How I Evaluate Live Albums

What makes a great live album?

Give my passion for live albums, it’s something that I’ve thought about a lot.

Some are superb. making you wish you had a time machine and you could go back and watch/experience the spectacular show.

Others are terrible.

My Rating System For Live Albums

I’m planning to spread my rating across three categories

  1. The set list – the songs played and the completeness of the set
  2. The performance – how well the songs are played and whether something is added to the performance to make it distinct from the studio recording.
  3. The atmosphere – how live it feels. As I’m not an audiophile, this will also include thoughts on the sound quality. A muddy sound spoils a live album but I don’t expect the pristine but sanitised sound of studio recordings.

Each will be rated out of 10 giving a maximum total score of 30. Continue reading How I Evaluate Live Albums

The Best Live Albums Blog

Welcome to the Best Live Albums Blog.

It’s purpose is simple.

To tell you about the best live albums in popular music.

The main focus is on the classic rock, soul and funk era of the 1960s and 1970s.

I’ll venture into the eighties, nineties, noughties and even the teenies but it won’t be that often.

Sadly, in my opinion, the quality of modern music pales into insignificance compared to the glory days of The Beatles, the Rolling Stones, The Who, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan, Neil Young and Joni Mitchell.

I could go on… and on and on but you’ll quickly see where the centre of my music tastes lie with honourable exceptions for U2, REM, early Oasis, The Pixies and a few surprises.

It’s going to be a fun ride and in particular I want to hear from you.

Do you agree with me on my ratings for the best live albums?