Ten amazingly brilliant 1970s live albums

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As a long-time music enthusiast and guitar aficionado, I can’t help but be drawn to the raw energy and power of live recordings. Some artists truly shine in a live setting, and Ted Nugent is one such artist who never fails to deliver an electrifying performance. His 1978 double live album “Double Live Gonzo” is a testament to this fact.

The 1970s saw an abundance of remarkable live albums, boasting a vast array of music and artists. Many of these releases stood out as exceptional gems from the era. It was nearly impossible to overlook or dismiss any during this time. The decade was literally teeming with impressive live albums. Particularly noteworthy were some that achieved massive success, such as Frampton Comes Alive.

Prior to Peter Frampton’s career revival and the trend of releasing live records, artists had already begun sharing their stage performances on vinyl. This happened even before they achieved major success with a hit song. As a result, listeners can now enjoy their music from an early peak in their artistic journey or rediscover tracks from earlier albums that have since fallen out of frequent rotation.

As a devoted fan, I can relate when an artist’s studio albums don’t quite capture my full attention or leave me yearning for more. But then, something magical happens: a live album emerges, showcasing their extraordinary talents as if I’m right there in the crowd, witnessing their electrifying performance firsthand. This powerful connection to the artist’s music can propel them to new heights and expand their fanbase significantly. Indeed, some of the remarkable albums presented here have done just that for me and countless others.

Here are ten amazingly brilliant 1970s live albums

In this section, you won’t come across many commonly recognized top-selling albums. If you’re interested in exploring more of those, I suggest revisiting an earlier top ten list where several are featured. These albums have certainly received their fair share of attention. However, let’s not overlook other live albums from the 1970s, such as the ten presented here. Although they may not be mentioned frequently, their value is undeniable. Now, let’s delve into these ten exceptional live albums from the 1970s.

Rush – All The World’s A Stage

As a dedicated gamer and music enthusiast, I can’t help but admire Rush for their impressive collection of live albums – a grand total of eleven! Their reputation for putting on extraordinary live shows is well-deserved, and it’s no wonder they’ve managed to capture that energy and excitement in so many recordings.

As a long-time fan of Rush, I can tell you that their live albums have been a significant part of my musical journey. I remember the thrill of discovering their first live album, released in 1976, which marked the beginning of their tradition of putting out a live album every four studio releases.

Their debut album, titled “All the World’s A Stage,” was the first for them to break into the top 40 in the US Charts and was on its way to platinum certification. Following releases, their live albums have grown increasingly refined. However, this initial one retained a raw, thrilling energy that required careful handling – it transported the excitement of their live performance right to the listener’s ears.

Based on my extensive experience attending live music performances and having listened to countless albums over the years, I can confidently say that this summary does justice to the early works of the trio. Their recordings beautifully convey the energy and harmony they bring to life during their concerts.

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Two absolute rockers from the J. Geils Band

“Live” Full House

In the 1970s, the J. Geils Band put out the first of two impressive live albums. A third album, titled “Showtime,” was released in 1982. At that time, they hadn’t yet achieved great success with studio recordings, but their live performances were legendary. Known for their electrifying shows, the band sought to capitalize on their reputation by releasing a live album.

As a gamer, I can tell you that putting in extra effort and ensuring an authentic live experience on our album paid off to some degree. The band’s raw energy and electrifying performance were successfully captured, which helped us gain more recognition and airplay. Although the sales figures for the album itself weren’t mind-blowing, it opened doors for us to make a bigger impact with our next album, Bloodshot.

The only drawback with “Live” Full House is the decision to make it so short, only 34 minutes long. They had so much more to offer. Have a listen to their live version of John Lee Hooker’s song “Serves You Right To Suffer”, it’s superb.

Blow Your Face Out

In April 1976, J. Geils Band put out their second live album titled “Blow Your Face Out“. This album was a recording of two different nights in late 1975. The first night took place in their hometown of Boston, while the second night was spent in Detroit. Notably, the “Live” album “Full House” was previously recorded there as well, and so was the album “Showtime” from 1982.

The J. Geils Band’s second live album came close to being a double recording due to its similarity in style and memorable guitar solos to the groundbreaking “Frampton Comes Alive.” Following that successful release, record companies and artists were eager to replicate the formula. With their established reputation for powerful live performances and an impressive earlier live album, the J. Geils Band provided them an opportunity to do so.

As a gamer, I can tell you that the “Blow Your Face Out” performance was an unforgettable experience for me. Lasting 75 minutes, it delivered an extraordinary concert vibe that left me in awe. The band did an impressive job of keeping their setlist varied and avoiding repeats from their previous live album “Full House – Live”. Only one song, “Looking For Love”, was performed on both albums. Both albums are great, but the longer “Blow Your Face Out” setlist edged it out as my favorite.

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Two fantastic artists making their live album debuts

Scorpions – Tokyo Tapes 

In the late 1970s, Japan served as an ideal place for recording live albums due to its advanced technology for capturing high-quality sounds and enthusiastic audiences who appreciated diverse live music performances. One of the bands that took advantage of this opportunity was Scorpions. In April 1978, they recorded their first live album, titled “Tokyo Tapes,” in Japan. The album was released in August of the same year exclusively in Japan. It wasn’t until early 1979 that it became available in the United States.

As a longtime fan of Scorpions, I can confidently say that their album “Fly to the Rainbow” truly stands out among their discography during their formative years. This record encapsulates the essence of their first five albums and serves as a testament to their musical growth. Moreover, it holds significant historical value as it was the last collaboration between Uli Jon Roth and the band before he embarked on his solo career.

The album includes some of his vocal contributions, which is a minor issue. He was an exceptional guitarist, but it wasn’t wise for him to take the lead as a singer. Roth has mentioned before that some audience applause in the album was not from their actual performance but from “Frampton Comes Alive” instead. Setting that aside, “Tokyo Tapes” is a must-listen, providing an opportunity to experience the early Scorpions live and at their best with Roth as their frontman.

Leon Russell – Leon Live 

Leon Live is somewhat overlooked and could be a hidden gem for some. It’s not often quoted alongside the live big hitters of the 1970s. Though Leon Russell did achieve Gold status in the US for this 1972 live album. If you’ve heard any of it, then you’ll know why it’s listed here. 

As a longtime music enthusiast and avid listener, I’ve had the pleasure of discovering a truly electrifying album that left me absolutely captivated. This record is a breathtaking fusion of energy and emotion, reminiscent of a Baptist prayer meeting, a gospel revival, and a lively blues band performance all rolled into one.

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Another two fine examples of first live albums 

Jethro Tull – Bursting Out

As a longtime fan of Jethro Tull, I must say that “Bursting Out,” released back in 1978, is an excellent way for me to relive their electrifying live performances. This album provides a captivating snapshot of the band’s music during that era. Although, it’s a shame that the well-known hit “Living In The Past” wasn’t included in its original form, but I understand that later extended reissues rectified this oversight. Nonetheless, this recording still offers an authentic representation of Jethro Tull’s unparalleled artistry and stage presence.

Jethro Tull, since the beginning, has stood out with their one-of-a-kind sound, blending progressive rock, folk, blues, and jazz effortlessly. Their unique fusion is marked by an impressive array of instruments and, most notably, Ian Anderson’s skillful use of the flute. Experience this musical melange for yourself on their debut live album.

I’ve been a music enthusiast for decades now, and I’ve had the pleasure of listening to Jethro Tull since my teenage years. Their live performances have always left me in awe, bringing each song to life with an energy that makes you feel like you’re right there in the crowd.

Blue Oyster Cult – On Your Feet Or On Your Knees

Another example of a fantastic band delivering an impressive live performance, this time during an earlier phase of their success before achieving major hits. The first of multiple live albums by Blue Oyster Cult, released in 1975, showcases tracks from their initial three studio albums featuring a total of 12 songs.

If you’re a fan of 1970s rock with an authentic, lively sound that comes straight from a guitar, this album is perfect for you. It not only meets but exceeds your expectations with outstanding renditions of the band’s most popular tracks during that era. While they hadn’t yet composed “Don’t Stop The Reaper,” they displayed their impressive talent through hits like “Red And The Black” and the more tranquil “Then Came the Last Days of May.”

Similar to other live records discussed, this one significantly enhanced the songs’ performances compared to their original studio versions. It provided listeners with an authentic representation of Blue Oyster Cult’s exceptional stage presence. Consequently, the album attracted increased recognition for the band.

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Two brilliant live albums from amazing guitarists

Ted Nugent – Double Live Gonzo

Ted Nugent’s studio albums may not showcase his best performances, but his heavy metal music truly shines during his energetic and lively concerts. As a result, Nugent is an excellent artist to consider for a live album.

As a music enthusiast who has attended countless live concerts over the years, I can attest to the fact that creating a live album is no easy feat for many artists. Some opt for the safer route of releasing a single disc, while others attempt to impress by spreading it out across two discs. However, in my opinion, Ted Nugent perfectly captured the essence of a live album with his 1978 release “Double Live Gonzo.” Having seen him perform live multiple times and being an avid fan of metal and guitars, I can assure you that one is never enough when it comes to this iconic album.

Nugent and his band breathe new life into their songs, most notably from his first album, “Ted Nugent,” released an impressively short three years ago. Their renditions are not to be missed – they play them powerfully and fiercely, with the perfect amount of distortion, solos, and overall sound. A must-listen is their live album, “Double Live Gonzo,” which stands out among metal records.

Jimi Hendrix – Band Of Gypsys

Despite the sad fact that Jimi Hendrix’s musical career was cut tragically short, there exist numerous live albums showcasing his talent. Consequently, fans often engage in lively debates as to which album represents his best performance. This particular album is widely regarded as among his finest, if not the absolute best.

At Filmore East in New York City, this album was taped, joining the ranks of other renowned live records. It features Jimi Hendrix and his fresh band across four shows held on December 31, 1969, and January 1, 1970. This marked a new phase musically for Hendrix, signifying growth beyond his earlier days with The Experience.

In the spring of 1970, he introduced some fresh tunes to his repertoire, deviating from his customary playlist. These new compositions carried a stronger blues influence and a funkier rhythm. Upon release, they received mixed feedback, but managed to reach the top ten charts in both the UK and US markets. Regrettably, this was his final studio album prior to his untimely demise later that year. We can speculate how his music might have evolved if he had lived longer.

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Nils Lofgren – Back It Up – An Authorized Bootleg

Nils Lofgren is primarily recognized today for his collaboration with Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band. Previously, he was a member of Crazy Horse, providing support for Neil Young. Over the years, Lofgren has showcased remarkable guitar skills and enjoyed a successful solo career alongside his tenure in Grin.

In 1975, he put out his first live album titled “Back It Up” as a promotional bootleg with restricted circulation. Due to its scarcity, it gained significant popularity among collectors. A wider release on CD occurred in 2007.

As a seasoned music enthusiast with decades of listening under my belt, I can confidently say that the performance recorded for KSAN-FM in San Francisco was nothing short of electrifying. The way Lofgren and his band played and jammed on those seven songs left me feeling like I was right there in the moment, part of the music itself.

A few years after his first live album, He put out a second one titled “Night After Night.” However, despite being shorter in length, the initial release stands out as the superior one. Lofgren and his band deliver stellar performances on it. The tracklist boasts great song choices, with an exceptional and vibrant rendition of “Beggar’s Day” as a standout bonus.

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2024-07-26 13:01