What do you think are the best country and country rock live albums?
My knowledge in the area of country and country rock is fairly weak, partly because I’m based in the UK and we have no tradition of country music as opposed to folk music.
I’m also not sure where the dividing line between country and country rock lies. I’ve tried to split the genre into two to help you to find the other albums that are most likely to appeal to you.
What Are The Best Country Live Albums?
Loading ...My Thoughts On The Best Live Country Albums
The top two albums are by Johnny Cash, Live At Folsom Prison and Live At San Quentin.
Both are packed with atmosphere from their captive audiences and the charisma of Johnny Cash shines through.
In third place is Waylon Live and it’s terrific.
This is another album that should appeal to a wider audience. I played it a few times on Spotify and then had to buy it.
Garth Brooks is in fourth place with Double Live.
Willie Nelson is at #5 with Willie And Family Live.
I was disappointed when I heard this one as it seed to conform to the stereotype I try to avoid. It’s a shame because I wanted to like it.
There have only been 18 voters when I updated this article so it will be interesting to see if the results change as more country fans make their opinions clear.
Another album I can recommend which doesn’t yet have many votes is Alison Krauss and Union Station Live. It’s packed with charm and great music.
What Are The Best Country Rock Live Albums?
Loading ...My Thoughts On The Results Of The Best Country Rock Live Album Poll
Is it contentious to include the Grateful Dead in the country rock poll? Recorded after American Beauty, it’s whree I think Europe 72 fits best as the album avoids the lengthy psychedelic improvisations the band is known for.
It’s captured the #1 place thanks to readers votes. It’s an accessible album that is a good entry point for anyone knew to the band. The band have released a lot of live recordings and I’ve tried to avoid cluttering up the genre polls.
In second place as they revive Americana is The Band with Rock Of Ages.
Again this is highly recommended and, in my opinion, is better than The Last Waltz which loses focus because of the guest stars.
In third place are the two live albums by The Eagles, The Eagles Live and Hell Freezes Over.
Both are very professional and the band show they can duplicate their studio sound when they are playing live in concert. Unfortunately I want more from a live album.
I prefer the live albums by Poco who were generally overshadowed by The Eagles.
Tying for third place at the time of writing is Poco Live from 1974.
Also tied for third is The Byrd Live At Fillmore 1969.
Again we haven’t many votes compared to some of the other polls so it will be interesting to see if the albums can maintain these rankings.
Do You Agree With The Results So Far?
Let me know if you think my readers are getting it right. If not, why not?
Have I got my categorisations right or do you feel strongly that an artist or group belongs in the other poll?
What Great Country Live Albums Have I Missed?
I’ve probably missed a few of your favourite live country albums so please leave me a comment and point me in the right direction.
My Other Best Live Albums By Genre
I’d appreciate your opinion on the best live albums outside of the country rock area so please click on the links below and vote for the albums you think are the best.