Controversial but data-backed ranking of the 20 best live albums

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As a longtime music enthusiast who’s been fortunate enough to attend countless concerts spanning various genres and decades, I must say that this list of top live albums has truly resonated with my personal journey through the world of music.

Many lists exist ranking the greatest live music albums, often influenced by individual preferences and open to debate. I’ve compiled some myself, such as this list focusing on top live albums from the 1970s. Alternatively, here are a few live records from the 1980s that might be better skipped.

People often find disagreement and express strong opinions about the choices made in these controversial lists, especially when an album they favor is left out. For instance, what about [insert name of your favorite album here]? It’s understandable that people feel passionate about their preferences, as music can be incredibly subjective. Interestingly, this subjectivity seems to intensify when discussing live albums compared to studio ones.

Couldn’t we find a more objective and statistically sound method to arrange album rankings? While sales could be one approach, it doesn’t necessarily mean the top-selling albums are always the greatest. This leaves ample opportunity for differing opinions and arguments among music enthusiasts.

A definitive list of the20 best ever live albums that is data-backed

Perhaps by merging numerous album rankings and opinions from various sources, we can create a more reliable and satisfactory list. This is where BestEverAlbums.com comes into play. They claim to have amalgamated over 60,000 greatest album charts along with ratings from over nine million members, resulting in a collection of best ever album lists.

As a music enthusiast, I must say that compiling this list of top live albums seems quite definitive, especially considering all the data gathered from various sources. However, upon closer examination of the Top 20 Best Live Albums of All Time, I can’t help but feel that it stirs up even more debates and controversy.

Instead of focusing mainly on rock bands from a specific era, this expansive list showcases a wide variety of time periods and musical styles in live albums. You might encounter some unexpected choices as you explore the top 20 ranking of the greatest live albums ever made. Keep an open mind to avoid being taken aback by too many surprises, and remember that there will likely be many more ‘What about’ moments as you delve into this diverse collection.

The top 20 best ever live albums

20 – Thin Lizzy – Live And Dangerous

Inspired by the constant play of Frampton Comes Alive on the radio, Phil Lynott made a promise that Thin Lizzy would outshine it. Released in June 1978, I consider this live album to be top-notch in my opinion. There’s plenty of crowd energy and ambiance, catchy tunes, and superb performances from the band – there’s really nothing not to enjoy about it!

Some individuals argue that the album was extensively worked on in the recording studio, with whispers of multiple takes and additional recordings casting doubt on its authenticity as a live performance. However, this is generally disputed by the band themselves, and a 2022 deluxe box set that includes original live recordings serves to maintain its status as an exceptional live album.

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19 – Bill Evans Trio – Sunday At The Village Vanguard

Bill Evans teamed up with bassist Scott LaFaro and drummer Paul Motian, who departed from the Miles Davis band towards the end of 1959, to create his trio. This trio is widely recognized as a significant force in jazz music, with Evans’s piano playing pushing boundaries and establishing new trends. Regrettably, their collaboration was brief; LaFaro tragically passed away in an accident in 1961.

Eleven days before his passing, the trio’s performance at New York’s Village Vanguard jazz club was captured on the album “Sunday At The Village Vanguard.” This highly esteemed and praised recording comes from a session held there. Even if you’re not well-versed in jazz, it’s worth giving this frequently nominated live recording a spin.

18 – Eric Clapton – Unplugged 

Derived from the highly successful series of MTV Unplugged albums, Eric Clapton’s performance in a January 1992 recording served as a foundation for numerous subsequent performances. Unlike some later versions, this was a genuine acoustic set. Moreover, it was the best-selling album from the series, with sales of approximately 26 million copies.

Clapton played some great songs at the session. The emotional highlight was, undoubtedly, “Tears In Heaven”, but the revised version of “Layla” is superb too. He also dipped into a couple of greats with “San Francisco Bay Blues” on there and the old Muddy Waters number, reworked by Clapton from his Cream days, “Rollin’ and Tumblin’.”

17 – Neil Young and Crazy Horse – Live Rust 

Navigating Neil Young and Crazy Horse’s 1978 ‘Rust Never Sleeps’ tour, its associated live albums, and the related movie can sometimes be a bit muddled. The concert film ‘Rust Never Sleeps’ has ‘Live Rust’ as its soundtrack, which was recorded in 1978 and only released in November 1979. Important to note, ‘Live Rust’ is not the same album as their ‘Rust Never Sleeps’, which came out in June 1979.

The two albums share some common ground as they were recorded during the same tour; specifically, “Live Rust 1” is a double album that provides a broader exploration of Neil Young’s past works. It also includes several tracks from his contemporary collection, with standout songs such as “My My, Hey Hey (Out of the Blue)” and “Powderfinger.

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16 – Bill Evans Trio – Waltz For Debby

Following the triumph of their debut live album, “Sunday At The Village Vanguard,” and the unfortunate passing of Scott LaFaro, the Bill Evans Trio published a second live record. This album originated from the same session at the Village Vanguard on June 25, 1961, and was released in 1962. Enhancing its allure with exceptional jazz melodies, this recording added even more enchantment to the collection. The title is derived from a song by Evans that was inspired by his niece. For many years, it frequently appeared on his subsequent live performances.

15 – Daft Punk – Alive 2007

This analysis offers a captivating review of Daft Punk’s music as a duo, delving into their past while offering a contemporary perspective on some tracks. The concerts and recordings from Paris in June 2007 have been updated, refined, and elevated compared to their initial versions. Essentially, it’s a collection of their best hits performed live, but with unexpected twists and an energetic, lively atmosphere.

14 – Grateful Dead –Live/Dead

In 1969, Grateful Dead released their debut live album, which was a collection of tunes played during concerts that year. Known for their dynamic live performances, free-flowing improvisations, and on-stage jam sessions, these elements are hallmarks of the band. Some questioned if this energy could be effectively translated onto recordings. However, the response was overwhelmingly positive; it became a timeless classic live album in its genre. This recording beautifully encapsulates the essence of Grateful Dead and features many of their most celebrated songs.

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13  – Duke Ellington and his Orchestra – Ellington At Newport 

Experiencing top-notch jazz from a virtuoso, potentially delivering his finest hour. In jazz lingo, it’s an iconic and essential album. Duke Ellington and his orchestra performed at the Newport Jazz Festival in July 1956, with the album coming out in November of the same year. This performance marked a revival in Ellington’s career. His music was waning in popularity until this brilliant performance at the festival gained wide acclaim. The show’s rave reviews prompted a record release, and his career experienced a resurgence.

12 – MC5 – Kick Out The Jams

MC5 paved the path for punk music during the 1970s. Their concert from Detroit in 1968, later released as an album in February, showcased why they were trailblazers. “Kick Out The Jams” may not have been a commercial success, but it was electrifying. Raw, high-spirited, and sometimes rough around the edges, their playing was exceptional. The band played with intensity and confidence, driving the audience into a frenzy. The album encapsulates the essence of pure rock ‘n’ roll music. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest live albums in its genre.

11 – Deep Purple – Made In Japan

On this particular release, the stellar lineup of Deep Purple – Ian Paice, Jon Lord, Ian Gillan, Roger Glover, and Richie Blackmore – delivered exceptional performances. The recording took place in Japan, serving as a magnificent live document capturing these musical titans on stage together. However, opinions were divided among them, with Blackmore himself reportedly never having listened to it. Paice, on the other hand, expressed his belief that it might just be the finest live rock and roll album ever produced – an opinion shared by many fans.

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10 – Jimi Hendrix – Band Of Gypsys

Among numerous Jimi Hendrix live albums, this particular one frequently ranks high or near the top on best album lists. It was recorded at Filmore East in New York, where many outstanding live albums were also produced, and it encompasses Hendrix and his new band across four performances from December 31, 1969, and January 1, 1970.

Jimi Hendrix was evolving and advancing musically beyond his earlier work with The Experience, as seen in this collection of newer songs. They have a stronger blues influence, more rhythmic elements, and an undeniably funky vibe. This was his final complete album release in 1970, preceding his tragic death later that year.

9 – Keith Jarrett – The Koln Concert

Jazz plays a significant role in this collection, and some might not recognize Keith Jarrett or his album, “The Koln Concert” from January 1975. However, it’s worth noting that this recording is the best-selling piano album ever made and also the top-selling solo jazz album. That concert at the Cologne Opera House was particularly challenging, as a subpar piano was provided for an extremely late-night performance. There’s quite a tale behind the event.

Jarrett didn’t get any sleep or food due to concern over the upcoming event. He made some adjustments to his approach, yet managed to produce a timeless piece. Some jazz enthusiasts aren’t as fond of the album, but it’s challenging to dispute the impressive sales figures it’s achieved.

8 – The Who – Live At Leeds

The Live At Leeds album frequently graces the lists of top-rated live albums. This is The Who performing at their absolute peak in a live setting. It appears to have been crafted as an unofficial bootleg, with its design, liner notes, tracklist, and ambient noise all contributing to its edgy, underground feel.

Instead of being packed with numerous hits, it featured an exciting, extended rendition of “My Generation” and a brief explosion of “Substitute,” alongside other songs and covers. The genuine sound, the raw energy, and occasionally visible cables contribute to its high ranking.

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7 – James Brown – Live At The Apollo

It’s well-known that James Brown shined most when performing live on stage. This recording, taken from the Apollo Theater in Harlem, marked his first live album ever. You can sense his vitality and dedication not just in the music but also in the pauses, chats, and song introductions. Standout tracks include “Lost Someone” and a medley of others such as “Night Train”. The album truly encapsulates Brown at his peak on stage, mirroring the intensity of his dynamic performances.

6 – The Allman Brothers Band – At Fillmore East

The double album spans across seven tracks, overflowing with fantastic music, lengthy solos, and impromptu performances. One standout track is “Whipping Post,” where Duane Allman delivers exceptional guitar work for an impressive 23 minutes.

5 – Talking Heads – Stop Making Sense

The remarkable concert film titled “Stop Making Sense” was first released in 1984. This film stands out visually, and its accompanying album is equally impressive. The album garnered double platinum status, despite peaking at position 41 on the US Billboard 200. However, it remained on the charts for more than two years.

As a dedicated fan, I’ve got to say that this Talking Heads album is an absolute gem! Over time, they’ve released some fantastic extended versions, enriching the initial tracklist. The most recent update on this musical journey is a remastered 2023 edition, which has expanded the original nine songs into a whopping sixteen tracks, offering even more of their unique sound to savor.

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4 – Neil Young and Crazy Horse – Rust Never Sleeps

Once again, we find ourselves reunited with Neil Young and Crazy Horse during their “Rust Never Sleeps” tour – an era that coincides with the band’s November 1979 album, “Live Rust”. It is important to note that the album was released slightly ahead of the tour in June 1979.

This album deviates slightly from traditional live recordings. While primarily recorded during the tour, extensive studio work was done afterwards, including overdubbing and production. This post-production process reduced many of the live elements, such as crowd noise, and added abrupt beginnings and endings to songs. Despite muting the live atmosphere, it resulted in a fantastic collection of songs on one album. It might seem unusual that it ranks so high among live albums.

3 – Fishmans – 98.12.28 Otokotachi No Wakare

This album by the Japanese dub band Fishmans, which includes their frontman Shinji Sato in what turned out to be his final live performance, might come as a shock for many on this list. Captured in Japan on December 28, 1998, and made available to the public the following September, it offers a glimpse into the band’s history and their most memorable musical moments. Regrettably, Sato passed away unexpectedly just a few months after the show.

As a fervent fan, I’d describe their sound as a tantalizing blend of dub, groovy ska/reggae, and dream-infused pop, with a hint of psychedelic flair. Sato’s voice is velvety soft yet uniquely distinctive, harmonizing beautifully with the rhythm section’s bass and drums to create an unparalleled symphony. If you’re not familiar with their name, I strongly encourage giving them a listen!

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2 – Johnny Cash – At Folsom Prison

It appears quite unconventional today, and I imagine it was also back then. However, a live recording from a somewhat rebellious singer in prison – Johnny Cash – actually went ahead with the plan. Interestingly, he received support from then-Governor of California, Ronald Reagan, beforehand.

Back in May of ’68, this recording first saw the light of day, but it’s been revisited and refined since then with additional tracks added. It’s none other than Johnny Cash’s epic masterpiece, blending his raw, gritty country sound that feels like it was made for a cell block. Nearly a match made in heaven for the hard-knock life!

1 – Nirvana – MTV Unplugged In New York 

One standout album within the MTV Unplugged collection is Nirvana’s, which boasts a captivating sound that demands attention. They made minor adjustments to the setup, integrating electric amplification and guitar effects subtly. In this performance, the band predominantly played lesser-known tracks and covers instead of their most popular hits and fan favorites.

Kurt Cobain delivered an exceptional performance throughout that concert. Tragically, he passed away only five months later, making the show even more emotional as a posthumous live session. Released as an album titled “MTV Unplugged in November 1994,” nearly a year after it was recorded, it serves as a powerful tribute to Cobain and Nirvana. It’s an album that is well worth listening to, regardless of your preference for the band. In 1996, it won a Grammy for Best Alternative Album and remains among the top ten best-selling unplugged albums.

Summary

The process of amalgamating views and rankings has definitely broadened the list. A few jazz-based albums are featured above. They are live and absolute classics of their style, so that’s fair. Some albums are far higher than I would expect, and others that are absolute live album essentials, as far as I’m concerned, are missing.

For instance, “Frampton Comes Alive” sits a bit lower on the list, around the 30s. This album is accompanied by “Alchemy” by Dire Straits and “The Song Remains The Same” by Led Zeppelin. While it’s beneficial to broaden our perspective, I sometimes feel that we should focus more on individual preferences when creating lists like these!

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2024-10-02 13:01