"Use two sticks to make it in the nature": Live music…

I love concerts. There is just something incredibly special about the atmosphere they produce. A synergy occurs between the performer and the audience, and you cannot help but get caught up in the magic of it all. I would honestly say that I’m at my happiest when I’m at a concert. Whether it’s a large-scale festival like Coachella or Lollapalooza, or a small club venue, the result is the same: superabundant, full-bore, ear-ringing bliss.

A natural intimacy occurs in a live performance and for a couple of hours a community is formed. Now, with the advent of mobile technology, it’s not uncommon to see people taking pictures, texting, or updating their Facebook and Twitter statuses regarding the show. Some of that obviously is just “look at me & the awesome stuff I do”, and there is nothing wrong with that. However, I believe that the greater intent is our desire to share the experience with those that we are close to that may not be at the show. We realize that something special is occurring and for a moment, however brief, we want to include them in this community.

Sometimes we can’t make it to the live shows. Fortunately, now we can watch a lot through live streams and Youtube videos, or live vicariously through our friend’s social media updates.

That wasn’t always the case though. There was a time when your only opportunity to experience the show was to either be there or maybe procure a poorly dubbed bootleg copy….or in the off chance the group was putting together a live album, you could wait several months for it to be produced and then buy it.

In the spirit of this I have put together a list of 5 great live albums. There is no ranking involved, nor by any means is this a list of the greatest live albums. To make this list I set up the following criteria:

1. The music had an influence on me.
2. It was an album I owned.
3. It couldn’t have already been covered in one of my previous blog posts.
4. The performance occurred prior to the advent of rampant, readily available mobile technology and social media.


Kiss Alive II

My musical indoctrination occurred early. From the ages of 4-7 there was no other band than KISS. For two Halloweens I dressed up as members of KISS, once as Paul Stanley, the other as Gene Simmons. My mom bought me many of their albums, among them KISS Alive II. On countless Saturday mornings (before watching cartoons) I would bring my little turntable into the living room and the couch would become a stage. I would alternate back and forth between air guitar and air drums. To be honest I doubt any other’s transition between the two could compare…it was that dynamic.

Side note: For a couple of years my mom felt somewhat guilty for this after a Fundamentalist friend handed her a poorly written pamphlet that made her aware of the evils and diabolical influence of rock music.

U2 - Under a Blood Red Sky

This was my first exposure to U2. This album had been out for a couple of years before I listened to it and at the time I didn’t know who Bono or The Edge were. Something in the performance connected with me. I was still a child and at the time I didn’t know what activism or social justice was. A seed was planted though, and I knew it was more than music.


Neil Young – Unplugged

Some people don’t like Neil Young, and I’m not here to argue that. He’s proven himself and his catalog stands on its own. His songs tell a story and usually the eye of your mind takes you to some lonesome highway out west. Hearing him wail on the harmonica will bring tears to your eyes.

John Denver - The Wildlife Concert

Growing up, John Denver’s music was a staple in my home, and from an early age I felt a kinship with him. He was a champion of nature and conservation. His songs spoke of happiness, simplicity and a genuine love for life. This live album is beautiful and captures some of the best versions of his greatest songs. He was a troubadour and poet. I was in college in 1997 when John Denver died in a plane crash, and I wept…

Rage Against The Machine Live at The Grand Olympic

Rage is true to their name. I can honestly say they woke me up to reality of things and kindled a fire for social justice deep down inside. Consider this a soundtrack for revolution…

Below is a playlist for the above albums:

Detroit Rock City – KISS
Love Gun - KISS
Beth – KISS
Sunday Bloody Sunday – U2
I Will Follow – U2
New Years Day – U2
Unknown Legend – Neil Young
Long May You Run – Neil Young
Harvest Moon – Neil Young
Rocky Mountain High – John Denver
Take Me Home, Country Roads – John Denver
Poems, Prayers and Promises – John Denver
Bulls on Parade – Rage Against The Machine
Bullet in the Head – Rage Against The Machine
Guerilla Radio – Rage Against The Machine