegrass, and gospel are all part of his musical equation, as well as the music of Jimmie Rodgers and the Delmore Brothers. Vanguard's 26-song compilation displays Watson's fleet guitar work and his deep, mellow voice (reminiscent of Burl Ives, actually), plus his passion for the material at hand. His 1963 performance was the one that propelled him into prominence. He'd been playing many of these traditionals since childhood, giving the songs a feeling of well-earned authenticity. --Marc Greilsamer ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Doc playes Banjo?
But he's not nearly as good on that instrument as he is on guitar. The second, live part on this CD is not well recorded, and includes a lot of banjo playing. Doc is a little scrappy on banjo, missing quite a few notes. His vocals are perfectly laid back, as usual. The first collection is quite a bit superior, including Tom Dooley, Beaumont Rag.

The album I would recommend to newcomers is "Southbound", which earns 5 stars.

Best version of Froggie Went a Courtin' I ever Heard
OK, Never heard of Doc Watson? Well, thanks to my Dad, I have. This is easily his best album. You should hear his version of Froggie Went a Courtin. It is the best. Other songs on this album include Shady Grove, Tom Dooley, Alberta, Groundhog, there's even a duet with his late son Merle who flipped a tractor over on himself. If you love bluegrass, you're sure to fall in love with this album.

This is the one...
The title says it all, really - If you own only one Doc Watson recording, this should be it. Doc's flatpicking (on "Black Mountain Rag, for instance), his fingerpicking (on"Little Omie Wise", for instance) and his folk/gospel style vocals (on most of the tracks) demonstrate just why he's considered one of this era's finest musicians. Doc's range is remarkable, and on this CD you'll find him singing gospel a capella, playing guitar full steam ahead, harmonizing with his mother (really!), playing duets with his son Merle, and yodeling like, well, a guy who knows what he's doing. 26 tracks here, over an hour of music, a must-have for anyone who enjoys traditional music, bluegrass, folk, acoustic.

One of the best blue grass albums
Getting this album was a trip back in time. My foot hasn't stopped tapping yet.

Fantastic
I think that this CD by far is one of if not the best. One other thing, if there is anybody out there that is a big Doc Watson fan, years ago he had a guitar course out, does anybody know how I could get one or even if it still exist? Thank You for taking the time to read this. ... Read more

Amazon.com

In the early '60s, Koerner, Ray, & Glover released their first album, which had an influence on a young Dylan and countless other nascent roots artists. Here were three guys--white guys, at that--playing blues and rags, and having a good time. The world has never been quite the same since.

Well, the three musical musketeers are back again, with their first disc in over thirty years, and they carry on right where they left off. They're still having a good time, and it comes across. Not everything is perfect; their version of the beautiful "Shenendoah" is a little flippant for my tastes, but in the main, it's a welcome, joyous stroll through years and years of music, helped by superbly picked acoustics, harps that won't quit, and voices that have aged like fine wine. --Chris Nickson ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Years gone by...
I fell in love with Blues Rags and Hollers as soon as I heard it. It wasn't just the music, but the glimpses of these three men that you catch behind the music. Every time I pop in the cd, the stories start up in my head. This cd picks up thirty-odd years later, and the feeling is still there. The heart behind the music hasn't changed, although the voices have. Tony Glover's harp has gotten better, if anything, and Dave Ray's guitar is still shuffling along in some mystic other space. John Koerner? Why, he's just Spider John, till the day he dies... and after that, I'm sure. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

My favorite Joan, except for Ballad Book
This is a great CD if you are a Joan fan. Has many of her popular ballads and a few fun songs in concert. Great selection for a small album.

A HISTORIC CD...
This is a compilation of twenty-two songs culled from about fifteen of her early live concerts, which were recorded between November 1961 and August 1963. The original double album had twenty four tracks, but the back of the cd liner explains that, due to compact disc format time restrictions, some songs on the original album are not included on the cd. The notes in the cd liner itself were written by Ms. Baez's mother for the original album.

On this cd, the listener will, indeed, be treated to early Joan Baez, accompanying herself on the guitar. As the songs are culled from her live performances, the listener will note the discernible adulation of the audiences throughout. Whether Ms. Baez is singing a traditional folksong, a folksong with political overtones, a duet with Peter Seeger of Peter, Paul, and Mary fame, or a rock-n-roll parody, it is clear that the slightly insouciant Ms. Baez is enjoying herself, and it is infectious.

The quality of the cd is what one may expect from such an early, live recording, as it suffers from occasional lack of clarity and uneven volume, with the clapping of the audience throughout being louder than the song tracks. Still, this is certainly a cd to which some historical significance has attached, and one that all devoted fans of Ms. Baez will want to include in their collection, if only for her beautiful rendition of Peter Seeger's "Where Have All the Flowers Gone".

Vanguard recordings of Joan Baez live (1960-1963)
I knew that the Vanguard label had recorded the songs of the Weavers after they were hit by their troubles and that the results were live recordings of the group in concert. "Very Early Joan" reveals the same approach with Joan Baez at the start of her brilliant career. Here are 22 tracks, all recorded live, representing a pleasing mix of political folk songs, such as "Last Night I Had the Strangest Dream" and "Where Have All the Flowers Gone?" with more popular works, including "Man of Constant Sorrow" and "Lonesome Valley." But what stands out is the voice, clear and pristine, whether Baez is singing "The Water is Wide" or "Little Darlin'." Obviously the recordings are going to leave a lot to be desired in terms of clarity, but as the title proudly proclaims, this is "Very Early Joan" Baez, sung live, and to be cherished for those reasons alone.

A Heavenly Overview
There are two reasons to have this particular collection from the fabulous "voice of a thousand birds" Joan Baez. The first is that it gives a lovely overview of some of her famous renditions of folk songs. Call it "important to your Joan Baez education". Every fan of Joan or of folk music should have her famous "Last Night I had the Strangest Dream" and "Silver Dagger", for example. Those aren't actually my favorite of her songs for some reason, but they're famous and you need to have them.

The other reason you need to have this album is this: "Where have all the flowers gone?" and "Pilgrim of Sorrow". Plain and simple - nobody should go through life without having heard her renditions of these two songs. They are superb.

Where Have all the Flowers Gone is one of the most beautiful songs ever written. And Joan's version is THE version to hear. You could buy this album just for that song, and you'd feel you'd spent your money wisely, because you'd keep hitting "repeat" on your CD player to hear it over and over and sing along.

Pilgrim of Sorrow, likewise, is shockingly powerful. Hearing Mahalia Jackson sing this song of Christian desperation is a spiritual experience. But hearing Joan Baez sing it is spectacular in its own way. Every startling note vibrates in your chest - her vocal range is unbelievable. The eruption of the notes themselves becomes the religious experience. It's incredible.

Folk music fans who buy this album for the famous collection of classics will be richly rewarded by the spectacular treat of owning those two particular, irreplaceable songs.

Early wonderful Joan!
I think this is a magical CD - a real treasure.There is something both thrilling and soul-deep sad listening to Joan sing "Strangest Dream" to a live audience well before the Vietnam War knowing what was about to happen to the country. Historic. Joan's voice is beautiful, incredible, soothing, powerful. I highly recommend this cd - and what a bargain! These are my favorites:
Last Night I Had the Strangest Dream
Somebody Got Lost in a Storm
Water Is Wide
Freight Train
Railroad Bill
In the Pines
Where Have All the Flowers Gone?
Hallowed Be Thy Name ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Not the best, but still good.
This albu brings together the many people that was the Weavers. The main person is still Pete Seeger, but to hear the others blend in with those harmonies is just amazing. The set starts off with "When The Saints Go Marching In" and really continues to sizzle from there. The version of "Wimoweh" is one of the best I have ever heard. The other Carnegie Hall concert albums are better, but this one is very good. Buy it and enjoy. You will not regret it. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Earl Scruggs Dueling Banjos
This CD is outstanding!!! I use to thing that bluegrass had to be strictly old fasioned and no electronics but this CD is one of my favorite by Earl Scruggs an friends!

banjo magic
The master of the 5 string banjo is represented here on 2 albums which chronicle a period of transition for Earl Scruggs. The Dueling Banjos album consists of studio recordings done with his band "The Earl Scruggs revue" Blending the old standards with some new exciting songs (all instrumental) it's a great example of good solid muscianship and taste- hallmarks of Scruggs work on the banjo. It also showcases his son Randy on guitar. The Kansas state album captures a live show with all the energy intact. A good mix of brilliant banjo work, gospel, southern rock; You can feel the place rock with excitement over this band. Highly recomended!! ... Read more

Album Description

Many of the tracks on Rear View Mirror, Volume Two come from recordingsthat were considered lost and/or unsalvageable, but they were so unique, thatit was well worth the restoration efforts.Sound quality throughout isexcellent considering the nature of the original recordings. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The Sound Quality on This Is Just Fine
From the prior review I expected something along the lines of some of the Stooges or MC5 stuff released on Bomp and Revenge, some dodgy semi-legit Johnny Thunders release, or the plethora of Hawkwind product.Instead, with the exception of a little distortion on the guitar once or twice, the sound is, under the circumstances, pristine.The liner notes indicate that this record was compiled and supervised by Townes' long-time friend and manager and approved by Townes prior to his death.You know whether you need it or not (c'mon you know you do).

Another Spotty Post-Humous Townes Collection
Since "Rear View Mirror" is my favorite Townes Van Zandt album, I bought this on an impulse before reading anything about it.It was a big disappointment.Many of the recording are unlistenable or appear in better versions on other live recordings.I don't recommend this unless you are a Townes fanatic and need everything.Beware: since Townes died a few years ago, there have many questionable CDs released of his work and various suspect labels.Start with "Rear View Mirror" (Volume 1 - live, well-recorded virtual best of) or Live At The Old Quarter and avoid this one. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Get this if you must...
...but it would be better if you got the original double-CD Live. Having seen JT live a number of times, I can say that the performances they managed to record during the course of this tour are some of the better ones he's done.

Still, if you get this one, you're only getting his biggest hits, and you probably have all those already. Have you heard Millworker? Shed a Little Light? New Hymn?? I thought not. This one's good, but the double-CD Live is better.

Go For The Complete "Live" Double-CD
The only reason I don't give this one 5 stars is because it's an edited version of the complete "Live" double-cd, which has more than twice the number of songs. You'll miss out on some great material if you settle for this version.

One of the best performers in his best performance...!!
I am a music teacher of 23 years. I have always been fond of James Taylor and his style. After listening to this CD I have an even greater respect for his stylings, He breathes new and fresh life into the old hits. I am continually amazed at his ability to capture the emotional, political and social climate of the times with his music and lyrics. You will experience it all..loneliness, joy, nostalgia, irony...blues, jazz, rock'n'roll, country, and Arnold McCuller. I've watched a lot of collections come and go. This one is definitely a "KEEPER". JT, I thank you. ND

One of the best live albums available
As James Taylor does in concert, he re-energizes his hits into new, exciting and still familiar tunes. A must have for any JT fan. The best album in his arsenal. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Groundbreaking
I remember when I first heard this album, in its original 1957 vinyl release, back in the 1970's. It's folk with guts. If you are a real folk afficionado, you gotta have it. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

My favorite in the series
What more can I say, this is my favorite release in the Mountain Stage series. FRom the opening song, "Alright Guy", a song drenched in as much humor as cynicism, to Wilco's trimmed down acoustic rendition of "I Must Be High", this cd release is the tighest selection and mix in the series to date. Other highlights include "Welfare Music", and of course Souther Culture drops in with another song about food. From start to finish, not a clunker is found on this disc. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

YOU GO JOAN
I had the extreme privelage of seeing this tour also. WOW what an experience. To hear songs that I have been listening to for over 20 years so up close and personal was someting I will never forget. Thank you Joan for all the great music you have put out over the years, for the wonderul concert you put on that night, and for issuing this breathtaking cd. Of course she includes all the best known songs here, "Love and Affection", "Willow" and "The Weaknes in Me", but she also includes seven songs from "Lovers Speak" as well. It's not often that I feel that an artist improves upon the studio versions of their songs, but in this case Joan does. "The Weakness..." is broken down to just piano and voice and there is a reggae shuffle to "Lovers Speak" that wasn't on the studio version. My only "complaint" (and it is a MINOR one is that I read that in some shows she did "Drop the Pilot" in her set, but it wasn't in the show I saw, nor is it included here. Oh well. I'll just have to listen to Mandy Moore's version.

Terrific Joan Armatrading LIVE!!!
I to saw her during this tour(BOSTON). The music is first rate
and for a 3 piece outfit they really manage to convey great
emotions and Joan's vocals(although somewhat fragile & raw and road tested from touring all over the world last year goes right through you.
When I saw her show last summer in Boston, Joan totally lost her
voice, especially the high end but she apolgized and made the most of it, as disapointed as everyone was these songs were top notch. Having
this more stripped down approach really allows Joan's vocals
to fill the space without clutter that sometimes happens with
the studio. Her newer material holds it own very well with
her classics, "DOWN TO ZERO", "LOVE AND AFFECTION", "ALL THE
WAY FROM AMERICA" and "SAVE ME" and one of my favorites she
always closed her shows with, "WILLOW" over the years, remember all the lighters in the air? I've seen her live many times and its just
a shame this country didn't take to her, she just didn't get
the big break she deserved. That said this is concert must
have if you're into Joan's music, not many live offerings and
it sounds so nice live!! Very intimate, like she was singing
in your living room.

I was there! It was nothing short of exhilerating!
I was stunned to learn that the Joan Armatrading concert I attended last June was made into this live album! I mean, my hand-clapping and general cheering is somewhere on this CD! I haven't purchased the album yet, but the concert was extraordinary and, simply put, the most dynamic and thrilling musical performance I've ever seen.Armatrading and her two-man band brought down the garden theatre with a powerhouse of masterful tunes and talent... an eager audience and a bashfully comical Armatrading made delightful quips every so often teasing the audience or explaining a song.I got to meet her afterwards, which was an honor. If the recording captures only a mere glimpse of that show, it's a must-have. If you're a fan of Armatrading's well-crafted and righteous blues/soul/rock/folk/jazz don't even hesitate, if not I suppose it's a good introduction (as is the Love & Affection double album and her last record Lover's Speak).Her mix of old and new on this disc, works perfectly; again, if you have any inkling of partiality towards this fabulously talented (and criminaly-ignored) woman, this live album is simply essential.

Excellent Sound Quality, Top Rate Performance
There is no other voice like Joan Armatrading's.Thirty years later and she still sounds so strong.The years have aged her voice giving it a deeper quality that feels so full of wisdom and a life enrichened by her experiences.She keeps the audience sound to a minimum and no between song banter.She keeps that on the accompanying DVD where it is more appropriate. This recording brings to life tracks off of Lovers Speak in a way the studio album fell a little short.This is a MUST for Joan fans.Your very own Joan Armatrading concert...and a nice reminder of why you fell in love with her music in the first place.

A Holy Grail for Armatrading Fans
Fans of Joan Armatrading received a Christmas in July present this week with the release of JOAN ARMATRADING LIVE: ALL THE WAY FROM AMERICA, Joan's first official live recording since STEPPIN' OUT nearly 30 years ago.The CD contains a mixture of her classics including "Willow" and "The Weakness in Me" (two popular soundtrack songs) and songs from her most recent studio effort LOVERS SPEAK, including the title track as well as "Tender Trap" and "Prove Yourself" among others.Sound quality is excellent for a live recording with audience noise kept to a minimum.Fans of Joan and her songs will not be disappointed.The CD has a DVD counterpart of the same show, also released on the same day. ... Read more

Amazon.com

For those of you who didn't get quite enough feedback, arena reverb, or raw electricity from 1991's live Weld album to suit your tastes, Neil Young thoughtfully compiled this bizarre aural document. Originally included as a bonus disc on early versions of Weld, Arc is 35 minutes of stray guitar explosions, feedback screeches, stage announcements, and drum checks, all edited together to form a continuous (and actually rather compelling) listening experience. Call it Neil's delayed reaction to Lou Reed's Metal Machine Music, or think of it as his personal scrapbook of the Ragged Glory tour. Either way, you probably won't play it very often, but it's still a nice oddity to have in your Neil collection. --Dan Epstein ... Read more

Reviews (24)

Love and only love...
Okay, this one isn't for everyone. Yes, this is one long noisy track filled with feedback, gutteral guitar rumblings, and occasional snippets of song verses. But what feedback and what rumblings!

Comparisons to Lou Reed's Metal Machine Music aren't really on the mark. MMM is virtually structureless (at least to my ears), while Arc most definitely has structure. Eruptions of pure bass explosions fade into soft passages (Neil singing "I want to love you" over and over again) which crashes into cymbals and drums and feedback. And then the bass explodes again. The passage that begins at around 26:30 where Neil hints at picking up the pace, then drops into a Peter Gunn thing at around 28:30, then just explodes into a desperate frenzy ("No more pain!") at about 32:00 before the piece fades out in gentle bass rumbles and high note glissandos is probably my favorite section of Arc.

I listen to Arc quite a bit. Probably more than any other Neil Young album I have, though I do like Ragged Glory and Freedom quite a bit, as well as his early stuff (really do need to get Decade someday). I tend to listen to Arc when I need to shut out the world around me and concentrate, like when I'm writing or coding. As a matter of fact, it's high on my list for headphone music at work (another favorite choice is Mozart's Requiem, particularly the version conducted by Colin Davis). It's not just ambient music though, and I do like to occasionally listen to it attentively. Don't get Arc expecting songs in any conventional sense, but do try it if you are at all musically adventurous.

Lightning and thunder from Neil's guitar
This is only for Neil Young fan's only...Crazy Horse sounds crazy, the bass and guitar sound like thunder, Neil has a few lyric's from a few songs including Welfare Mothers, Like a Hurricane, and a few others. Its intense it will keep you up :). Great music/noise for work/school. It acctually helps me concentrate better on what i'm doing in class. It times in exactly 34:58 of feedback, guitar rumbling, its very well worth to buy this.

But be warned it's not songs its Neil's and Crazy Horse's thunder from above.

Who said psychedelia is dead?
Let me begin by putting to rest the rumor that, despite its similarity to 'Revolution #9' from the Beatles White Album, if you record the disc onto tape and listen to Neil repeating, over and over, "I wanna love ya" backwards, you will not, I repeat will NOT hear Neil, sounding like SCTV's Bob McKenzie, saying "Take off, you Hoser!".

That being said, what else can I say about this "compilation composition", as Neil calls it? I'm not sure there was any real "composition" preceding it, save snippets from 'Hurricane', 'Love and Only Love', and 'Welfare Mothers', but it is, definitely, a pile of something. What Neil has apparently done is to take his extended song endings, inspired by his tour mates SonicYouth, and manufactured a 35 minute seamless montage of ... song endings. Since it appears that only the above mentioned 3 songs are the source songs for this 'pilation', there is some repetition. To create a 35 minute pile, Neil had to glean song endings from a variety of performances of the same three songs. Lyrically we have from 'Hurricane', "I wanna love ya" and "Once I thought I saw you, in a crowded hazy bar"; from 'Love and Only Love' we get (predictably) "Love and only love"; and from 'Welfare Mothers' Billy Talbots "No more pain..." mantra. Aside from Talbot's single take, the verses are repeated more times than you will be inspired to count.

Is it any good? Well, ask yourself, if you've seen the video 'Weld' (the film produced during this same tour) whether you enjoy the extended song endings offered there, or do you find yourself wishing Neil would wind it up already and move on to the next song? If you haven't seen the video, ask yourself if you enjoyed George Harrison's experimental 'Wonderwall' album, or the 'Apple Jams' disc in his 'All Things Must Pass' box set. If you did, and you're 'into' unconventional, rather psychedelic, distorted electric guitar meanderings, then you're like me and you should get your hands on this disc, and perhaps some therapy!

The sheer fact that Neil was able to produce such an album and 'get away with it' reinforces the aura surrounding his accomplishments. In a small and odd way, it helps to round out his body of music, much like 'Revolution #9' revealed to us the extremes in the mindset of the Beatles. Not sure if it's good for what ails ya', but you will possess a deeper appreciation for the artist Neil Young. Three stars only because that's dead in the middle, and I have no idea what to rate this.

arc is crap spelled backwards(don't even ask about the pee)
Arc is some kind of sick musical joke. It is even worse than Lou Reed's Metal Machine Music. It may have been a freebie initially, but I paid for it and it sucks! I think Lou was on crystal meth when he created his opus,but I can't imagine what Neil was doing when he thought that this was worthwhile.

What Next Neil?
After listening to this album, I have determined Neil Young (one of my favorite artists) is a "music genre [changer]." Ever since 1980 Neil continues to shock fans by exploring new musical realms. He began as a folk artists , but moved further into the mainstream rock of the 70's. As soon as he released Re-act-or, a punk-influenced grunge rock album, nobody could guess what Neil would do next. Before you knew it, he puts out an electronic album (Trans) in a failed attempt to merge with the new-wave movement. Then he took a stab at Rockabilly performing with the shocking pinks (one of the eighties most embarrising bands). Then he tried a country/bluegrass influenced folk rock album entitled "old ways," which wasn't bad, but it still wasn't the Neil Yound everyone remembered. Then came "Landing on Water"... nobody really knows what that was. Nearing the end of the decade, Neil put out "this notes for you": a jazzy-blues stiyle rock album with some of Neil's best guitar playing. When the 80's past, Neil Young began to emerge back into the grunge rock scene he was known for, but he just wouldn't quit. He relaces this album while touring with Sonic Youth. In an attempt to merge with the loud, noise-metal style of rock like that of sonic youth, nirvana, and dinasaur jr. during that time period, Neil puts out a 1-track, 35 minute ablum of guitar feedback and distortion. I don't mind the album that much; it gives leeway to Neil Youngs amazing Guitar improvisation. Although Neil has settled down over the years, he still continues to expand his music into the far reaching realms of the music industry, including his recent attempt to incorporate opera into a concert setting. One thing is for sure, we'll never know what to expect from Neil. I wouldn't suggest this album to anyone new to Neil's music, but if your a die-hard Neil Young fan like me, it's a must. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

for the die-hard jonatha fan!
for me, it's just hard not to love her. i think her talent is spectacular.....i can (and do) listen to her CD's over and over again. this is a great taste of live music! the most enjoyable part is her constant improvisation with melodies -- she takes creative liberties just playing around with her songs, and it's refreshing to hear this (and the little spoken snippets) on live cuts....the end track is an exquisite a cappella version of "in the gloaming" with jonatha and ingrid. what a great ending!

A more intimate venue for a great artist
Had the great fortune to hear and see Jonatha in a small club in Rochester NY. Although it was just her and her guitars, it was a memorable performance. Her presence is what gets missed on her studio albums. Some of it comes through on this album. But to see her perform songs from her days with The Story with as much passion and grace as new songs, yet unreleased, is to understand that she truly lives her music (At one point during the show she casually remarked, "Sometimes we call the album "live."- short "i"). If she ever comes within 100 miles of your home town, it's well worth the drive.

Beautiful
I love every second of this album more than even her great studio albums. Jonatha live is intimate and warm bringing even more feeling and heart to her songs. This was the first album I bought of her's and have since bought the rest but keep coming back to this one. If you are a fan of acoustic rock/folk/pop with good lyrics this is the album you need to buy.

It's all up from here...
Jonatha is just an amazing talent I wish I'd heard of sooner. As it stands she's been in my CD changer for only a year, but I love everything she does. Her newest album "Steady Pull" is all her, she's found her groove. Live is really my favorite album of hers, but I can't go on a trip and just take one. They both have to come with me.
Annie is such a touching song. Her new album just doesn't have any of her older style ballads on it that I love so much. I love the new techno melodies she's exploring tho.
LIVE is just one of her must have albums. I also recommend seeing her in concert. You'll never forget it!

One of My Favorite CDs of All Time
It's hard to put into words how I feel about this CD. The contents are not simply music and lyrics, but a skillfully crafted collection of years of emotions that even rival the song-writing finesse of Neil Finn. Jonatha IS a storyteller, painting an incredible portrait of some of the sweetest sounds you will ever hear. "Is This All" is simply stunning. You experience for a few minutes the pain that is felt from a relationship gone wrong. "Because I Told You So" is another classic. The soaring harmonies during the bridge still send shivers up my spine. Incredibly moving. Amazing. Beautiful.

Jonatha possess the gift of an angelic voice, an accomplished guitarist, and an inspiring composer. She's a true artist.

"Jonatha Brooke Live" is one of my top 10 favorites. It's a must for your CD collection. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

An old friend from the past.
I picked this release up in college in an old dinghy used-LP store. The best damn used LP(vinyl, for the uninitiated) I could ever find.

Being a fledgling guitarist myself, I've always admired McLean's simple, yet elegant playing style.....so easy to play along with, or to just sit back and listen to.

My favorites? "Babylon"..."Starry Night".

New release plays on CD-Rom drives
Just wanted to respond to an earlier review that warned me that the CDs wouldn't play on my computer. The CD seemed to go out of print for about 3 months (that's how long I had to wait for it to come back into stock) and the CDs I got play just fine on my computer. Presumably ripping to mp3 would also be possible.

I should also warn people that this recording of Solo has been remastered in 1995.

Music counts, thankyou. One of the best live-albums ever!
Whatever the possibilites for ripping off this music, or rather whatever the abcense of them, this is above all a great, great live album. Don McLean was once a genius, and although his creative downfall that was to happen in the eighties is already showing here a little in some of the compositions, the concerts recorded are so special, the playing and devotion of McLean so grand, and the album recorded so honestly, that this should be a minor remark. This, and not "American Pie", is the definitive release of McLean, and also one of the best live albums ever released.

Non standard recording, & can't be played on your computer
While I love Don McLean, it is unfortunate that this recording was done by BGO Records. They are trying to stop you from making/distributing MP3 files of their music by recording it in a non-standard format. You're not getting redbook audio on this CD. You can't play this CD on your computer. Further, they don't tell you this anywhere in the packaging. I have returned this CD and will not buy ANY music produced by BGO until such time as they get their act together, and give me what I'm paying for.

At last!
I have been looking for this title on CD for years. Had it in high school on vinyl & wore it out. After getting this album I stopped buying Cheap Trick albums & started buying albums by songwriters. Sound quality & performance are great also. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

halifax gold
Few will dispute the fact that in life and death, Rogers' importance in breaking the boundaries of the Maritime music industry are immeasurable. This 20 track collection of previously unreleased demos, live recordings and radio broadcasts proves why. Songs from the lighter side of life (Acadian Saturday Night, The Woodbridge Dog Disaster, It All Fades Away) were dispensed sparingly between Rogers' tales of hard-lives lived, of fates unwelcome and bitter realization epitomized the folk predilection for dark morality plays. But his appeal remains the way in which he brought a decidely Maritime approach to the form. A 1973 recording of Guysborough Train, created as an extended-play 45 for CBC radio distribution, rings with haunting pathos and illustrates precisely Rogers' emotive songwriting style. More so than simply narrating his tales, Rogers strong and spirited vocal style made him the weatherman in the middle of the storm. It was this uncanny prowess that brought such palpability to songs like Take It From Day to Day (written in 1980 for a CBC dramatization of the story of the St. Roch expedition), Down the Road and Billy Green. Don't sweat the fact Barrett's Privateers is a no show; these tracks are enough gold treasure to last a life time.

From Coffehouse to Concert Hall ( Live)
I first heard Stan Rogers singing "Barretts Privateers"on Public Radio. I stopped the car and listened to Stan and his powerful group deliver this complex and engaging story. I was hooked from that very first moment. I contacted the station got the title and looked up Stan on Amazon. Stan is now part of my daily musical fix.

The stories he delivers are spellbinding. His wording, phraseology, and muical composition are compelling and carries the listener to the ports of Halifax, on to the bow spirit of the working boats he sings about,to the towns and burroughs that he has travelled and to the people who have shared his life .His takes the listener to the shores from where he launches his magical journeys.

His reports of the people he has met are examples of treasured wordsmithing and his musical genius.

Alas, When I found out of the untimely death of Stan Rogers in a airplane fire, it left me with no other way of getting to know this artist than by collecting the other published works and book about Stans life.

An unexpected gift
I have all of Stan's previous albums and love them all immensely. However, I thought, with the passing of this Greatest of Canadian folksingers in 1983, that I would be hearing the last of his awesome repertoire of songs. Wow, was I glad I was wrong. This CD is an unexpected gift; a diverse collection that stirs the emotions and soul and leaves you staggering at how talented Stan Roger's really was as a singer-songwriter. This CD has more songs that deal with the importance of human relationships; the songs "Pharisee", "Love Letter", "Louise's Song", "A Matter of Heart" and "Your Laker's Back in Town" especially deal with our all too human affairs and pursuit of happiness. The "Pudddler's Tale" is a blue-collar song sung so powerfully as to leave you reeling. The "Woodbridge Dog Disaster" left me chuckling while the poignant finale "Down the Road" concludes a masterful set of Stan's songs. After listening to this CD several times, I can honestly say that there isn't a bad song in the bunch. If you're a Stan Roger's fan, you will love it; if not, my sincerest regrets that you deprive yourself of his talent. Pleasant listening!

Listening to this album is like finding buried treasure...
In the liner notes of "From Coffeehouse to Concert Hall", Ariel Rogers writes that this will be the last album of her late husband's unreleased material. If that proves to be true (and one hopes it does not), this is a fitting final tribute to a remarkably talented musician who left us all too soon. With twenty songs running more than 70 minutes, From Coffeehouse To Concert Hall offers listeners a wide variety of tunes -- not all his own -- performed by Stan Rogers. The earliest of these, "Guysborough Train", was recorded in a studio in 1973, complete with orchestration. The last song on the album, the haunting and heartbreaking "Down The Road", was recorded live in California, just five days before the singer's June 1983 death in an airliner fire. In between those two are eighteen gems (none of which has been recorded on any other Stan Rogers album) running the gamut from country tunes to sea shanties, that will make you laugh, cry, sing along, and marvel at Rogers' ability to tell stories through his music. The recording quality of the songs does vary, for while some of them are outtakes from album sessions, others were recorded in less-than-ideal circumstances, and Ariel Rogers and Paul Mills did a commendable job producing this album. (One of the most affecting songs on the album, "Your Laker's Back In Town", was recorded by Stan, accompanying himself on his guitar, on an ordinary cassette recorder.) For longtime Stan Rogers fans, this album is a must-have, and for those who are relatively new to his music, "From Coffeehouse To Concert Hall" provides a excellent look at the stunning talent of Stan Rogers.

Listening to this album is like finding buried treasure....
Stan Rogers was taken from us far too soon, in a tragic fire aboard an airliner in June of 1983. An immensely talented singer/songwriter, with a wonderful baritone voice and the ability to tell stories with his lyrics, he was well-known in Canada, and becoming increasingly popular in the United States. At the time of his death, four albums -- Fogarty's Cove, Turnaround, Between The Breaks - Live!, and Northwest Passage -- had been released, and two more had been recorded. Those albums -- For The Family and From Fresh Water -- were released over the next two years. Like many other singers, Stan Rogers had recorded a large number of tunes that never made it to an album, and a demand for that music has always been strong. The live album, Home In Halifax, was released in 1993, and now we have what Ariel Rogers, Stan's widow, calls "the last release of Stan's unpublished music." If that is true, From Coffee House To Concert Hall is a fitting tribute to this remarkable artist. The album is more than 70 minutes long, and its 20 songs have never appeared on any of Stan Rogers' other albums. Not all of these songs were recorded in a studio; some were recorded at live concerts or other venues, and one of the most touching songs on the album, "Your Laker's Back In Town", was recorded by Stan, accompanying himself on his guitar, on a simple audio cassette. Ariel Rogers and Paul Mills, who produced this album, did a remarkable job of getting quality sounds from what were in some cases very poor source material. The songs encompass a wide variety of musical styles, and trace Stan's evolution as an artist. The earliest of them, "Guysborough Train", was recorded in 1973, and the last song on the album, the haunting and heart-breaking "Down The Road", was recorded live just five days before Stan's death. In between those two are eighteen gems that will make you laugh, cry, smile, and sing along. Whether you are a longtime Stan Rogers fan, or discovering his music for the first time, From Coffee House To Concert Hall is a delight not to be missed! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

EVERY SONG ON THIS ONE IS MY FAVORITE
What a wonderful combination of classic western talent and the unique addition of the San Antonio Symphony. My love of western music was truly satisfied with this recording- I keep it in my car for those long drives when I want to transport my spirit westward and back in time.

Great cd for the car or truck
Five stars for MMM and the other artists on this fine cd.But zero for the people responsible for recording it. When I first got it I tried listening twice, then just tossed the thing aside. I couldn't hear parts of it without sitting right in front of the speakers. Then one day when selecting a few cds to take along in the car I picked this one to try again. In the car I had no problem hearing any of it! If you want a great cd to drive-along, sing-along with this is it.

SAGEBRUSH MAGIC!
the music is great,and the performers are magnificent!from michael,to herb jeffries,and all the others,the magic never stops.recorded with the san antonio symphony orchestra,this is must for every cowboy,and cowgirl!the only drawback is that the recording is not up to par with the artists themselves.never the less,it's worth it! the recording,is not up to par with the artists.

Brilliant blend of western with classical symphony
This CD takes you to the very outdoor recording location of a beautiful New Mexico evening. The selection of songs provides enough mixture to hold your interest but is true to classic country and western style. The additon of the symphony enhances the earthy but mellow voice of Murphey.

My Heroes have always been Cowboys
What a great idea, combining the San Antonio Symphony with Murph, the still powerful voice of Herb Jeffries (one of Murph's heroes), and other wonderful translators of the cowboy/vaquero music world. This native Texan was instantly homesick.

Even if you hate country music, give this one a listen. Why? Because it is NOT COUNTRY -- IT'S WESTERN MUSIC.

Thanks, Murph, for keeping our cowboy music heritage alive in such a beautiful way. ... Read more