Wrong end of 1970s live album ranking list is still a good place to be

As a gamer immersed in the world of music, it’s high time I switch things up and explore the diverse and captivating collection of live albums from the 1970s from a fresh perspective. The sheer number of these albums makes it a challenge to pick out ten that truly shine, offering something unique. It doesn’t make the task any easier knowing just how many exceptional live albums were produced during that era.

Of course, no matter the chosen list of albums, there will always be individuals who voice their dissent. They might disapprove of one or more selections on the list. Typically, they have other suggestions that they believe outshine the ones listed and are puzzled as to why these aren’t included. I suspect some of you are currently thinking about an excellent yet frequently overlooked live album at this moment.

Previously, I examined a list of the top ten live albums from the 1970s that were supported by data. At first glance, it appeared to be an effective method to address certain problems. The list originated from BestEverAlbums.com and was compiled using ratings aggregated from over nine million members. However, upon closer inspection, their top live albums included some unexpected choices and regrettably overlooked several notable ones as well.

Ten 1970 live albums at the wrong end of a data-backed ranking list

Initially, I was drawn to revisit that site and its collection of data. This time, I focused on the lower end of their compilation of 88 live albums from the 1970s, hoping to find a list of least favorite performances. However, upon examining the bottom ten 1970s live albums presented in ascending order, it appears that the data is revealing something different.

Dr. Feelgood – Stupidity

1976 Live Album from the UK rock band Dr Feelgood offers an immersive experience. Lee Brilleaux delivers powerful vocals, while Wilko Johnson, the late great guitarist, brings his distinctive chopping style to the forefront. The energy is palpable – hot, sweaty, and filled with raw noise – making you feel like you’re part of the concert.

Roxy Music – Viva! Roxy Music (The Live Roxy Music Album)

Roxy Music excelled at creating and performing art rock songs and albums, with Brian Ferry’s velvety voice and the electronic prowess of Brian Eno shining particularly bright. But how does that translate to a live performance? The answer lies in “Viva!”, an exceptional album that captures their electrifying stage presence from 1976.

Aretha Franklin – Aretha Live At Fillmore West

With all due reverence for Aretha’s 1971 live album, she kicks off with a cover of Otis Redding’s original, making it uniquely hers. There are numerous other captivating and unforeseen covers from her on this album as well. Among the tracks are songs by The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, Bread, and Diana Ross – it’s nothing short of enchanting to listen to.

Queen – Live Killers

At their peak, the Queen delivered an extraordinary performance. They launched several live albums, and the one from 1979 turned out to be their second best-selling live album. It offers a fantastic representation of their live act at that time. While there are plenty of other great songs to enjoy after this, the setlist on this album is equally impressive.

Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band – ‘Live’ Bullet

Through this album, Bob Seger and his band experienced a significant leap in popularity. It catapulted them beyond their regional fame in Detroit and Michigan, placing them on a global stage. The raw, laborious energy of their live performances is palpable and audible throughout the album.

These are all excellent 1970s live albums

From what I observe, these initial five albums share a trait: they shouldn’t find themselves at the bottom of any rankings. Instead, each one is exceptional, deserving of admiration and accolades. As we delve into the next five, this impression only strengthens.

Jimi Hendrix – Hendrix In The West

Among Jimi Hendrix’s multiple live albums, this particular one stands out as one of the best. It offers some less common tracks and covers such as “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” and “Johnny B. Goode.” Additionally, it includes Hendrix classics like “Voodoo Child” and “Little Wing” that are often found in his regular performances. The variety is impressive, with each song showcasing the exceptional Hendrix sound.

Elvis Presley – Elvis In Person At The International Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada

This album, simply titled as Elvis, was one of only two live albums released by Elvis Presley at the time it came out. However, despite being listed as a 1970 release, it actually became available in stores during October 1969. Overlooking this minor discrepancy, the album offers an impressive collection of Elvis songs that were performed live for the first time in nearly a decade. In essence, it’s a fantastic representation of Elvis on stage.

Grateful Dead – Grateful Dead (Skull & Roses)

This second live album from the Grateful Dead, released in 1971, follows their “Live/Dead” album from 1969. Unlike other bands that focus on hits, the Grateful Dead’s sets often featured unique improvisations of songs, resulting in numerous variations night after night. This makes albums like this one particularly original. It has consistently been well-received by Deadheads, and with good reason.

Grobschnitt – Solar Music Live

In an unconventional pick for some, a West German rock band stood out by delivering a robust and psychedelic sound with a heavy edge during the 1970s. Their unique fusion of tunes is widely appreciated among music connoisseurs. It’s characterized by intricate instrumentation and a hint of cosmic vibes, with traces of early Pink Floyd possibly present.

The track offers an abundance of captivating guitar solos and complex keyboard parts. It’s definitely worth giving it a spin. If you haven’t listened to them before, this could be an excellent introduction.

Scorpions – Tokyo Tapes

By the late 1970s, Japan experienced a transition towards employing sophisticated technology for recordings. The Scorpions were among those who jumped on board this trend. They released an impressive album that showcased their best work and boasted exceptional sound quality. However, Uli Jon Roth’s vocals in certain spots may seem peculiar, but his guitar skills more than compensate for it. Additionally, it’s worth noting that some of the applause heard on the album was borrowed from Frampton Comes Alive.

1. From the bottom of the list, there are ten that don’t fare well. The next five, however, also possess notable qualities. Keep in mind that preferences can vary, but these albums aren’t poorly made; many are great options. It appears an issue arises, but it’s not a problem with the data itself, rather it might be due to misinterpretation.

2. At the bottom of the rankings, we have ten albums that didn’t perform well. The following five, though, also showcase impressive qualities. Remember that opinions can differ, but these aren’t subpar albums; they are often excellent picks. A flaw seems evident, but it isn’t the data to blame; it could be a misunderstanding instead.

3. The bottom ten in the rankings are not impressive. But the next five have their strong points too. It’s important to remember that opinions will vary, but these albums aren’t poorly made; they often deserve recognition. The problem seems clear, but it isn’t the data causing it; it might be due to misinterpretation.

4. From the lowest positions in the rankings, we find ten albums that didn’t shine. However, the next five also have commendable qualities. It’s essential to remember that opinions can differ, but these albums aren’t badly made; they are frequently good choices. The issue seems apparent, but it isn’t the data to fault; it might be a matter of misinterpretation.

5. In the bottom tier of the rankings, we see ten albums that didn’t stand out. Yet, the next five also have their strengths. Keep in mind that personal opinions will differ, but these aren’t poorly crafted albums; they are often worth considering. A flaw seems discernible, but it isn’t the data at fault; it could be a misconception instead.

The individuals have carefully selected and rated their preferred best live albums, choosing only those they genuinely enjoy. By doing this, they’ve avoided ranking numerous albums that don’t appeal to them. Therefore, these rankings should not be considered as the least favorable ones. It is essential to remember that data and lists might not always reflect the overall picture. This situation highlights the remarkable impact of the 1970s on live music album production, demonstrating its strength during that decade.

2025-02-05 14:01