A Masterful Live Album with Energy and Passion!!!
928014
ELO Part II may go down as rock music's biggest footnote. But what folks don't understand is the genuine musicianship of this ELO wannabe group. They seem to pull off the impossible. The orchestral intro to "Standing In The Rain", the giddy-up of "Evil Woman", the majesty in "Can't Get It Out Of My Head". In some cases these arrangements have more depth and clarity than the original recordings. Check out "Telephone Line" for exhibit A. Sprinkled ELO II originals don't damage the overall flow and mood of the album. In fact, "One More Tommorow" sounds as if it was taken from the Jeff Lynne unused song archives. Also of note is the "strange magic-sweet talkin woman-confusion-do ya " medley. Wow. If you want the hits they're here! The album concludes with a raucous version of "Don't Bring Me Down", sort of a parting shot at Jeff Lynne who did everything in his power to derail Part II. He may be a genius, but if he doesn't like to tour, he ought to let the rest of his former underpaid mates make the dough. For Pete's sake, Jeff. Anyway, great disc, great sound, great band. Buy it!
4973347
NATURE, The Essence Part III, is an ouststanding album (except Chaperon and Devil's in My Den which are not my favorite and which I often program out). The mood in all other tracks is absolutely fantastic. It was recorded  in the South of France in the summer 1996. The energy level is high.  The  secret of this album, I think, is the uncomparable sound of the carabean  drums of Othello Molineaux, which flies sometimes in unisson with the  piano, and sometimes by itself, and gives a great atmosphere to the whole  album.  Swing, sensitiveness, energy, life, love, colors and humour.  This  album has it all, which in my opinion you do not find in the previous  volumes 1 and 2 of the collection The Essence. If I Find the Way is a great  piece.  The album starts with the swing version and closes with the ballad  version of this piece.  It is great when the automatic repeat puts you back  on the swing version after the ballad version.  It is like a rebirth.  Fantastic Vehicule is a very swinging one.  There is also an incomparable  humour which is present in the whole album.  The End of The Love Affair is  a good example. I have sometimes programed the tracks 1,2,5,6,7 and 9 and  played it a whole day while working. And although it has all Jamal's  exhuberance and energy, this is almost an easy listening album, in the good  meaning of the expression.  My mam loved it when she heard the one I just  bought. For Christmas she even bought one for herself and 2 for my  brothers!  Thank you Mr. Jamal for the great moment of joy each time I play  this album.
1346450
"Seconds Out," Genesis' 1977 double live album, is arguably their best live album, and it's also one of the best live albums ever made. The band roar through many of their prog rock gems dating from 1971 to 1976, such as "The Carpet Crawlers," "Firth Of Fifth," "Squonk," and their 25-minute magnum opus, "Supper's Ready," all played with tremendous power & precision. Listening to this live set, you can *feel* the band's live electricity. "Seconds Out" is also a marvelous opportunity to hear Phil Collins' excellent vocal interpretations of Peter Gabriel-era material. Phil steps up to the mike with gusto, and does great justice to the Gabriel-era songs, as well as the post-Gabriel stuff. "Seconds Out" is brilliant live Genesis from start to finish. The band's stunning, unforgettable performance of "Supper's Ready" alone is worth the price of admission, but all the way around, this is truly an outstanding concert. "Seconds Out" is also a fond farewell to guitarist Steve Hackett, who left Genesis around the time of this live album's release. So, what are you waiting for? Buy it, and experience Genesis in all of their live prog rock glory. :-)
911303
This is definitely a fantastic live album.  It pretty well showcases the tour of '69, and captures the energy, musicianship, and showmanship of the Rolling Stones in that time period.
 I listen to whatever strikes me as good, and alot is in that category.  but I'm not one of those people who expects a band to play a song EXACTLY the same as the record.  In fact, I don't see the point in making a live album that sounds just like the record.  It would just be the same, but with crowd noise, right?
 i guess i could see how that really would sound great, but you can't reproduce an intimate sound from a studio record.  An example of a good attempt to scrutinize every detail like that, is The Wall Live, and Alchemy.
Here are the points I look for in a live album:
1-The chemistry is both obvious and strong and the playing is at least good
2-The tempos are good
3-The versions of the compositions are either different and magical or close to the album and powerful
4-The album portrays a sense of excitement
5-The artistes are having fun
IN MY VIEW, this album portrays each of these at an outstanding level.  The only problem with this album is that the crowd noise buries the songs at some points, and even for a live album, the sound, not the playing, isn't very subtle or intimate.  Charlie's drums sound tinny, and Mick's voice isn't very loud.  Although the the guitars' (including the bass) sound great.
What makes this my favorite is the playing quality.  They make it sound easy and smooth on nearly all the tracks, except for maybe "Live With Me."  Which sounds slightly forced.  But in my opinion, this album evokes perfectly why the Stones kick ass.
(even now, they do. I caught the concert in Houston in Jan. 2003, and it was the best thing I'd ever seen)
Peace,
Aaron
988372
Liquefaction's Chrysalis is full of amazing energy,powerful vocal's, and sounds. Kindel, the lead vocalist has a seductive yet soothing voice that captivates the listener. Each track contains something unique and different that shows you Liquefaction is destined for so much more in the future. I highly recommend this to EVERYONE! This album is a refreshing journey that introduced me to a whole new world of music! There is a versitility of beats, sounds, and surpirses packed in this fantastic album! I love each track and cannot say ANYTHING disappointing about it. I guarantee if you purchase this CD, it will quickly become one of your favorites!
64636
I have been a Springsteen fan for 20 years. I have seen him live 3 times, and own Live 75-85, In Concert, and the Chimes of Freedom EP. I just purchased Live in New York City. This is a blistering Live Album. The alternate arangements are breathtaking. The power and conviction Bruce and the band have sound as if this was the last rock and roll show. In the early 90's Bruce wierded out on us, left the E Street band and formed a new one. Following a few low points in his recorded output, including the less than inspired MTV Concert cd, Bruce is back with the old band mates and in top form. The "other" band just did not have the ability of the E-Street band. Buy this one and play it loud!!!
2686705
This is the kind of live album that shows that Earth, Wind & Fire was a strong combo on stage, featuring a dynamic set with lots of improvisation and hot playing. Just listen to Sun Goddess, Africano or Reasons. Unbelievable! isn't it? Definitively of one the best live albums ever.
547376
I completely love this album ! Powerful, moving , heartfelt songs sung with wonderful style and grace. The arrangements, band and production quality are all first rate. Christine Martucci is the shining star of the NJ Music scene, you just have to go see her live in the Asbury Park area ! I for one, feel like Christine is worthy of superstar trajectory, she is truly awesome !!!
2953458
complex and sublime, Oils more energic and intriguing album,  this is THE ALBUM to own
2689514
This is one of those cd's where you can almost reach out and touch the music. Every detail is heard, and every detail is placed with care. The clarity of this performance is astounding! The music is well crafted and also full of energy. This is a live recording, so there are occasional audience noices, but none which detract from the performance. If you are searching for a recording of either of these pieces, I highly recommend this one!!
1623475
This band was excellent to see live and this album brings so much of that energy right into my own home. I love the vibe of this band, they are folky and chill but still exude a lot of energy. Their musical talent is excellent. I love the stories they have to tell in their songs!
829680
"Two for the Show" remastered is now the definitive Kansas album to get. Yes, it's live but this is the essence of the band. Six great musicians who were so much more together live on stage. What passion, musicality, power and emotion. This has everything from the hits like "Dust in the wind" and "Carry on wayward son" to progressive epics that show what six people interchanging from double keyboards to double guitar attack with soaring violin and harmony vocals can do. Their emotional epics are more melodically classical than any of their European prog counterparts of that time, and they certainly knew how to rock harder.

In 1978 this was an outstanding live record and 30 plus years later it not only has stood the test of time but is MUCH better. This edition has another 11 live remastered tracks added on a second CD. These are no fillers - these are phenomenal tracks that I can't believe were excluded initially.

Have a look at my customer image that shows the inner sleeve of the new cool digipak plus a picture from the great booklet. This is no rerelease just to increase income - no, this is part of their legacy, an extended creative effort that offers so much more than the double LP and single CD version of the 90s.

Wow, the 11 new tracks - a whole added album of 75 minutes. These tracks seem to breathe more than the first CD. By that I mean there seems more spacious musical introductions and exploration. Clearly this is why they couldn't be included initially on an already double LP record.

The opening track of the 'new' material, "Hopelessly human" contains all the elements that instantly let you know this is the mighty Kansas in full flight. Long orchestrations of interwoven musical motifs and changing tempos - from ballad gentle vocals over piano to full pipe organ, monstrous drum fills with melodic lead guitar all finally culminating with anthem like bells. This is hair raising stuff!

The fresh stereo mix makes it easy to hear how wonderfully Rich Williams and Kerry interwined their guitar leads as well as showing the contrasting keyboard sounds from pipe organ to piano of Walsh and Livgren. Listen to the crunch surprise opening start of "Child of innocence" - makes ZZ Top seem tame. Indeed this track is a wonderful example of displaying the strengths of this band as the dual vocals of Steinhardt and Steve Walsh create the tight harmony which includes a falsetto harmony from Walsh,I think, that I've never heard before.

There are many other outstanding tracks including, "Closet Chronicles" and "Miracles out of nowhere". Indeed there is not one filler track here. I bought this album from Amazon last week and have been playing it ever since. (That means my other new purchases - new Dream Theater, SACD Pink Floyd Dark Side of the moon and Yellowjackets have been ejected for a while)

This double live CD will take you on an exciting journey through their first and greatest five albums with more passion and interaction than the studio versions. For faithful Kansas rockers I trust you purchased this long ago, unlike me. If not don't hesitate.
1218965
This hour and thirteen minute live Jam is mesmerizing and brilliant!  The level of interplay between these two blended trios is on a very telepathic level! With the wailing insanity of Peter Brotzmann and Evan Parker front and center, the genius of these two Avant garde legends dominates, yet with the solid and powerful rhythm section behind them, somehow abstains from ever being overbearing!  Having two drummers, one of which is the legendary Paul Lytton, brings an extra special thunderous intensity to the rhythm section which is relentless and mind blowing for the duration of this amazing set and almost reminds me of John Zorn's Electric Masada in a way.  I found the musical chemistry of these two trios to be flawless as I see no weak moments in this whole show!  To me, this is a must listen for any and all fans of creative and frenetic avant-garde free jazz and is quickly becoming one of my favorite releases by both Evan Parker and Peter Brotzmann!  Great jamming with phenomal musicianship and great recording quality throughout, I absolutely give it 5 Stars!
3362329
This album is complex and inspiring in multiple ways. The lyrics are simultaneously dark, angry... and true, identifiable... it's a breath of fresh air, like that "There, someone said it" moment. Written to voice plenty of irony, sarcasm, and justifiable anger, themes include disparity of wealth, corrupt politicians, ISIS, war, and the fickle and sometimes sickening human condition. But there are enough passionate and heartfelt moments that give you time to stop reeling and think "We're all in this together".
The song compositions sport the right mix of catchy hooks, a balance of guttural and chilling falsetto vocals, and superb, pounding percussion paired with layers of driving and supporting electric guitar that never gets old, all rounded out with a healthy dose of synths and sampling.
The majority of the songs on this album are fabulous to go for a run and burn off some steam. If you're an introvert and you'd never comment loudly and angrily on the state of the times, it's almost cathartic to hear Everything Everything do it for you. Side benefit: You might also see your running pace improve; the BPM are high on a lot of these.
Highly recommend the Deluxe Version for the 6 (6!!!) extra songs, which I cannot find in hard-copy format (I would already be the proud owner of a deluxe vinyl despite some extra $$ if could have found such a thing). Hapsburg Lippp is probably the only "angry" song I've ever really loved (re: anger at generations of wealthy, inbred politicians playing god/divine authority but sporting the same selfishness and disregard for fellow man) and it's a miracle-worker for a fast run. Every song on the album is both thoughtfully penned and catchy. If you don't want 6 more of those, I'm concerned for you, my friend.
The first time I listened to this album, that chunk of my conscience driven by my conservative religious upbringing almost rebelled. I felt a little guilty the first time. And then I listened to it probably 50 more times. I started out feeling strongly how existential it was, how angry at life and current events, how near-hopeless. And they're right, things are a mess. But the fact that they wrote a whole album about it also shows the strength of humankind to stand up during the bad; to recognize and declare and hold up a mirror showing that something's wrong, which is a great beginning to making corrections. Things have been a mess before and people have still failed to give up completely, and have continued to move on. As I went through successive listens, I noticed that I was more emotionally engaged in current events. I felt less apathetic in general. I became more open to the sad and hurtful irony of using religion to grant oneself "divine rights" (aka license for manipulation) and how it's not just ISIS that does this in the middle east using violence, but also Christians in the US/UK in a social / political context (everyone knows that Jesus was a total elitist, nepotist, and warmonger  I mean come, he was a big fan of those Pharisees and rich people, right? And yes. That there is sarcasm).
If this album doesn't cause you to reevaluate or at least become more conscious of your worldview, how it pertains to the state of the times, and how it affects the people around you  listen to it again. And maybe another 50 times. Because it's not going to get old, or less true.
737252
This band is one of the best ones to show up on the scene in quite some time. Every song on the album is stellar. Having seen them in concert several times now, the passion, energy and emotion they bring to the album and to the stage is amazing. Highly recommended.
962556
I finally got the new Martin Hayes/Dennis Cahill album, Live in Seattle. And I'm here to tell you: Yes, Edna, it *does* capture the awesome spirit and flavor of their live performance.
This album beats their previous  effort hands down. It displays their artistry, both in slow melodic tunes  and in foot-stomping, table-thumping, driving-beat fireworks.
Of special  note is track 2 -- an 11-tune set that displays vintage Hayes and Cahill in  all their glory. It runs the gamut from slow tunes with crystal perfect  articulation and timing, up to heart pounding racing rhythms, back to  soulful melodies, and finishes with a finger-blistering inspiration to  movement. I swear these guys could run marathons on their fingers.
This  is music. Real music. As it was meant to be played. Unlike many live  albums,  crowd noise never interferes with the music. Instead, it  punctuates the music, accents it, and adds to the total experience, rather  than taking anything away. If you've seen them in concert, this album will  put you right back there. It's a treat you don't want to miss.
2183176
If you're a progressive metal listener you'll be amazed by this live critical energy release! It feature's a dynamic sound that comes right at you from beginning to end! Very well put together from some of the finest musician's in the business with an incredible vocalist.....Long live Andrew Mac" Mcdermott, this is a must have for the diehard music listener.