Classic Rock Musings, Rants & Raves

You’re either a fan of live music or you’re not; there doesn’t seem to be any in-between. But if you count yourself among the millions who prefer their music served up in a raw, energetic concert environment, then you’ll find something to satisfy your craving from the list below. Also be sure to check out our list of the Top 10 Live Albums: 1976-Present.

1. Rolling Stones - Get Yer Ya Ya’s Out (1970)
After a three-year absence from the American concert scene, the Rolling Stones triumphantly returned to Madison Square Garden in New York City in November, 1969, and the powerful, tight performance was recorded for posterity. The concert featured new guitarist Mick Taylor, and in addition to the usual Rolling Stones fare, two outstanding Chuck Berry covers, “Carol” and “Little Queenie.”

2. The Who - Live At Leeds (1970)
Recorded at Leeds University in England on Valentine’s Day, 1970, this digitally remastered deluxe edition features the historic concert in its entirety for the first time, including several recordings not available on the original. Also notable is the splicing of songs from “Tommy,” originally spread throughout the show, on Disc-2 of the set. This is the Who at their absolute, live best!

3. Allman Brothers Band - Live At The Fillmore East (1971)
Recorded live at the Fillmore East in New York City on March 12-13, this remastered version of the landmark 1971 features the original line-up of the premiere southern rock band, before the untimely deaths of Duane Allman and Berry Oakley. Live At The Fillmore East set the standard for all blues/jam rock bands to follow, and remains unparalleled to this day.

4. Cream - Wheels Of Fire (1968)
While not completely a live album (Disc 1 was recorded in the studio, and includes two outstanding covers of Howlin’ Wolf and Albert King), “Wheels of Fire” captures the power-trio of Clapton, Bruce and Baker at their explosive peak! Disc 2 was recorded live over four days at San Francisco’s Winterland and Fillmore West, and features a version of “Crossroads” that will blow you away.

5. Deep Purple - Made In Japan (1972)
Once referred to by Rolling Stone as “simply the best live album ever made,” “Made In Japan” featured the “classic” line-up of Ritchie Blackmore, Ian Gillan, Jon Lord, Roger Glover, and Ian Paice, and was recorded over two days in August, 1972, in Osaka and Tokyo, Japan. The remastered CD not only offers superior sound quality, but also a bonus disc of encores and a book of extensive liner notes.

6. Grateful Dead - Europe ‘72 (1972)
Culled from various shows on their 1972 European tour, this is basically a live album on steroids, as several songs were overdubbed in the studio after the tour. Yet the richer-than-usual, multi-layered sound doesn’t distract from the live feel of the music. Europe ‘72 marked the last formal recording of Ron “Pigpen” McKernan before his death, and the introduction of Keith and Donna Godchaux

7. Grand Funk Railroad - Caught In The Act (1975)
The general consensus among GFR fans is that although a sloppy editing job was done on this remastered CD (it leaves out part of drum solo on “T.N.U.C.,” and “Closer to Home” doesn’t segue into “Heartbreaker” as originally performed), it’s still a kick-ass album. Just the live versions of “Footstomping Music” and a cover of the Stones’ “Gimme Shelter” make this a stand-out among live recordings.

8. Yes - Yessongs (1973)
Some speculate that Yessongs was released to silence critics who accused Yes of being merely a studio band, unable to recreate their songs live. But performances of material from “The Yes Album,” “Close to the Edge” and “Fragile” removed all doubt, and established Yes as a dominant force in Prog. Although sound quality on the original was inferior, the remaster is nothing short of spectacular.

9. Uriah Heep Live (1973)
Recorded over several dates in Northern England at the height of their career, “Live ‘73″ represents early Heep in all their thunderous, riveting glory. Now available as a remastered set, with all 12 original tracks including the fun, 7-song closer, “Rock ‘n’ Roll Medley,” additional photos and new liner notes.

10. Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young - 4 Way Street (1971)
A true snapshot of the 70s, “4 Way Street” is often criticized as lacking the luscious harmonies for which the foursome is most well-known. Yet many consider this recording a “must-have,” if only for the standout, acoustic-only Disc 1. The remaster contains bonus tracks “King Midas In Reverse,” “Laughing” and “Black Queen,” plus the Neil Young medley “The Loner/Cinnamon Girl/Down by the River.”

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