5 comments about Live 1983-1989.

1. The harmonica player who did the famous work in Missionary Man, Jimmy Z is one of the greatest performers on the face of the Earth. I saw them at the Miller Music Fest in Montreal in the mid 1980's and he blew Gerry Parc apart. The rest of the band was good. But he was beyond great and this cd is worth buying just because of his presence on it.



2. In 1993, Eurythmics had given us a real treat: another album. It is not a studio recorded album, but it is, indeed, another album overall. This album is entitled, LIVE 1983-1989. This album features all of Eurythmics' greatest hits performed live from different concerts, live performances, & such. This was a brilliant idea all the way. I have always been impressed with the way the sound on their studio recorded hits, but I had no idea how amazing they sound live. This album is definitely a must-have album. You want to know why? Well, I'll tell you why.
   
   Disc One: 1983-1986
   
   NEVER GONNA CRY AGAIN (Live in Manchester: March of 1983)
   Original version from the album In The Garden (1981). The original studio recorded version was impressive to begin with, but when I heard this live version, I was blown away. They sound incredible in doing this song live.
   
   LOVE IS A STRANGER (Live in Los Angeles: July of 1983)
   Original version from the album Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) (1982). I can't decide on which version I like better: the original studio recorded version or this live version right here. Both are incredible. Do not tell me otherwise.
   
   SWEET DREAMS (ARE MADE OF THIS) (Live in Berlin: March of 1983)
   Original version from the album Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) (1982). The original studio recorded version and the extended studio recorded version are just a bit better than this one, but all are incredible.
   
   THIS CITY NEVER SLEEPS (Live in Manchester: October of 1983)
   Original version from the album Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) (1982). This live version is a lot better than the original studio recorded version.
   
   SOMEBODY TOLD ME (Live in New York: July of 1983)
   Original version from the album Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) (1982). Just as good as the original studio recorded version.
   
   WHO'S THAT GIRL? (Live in Chicago: April of 1984)
   Original version from the album Touch (1983). If I listen to the original studio recorded version, I don't care. If I listen to this live version, I don't care. Both versions are amazing.
   
   RIGHT BY YOUR SIDE (Live in Austin: April of 1984)
   Original version from the album Touch (1983). Not bad.
   
   HERE COMES THE RAIN AGAIN (Live in Stockholm: October of 1986)
   Original version from the album Touch (1983). Still a classic song, whether listening to the original studio recorded version or this live version. I prefer listening to either version.
   
   SEX CRIME 1984 (Live in Nuremberg: October of 1986)
   Original version from the original motion picture & soundtrack 1984 FOR THE LOVE OF BIG BROTHER (1984). I never heard the original studio recorded version of this song, but this live version is quite enjoyable. Just to clarafy that 1984 FOR THE LOVE OF BIG BROTHER has been mistaken as a Eurythmics album. It is not. 85% of the album is composed of Eurythmics songs, but the rest of it is all instrumental pieces. That soundtrack is not, I repeat, NOT a Eurythmics album.
   
   I LOVE YOU LIKE A BALL AND CHAIN (Live in Rome-November of 1986)
   Original version from the album Be Yourself Tonight (1985). Still sounds amazing, just like it's original studio recorded version. But I like this live version better because it was performed live in Rome.
   
   WOULD I LIE TO YOU? (Live in Houston: August of 1986)
   Original version from the album Be Yourself Tonight (1985). Better than the original studio recorded version.
   
   Disc Two: 1986-1989
   
   THERE MUST BE AN ANGEL (PLAYING WITH MY HEART) (Live in London: November of 1986)
   Original version from the album Be Yourself Tonight (1985). Still sounds amazing, just as the original studio recorded version sounds. But I like this live version a lot better because it was done in London.
   
   THORN IN MY SIDE (Live in Brighton: November of 1986)
   Original version from the album Revenge (1986). Still sounds absolutely amazing. I love both versions.
   
   LET'S GO (Live in Christchurch: January of 1987)
   Original version from the album Revenge (1986). Not bad.
   
   MISSIONARY MAN (Live in Sydney: November of 1987)
   Original version from the album Revenge (1986). Even better than the original studio recorded version.
   
   THE LAST TIME (Live in Melbourne: February of 1987)
   Original version from the album Revenge (1986). Not bad.
   
   MIRACLE OF LOVE (Live in Paris: September of 1989)
   Original version from the album Revenge (1986). Not bad.
   
   I NEED A MAN (Live in Rome: October of 1989)
   Original version from the album Savage (1987). Both versions are incredible. But I like this live version better because it was performed live in Rome. I just wish I could hear Eurythmics perform more of their hits live from the "Savage" album.
   
   WE TOO ARE ONE (Live in Dublin: September of 1989)
   Original version from the album We Too Are One (1989). Not bad.
   
   (MY MY) BABY'S GONNA CRY (Live in Edinburgh: October of 1989)
   Original version from the album We Too Are One (1989). Not bad.
   
   DON'T ASK ME WHY (Live in Rome: October of 1989)
   Original version from the album We Too Are One (1989). I enjoy hearing this live version a lot more, especially since it was performed live in Rome.
   
   ANGEL (Live in London: September of 1989)
   Original version from the album We Too Are One (1989). I also enjoy hearing this song. But I enjoy hearing this live version more, since it was recorded live in London.
   
   If you would like to own a Eurythmics album, where every song is performed live, this is the album that you should be buying. Definitely a classic album that should be owned by all fans.



3. If you are lucky you will get the 3 cd limited version of the cd set which includes the 6 track acoustic CD! 5 stars out of 5. Excellent! A must for any Eurythmics fan.



4. Hi Eurythmics fans!

   I bought this collection back between 1993-94. I also have a 3rd disc as a limited edition live accoustic medley. This collection of live Eurythmics concert performances is satisfactory, but lacks in sound quality and color in some places. Most of the songs lack a good strong bass sound. Everything is kind of dull "thudding" instead of hard, heavy drum beats and bass guitar. The keyboarders were great though.

   I believe this compilation of live concert material has been taken from various concerts. If you read the credits, you will indeed find that out. I don't really like the thick, double case the the cds come in. My copy has been moved to a standard jewel case for the time being. The artwork is great, as well as the layout itself. Cool design on the discs themselves. I like that kind of silkscreening work.

   In total, there are 28 songs between the 3 discs.
   For the two regular concert discs, there are 22 songs. The other 6 are found on the medley.

   This is the track listing for each cd, plus the location of each show from where each was recorded:

   CD ONE:
   01 Never gonna cry again ( Manchester-March '83 ) 5:14
   02 Love is a stranger ( Los Angeles-July '83 ) 4:00
   03 Sweet Dreams are made of this ( Berlin-March '83 ) 3:45
   04 This city never sleeps ( Manchester-October '83 ) 5:37
   05 Somebody told me ( New York-July '83 ) 3:43
   06 Who's that girl ( Chicago-April '84 ) 4:07
   07 Right by Your side ( Austin-April '84 ) 4:27
   08 Here comes the rain again ( Stockholm-October '86 ) 5:50
   09 Sex crime 1984 ( Nuremberg-October '86 ) 3:46
   10 I love you like a ball and chain ( Rome-November '86 ) 5:05
   11 Would I lie to you ( Houston-August '86 ) 3:34

   CD Two
   01 There must be an angel ( London-November '86 ) 6:57
   02 Thorn in my side ( Brighton-November '86 ) 4:34
   03 Let's go ( Christchurch-January '87 ) 4:55
   04 Missionary Man ( Sydney-November '87 ) 5:03
   05 The last time ( Melbourne-February '87 ) 4:49
   06 Miracle of love ( Paris-September '89 ) 6:22
   07 I need a man ( Rome-October '89 ) 3:59
   08 We too are one ( Dublin-September '89 ) 4:19
   09 My my baby's gonna cry ( Edinburgh-October '89 ) 5:10
   10 Don't ask me why ( Rome-October '89 ) 5:04
   11 Angel ( London-September '89 ) 6:07

   CD Three (Live accoustic Medley)
   01 You have placed a chill in my heart
   02 Here comes the rain again
   03 Would I lie to you
   04 It's alright, baby's comin' back
   05 Right by your side
   06 When tomorrow comes

   It's a nice collection of live music, which scales the duo's entire career as "Eurythmics" up to 1990. Some songs were never hits, but should have been, had they been redone on another totally new Eurythmics cd. If you really like the songs in their original sound, then I don't recommend you buy this set. Otherwise, it makes up for not going to a Eurythmics concert.
   Also a nice addition to your collection of their music.

   Hope this review has helped you.




5. This superior live compilation set proves that Dave and Annie are truly extraordinary musicians and artists. Their studio albums are great- but this set captures some of the electricity and spontenaity of the talented duo that studio albums sometimes lack. For those who have never seen them in person- this is the next best thing. Enjoy!

2 comments about Les Bains Douches 18 December 1979.

1. I've been a Joy Division fan for years, but before hearing this album, I'd never heard them live before. Les Bains Douches totally blew me away. The songs I thought were excellent on their studio albums were phenomenal live. Their emotionally unsettling lyrics and sound pack a power, energy, and raw nerve live that's absolutely chilling. The thrashing "Day of the Lords" and "Transmission" demonstrate is perhaps the most brilliant example of Joy Division's affect in their entire catalogue, live or studio. "Shadowplay" and especially "Atmosphere" show themselves as two of the most haunting, brooding songs ever recorded. Perhaps the only bad spot on the album is the outdated synthesizer-prominent sound on "Love Will Tear Us Apart", but it is outshined by every other track on Les Bains Douches, and Les Bains Douches outshines any studio work Joy Division ever recorded.



2. When Ian Curtis hung himself in 1980 on the eve of Joy Division's first US tour, it's safe to say that no one could ever experience the feeling of being at a Joy Division concert ever again.
   
   Les Bains Douches, a 2001 post-humous collection of 3 Joy Division concerts (Les Bains Douches, Amsterdam and Eindhoven), is the closest to actually being at a Joy Division concert before that fateful day.
   
   No band has made such an impact on the music world in such a short timeframe. In Joy Division's 3 year existence, the band only released 2 full studio albums. But today, bands like Interpol are constantly cited or compared to the work of Ian Curtis and his Manchunian bandmates. Groups ranging from the likes of Fallout Boy to Nine Inch Nails do covers of some of Joy Division's best known songs.
   
   This album is full of energy with flawed but nevertheless excellent versions of songs like "These Days," "Shadowplay," and the sped-up version of Joy Division's hit song, "Love Will Tear Us Apart," but also has its quiet and introspective moments with "New Dawn Fades," "A Means to an End," and the closing song, "Atmosphere." The album is chilling, like looking at a moment in time so ideal and good-natured that you know ends badly. The silent moments are deafening, the quieted roar of the crowd, the occasional chants of "Joy Division!" by the Amsterdam audience. You know something's wrong. The album's sound quality slowing deteriorates, with Curtis' voice becoming more and more distant and the drum beat more and more pronounced until the album finally fades into fuzz 16 tracks later. The familiar baritone voice is nearly unheard in "Dead Souls." Whereas this would be a detriment to other groups, this technological failure only strengthens the emotions in the CD, symbolizing Curtis' departure from the band and the world.
   
   This is a wonderful CD, displaying Joy Division's wide range, well written lyrics and engrossing drumbeats. The album art is less minimalistic than I'd expect from any Joy Division CD, but good nevertheless. The liner notes are amusing and touching, and give some insight into the album's creation. All I can complain about is that I wish I were there.

No comments about Wild Animal.

No comments about Reflection.

5 comments about A Rollins in the Wry.

1. Henry hits his stride with jabs at Rite Aid and Clinton-speak. Those looking for the emotional connection that rougher discs like "Big Ugly Mouth" and "Live at McCabe's" evoked won't find it here. However, even with a 'routine' set, he's more entertaining than many so-called 'professional' comedians. "ARITW" is well worth your time.



2. I've heard some of Henry Rollins spoken word routines on MTV and stations like this. After hearing this,....I didn't realize that Henry is actually funny. Not only has he done Black Flag, Rollins Band, but his spoken word albums is filled with the same angst in his lyrics but taking everything in the world and making light of it. He is intellectual as a comic with that hardcore edge that we have come to know and love. I DEFINITELY recomend this CD. Pop it in, listen to it, reflect on it, and be prepared to laugh. I just don't see why he does more of this sort of thing.




3. This CD is fine. It's not wall-to-wall laughs like most of Think Tank. It doesnt get deep like sections of Big Ugly Mouth. It's not the absolute pick of the bunch (depending on what you're looking for) but it's not a waste of money either. RITW is a stand-alone performance and the biggest thing wrong with it is the lacklustre crowd, who seem to respond quite well to the mention of their own town's name and not much else. I believe Henry gives his best performances when the crowd is responsive (both with Rollins Band and spoken word) and the crowd at this gig sound like they are half asleep and more interested in eating their meals than getting into the show.

   I won't dissect the CD and sing the praises of each individual track. If youre a fan, this is a worthy addition. If youre a first-time listener, its worth a go but probably isnt his best work in terms of outright comedic content or the make-you-think observations that characterise his previous offerings. That said, its not a dog either - I listen to my copy from time to time and certainly dont regret buying it.

   One last note for the Henry-is-past-it gang; I saw Henry in Melbourne a year ago and it was about the best thing I've heard him do. Stories like The KISS Army were just brilliant and outshone even some of the best stuff on Think Tank. His take on the way people behave, coupled with the clever references and links to things mentioned earlier in the show had the crowd falling about laughing. Stuff from that show will hopefully be released soon and prove that Henry is only getting better at Spoken Word as time goes by.

   Oh, and if any of the Powers That Be at Pioneer are reading - give us a spoken word DVD that isn't Zone 1 exclusive.




4. Most of the tracks on this album are very funny, especially "Death To Poets," a highly-justified rant about self-indulgent poetry readings, and "Clintonese," a funny comment on how Bubba used word games to weasel out of confessing. I especially like this track because it gives Bubba his due without brown-nosing him like most Democrats love to, with observations like "They should teach 'Clinton' in college." Also not to be missed: his encore, a short but absolutely hysterical rant on male-female relations. The album's only weak link: the "Maturity" rant, which goes on WAY too long and isn't particularly funny. Overall, it's still a great album, but it can't beat "Think Tank," Hank's funniest and smartest spoken-word album.



5. Okay, understand. I was Drama Geek Yuppie Larvae (TM) so Black Flag was not a band I'm terribly familiar with. The first time in my whole life that I actually became fully aware of Hank was a few months ago when we saw him doing some of his Spoken Word stuff on HBO.

   My God, what have I been missing all my life?

   Intensity? He has got it.

   I recently got to attend one of his spoken word shows here in California. I walked up to the girl with the T-shirts, CD's, and Video tapes and said, "Look, I just discovered this guy. I have NOTHING of his and I don't have much money with me. You are the expert, what do you suggest?"

   I walked away with this CD and Talking from the Box on Video. (And a T-Shirt and a couple of free stickers... CONSUME LITTLE AMERICAN! :) ) It was a good combination I think.

   The CD was recorded in 1999 so I suppose you would say it is some of his later stuff. And right now, it's my most played CD.

   Mostly it's just a bunch of his thoughts about things and people he's observed while he's on tour. (Which is pretty much of the time. The man has circled the world more times the SPUTNIK.) He talks about things like Language, how he reacted to being in Jerusalem, and his love/hate relationship with Rite Aid/Thrifty.

   Definitely on the lighter side of things then the earlier stuff I see in "Talking from the Box"... So I suppose that's why long term Rollins fans might see this CD as "weaker". The nihilism that they've come to know and love is tempered with his since of humor far more in this CD then in the older stuff I've heard so far.

   He talks a bit in the CD about maturity and getting older, at the time this was recorded, he was 38. And taking a long hard look at 40.

   He is doing something different. He's making the gracefull transition from angry, cynical, young man to angry, cynical, old man.

3 comments about Tour Shot.

1. Mmm-mmm-mm. Good stuff. This is kind of like the ROOTDOWN EP in the sense that it's a bunch of remixes of a specific track (this one being SURE SHOT) mixed with some high energy live tracks. This EP however, is even better because it has 2 really good
   B-sides: "The Vibes" and "Mullet Head" (the greatest punk song they ever made. If you are new to the Beastie Boys, save this for later and buy PAUL'S BOUTIQUE or CHECK YOUR HEAD.



2. I believe this tour shot is awsome. I also believe that I am the #1 fan of the beastie boys. when they toured I kind of became a groupie. I even got Ad Rock to give a shout out to me and ask what my name was and sing Paul Revere. So if any of you people read this, you gotta by this tour shot import!



3. This album was created for those who live for the song "Sure Shot." The third version of the song is probably the best. The live tracks on this particular album are a little weak, but in general the album is pretty decent.

1 comments about Lexicon of Live.

1. First of all you should be aware that this is NOT "LEXICON OF LOVE" which is the band's remarkable debut from 1982 (probably one of the best produced albums ever, and the songs are not bad either!)

   This is a LIVE recording of ABC's hits from the late 90s when lead singer Martin Fry put together a touring band (no other original members play on this album) to tour the EU and the US. Like many concerts the performance starts off a little unready but by about the mid point the band is wamred up and in rare form.

   The last few tracks showcase a top notch session band, Fry's still wonderful voice and the top notch songwriting of Fry and White.

   A must for fans, casual folks should stick to any one of the many best ofs or the poclet sized best of "Lexicon of LOVE."

5 comments about Wide Awake in America.

1. The version of "Bad" on this album is one of the definitive U2 live cuts. The rest of the album is ok, but meant for serious U2 fans only. Those new to the band should go pick up the Joshua Tree album.



2. As a die-hard U2 fan and collector (I have at least 40 bootlegs of theirs), their 1985 EP 'Wide Awake In America' remains one of my favorite efforts from U2. While it does only contain 4 songs total, it's still something that U2 fans should not overlook.
   
   'Bad' was recorded in London in early 1985. It is an awesome version of the song, one of the best I've heard; it is by a long shot better than the studio version that appears on 'The Unforgettable Fire' (1984).
   
   'A Sort Of Homecoming' is even better than 'Bad.' This version is a lot heavier than the album version from 'The Unforgettable Fire,' but it's probably better. It's a cool version; you can hear the crowd getting involved.
   
   The last two songs are outtakes from 'The Unforgettable Fire.'
   
   'The Three Sunrises' is a song that should have easily made the cut for the record. It's got a great bass line from Adam, and Bono's vocals are spot on, as are Edge's rocking guitars. Larry's drumming gets pretty heavy at times.
   
   'Love Comes Tumbling' is a song that reminds me of one of their early efforts. It would be great to hear on 'Unforgettable Fire' as well, but it fits great here too. (Note to U2 collectors: On 'The Best of 1980-1990,' there is a bonus disc containing B-sides and outtakes from albums. Both 'The Three Sunrises' and 'Love Comes Tumbling' appear on that. But 'Love Comes Tumbling' comes with a guitar intro from Edge that doesn't appear here. If you can, try to hunt down that version as well.)
   
   Overall, if you've never checked out this record, than you need to. It rocks, and it's one of my all-time favorites from U2.
   
   Highly recommended for any U2 fan. A classic EP.
   
   ENJOY!!!



3. This is the best version of "Bad" that you will find, short of the Live Aid performance. Canned audience or not, it's fantastic.



4. The live version of "Bad" is my pick for the best thing U2 has ever released. It's an utter revelation, far surpassing the studio version in immediacy and power. The other live track is a worthy version also, much different than the atmospherically-rendered studio version of "A Sort of Homecoming", though not necessarily better.
   
   The two studio tracks are worthwhile for U2 fans, and are better than some of the songs that actually made it to The Unforgettable Fire album. "Three Sunrises" mixes 60-ish psychdelic pop with some more aggressive signature-U2 touches, while the final track "Love Comes Tumbling" is a little too mumbly-morose for my taste, but is a nicely crafted song nonetheless.



5. Thsi is just a mini CD, but it contains the best Live version of "Bad" and "A sort of Homecoming" that you can find. The drum on "A sort of homecoming" is simply amazing. An incredible energy emerge from this song. "Bad" is also incredible. The two studio tracks are quite good also.

5 comments about Live With Lou Reed Vol.1.

1. As far as Velvet Underground live material, I had only heard Live at Max's Kansas City, which I love, so I expected more of the same from the 1969 material, fidelity wise, before I heard this. Surprise! The 1969 series is an enormous step up in quality and the performances are even better.
   
   1969 used to be one volume and it should be still; there is no difference in the liner notes or packaging but there is now a volume 1 and volume 2. Having said this, if you must buy one of these volumes, this is the one. They are both great, but this one rocks more, has a better song selection and a longer running time. It may be blasphemy to say, but I think the versions of What Goes On and Beginning To See The Light here are better than the studio recordings.
   
   Check this out! You won't be disappointed.



2. I own the album on vinyl (2 LPs, discs 1 and 2), and I must say it's the one VU collection I would take with me if stranded on a desert island. It's not as artsy as VU and Nico or White Light/White Heat, though it't not as "dry" as loaded. This is a good introduction the VU for new listeners.



3. Recorded in 1969 (but not released until much later), this two-part live album shows the Velvet Underground turning away from the feedback thunderstorms and warped art-rock of their earlier work, and embracing a more song oriented approach. By this time, they'd abandoned electric violist and noise hound John Cale, replacing him with multi-instrumentalist Doug Yule, to startling effect: Where Cale was an artist, Yule was a musician, and an incredibly skilled one at that- just listen to his hypnotic organ solo at the end of "What Goes On" for proof of that. Of course, this is all completely relative- one listen to the scorched-earth catharsis of "Heroin" (included here as a bonus track) or the haunting character study "New Age" should convince you that the Velvets hadn't sold out. And anyway, this album is an absolutely fantastic listen- the Velvet Underground were an energetic live band with a punchy, uncompromising sound and a sharp rock `n' roll edge, and there's evidence of that here in spades. Just listen to that loose, nervy version of "I'm Waiting For The Man," or the euphoric blasts of "We're Gonna Have A Real Good Time Together" and "Beginning To See The Light." There are also plenty of fine examples of Lou Reed's brilliant songwriting- the quiet, pained beauty of "Lisa Says" is a highlight, as is "Sweet Jane," with its sweet, hypnotic melancholy and wonderful guitar riff. Also, dig the icy ballad "Femme Fatale" (which sounds great, even if Nico isn't singing it), and the self explanatory "Rock `N' Roll." It's a fantastic addition to the VU catalogue. Also, be sure to pick up volume two, which is just as good (if not better).



4. Like many, I'm sure, I missed the V.U. totally when they were a band. Finally, as the 70s wore on, I started reading how great and influencial they were, and of course by that time I was familiar with Lou Reed. So, I saw this LP at a record store on sale for, like $4.99 and bought it. I think I read a rave review of it somewhere. I remember the first thing that impressed me was the sound. It was up front and in your face, yet the subtle nuances like Tucker's cymbal work was also captured. In short, it sounded perfect, sort of like "Get Your Ya Yas Out". Lou Reed is best known for his "narrative", harder voice, but in truth he can be a heck of a pop singer, with a sweet voice and gentle vibrato. He's on this night, as is the rest of the band. All the song choices are excellent, and they are all must hear versions.
   
   I could rave on, but really, there is no need. This is by far the best recorded live V.U., and the band performance is incredible. Even if you're not already a V.U. fan, this is not a bad place to start.
   
   It's how I did it.



5. Born in India in 1976, I heard this group in 2006 after graduating from an art school in the US, the way I could associate with these voices only confirms time-space-less-ness of good music at large!

No comments about Live 1984.