4 Vinyl Finds That Totally Bring It Live

There’s really nothing like experiencing a great band live, but if you were born too late to see a band, or if you love a band that no longer exists, that experience can only happen one way – a live album.

Through my many digs through used vinyl I’ve picked up quite a few live albums, and albums that have great live tracks. Interestingly, when putting together this column I noticed all of the absolute gems I found are from the same time period, 1969-1972. This made me wonder – what happened to the live album? When did it fall out of favor? The technology for recording a band live is leagues better than it was 50+ years ago, so why aren’t more bands taking advantage of the opportunity to cement their place in history, and make their live shows available to future generations?

Did I mention my mind wanders a bit?

Thankfully, the following bands knew what they were doing when three of them recorded live albums, and one recorded an epic live jam session that takes up an entire side of a record.

Here are four of my vinyl finds that totally bring it live.

The J. Geils Band – “Live” Full House (1972)

If you are only aware of The J. Geils Band from their ‘80s pop-rock hits like “Centerfold,” “Freeze-Frame,” and “Love Stinks,” this album will come as an eye, and ear, opening surprise, because well before pop fame happened for the band they were a blue rock outfit.

Personally, I didn’t know this until I picked up their 1970 self-titled debut album, and was blown away by what I heard. Let’s just say I didn’t expect a cover of John Lee Hooker’s “Serves You Right to Suffer,” but man oh man did it sound GREAT. A nine minute version of the song is included “Live” Full House, which also has a fantastic version of “First I Look at the Purse,” which was a Motown classic the band reimagined, and made their own.

Recorded over two nights at The Cinderella Ballroom in Detroit, everything about this album makes me wish I could go back in time and see J. Geils Band in their blues rock prime. They were so damned good!

The Rolling Stones – Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out! (The Rolling Stones In Concert) (1970)

Speaking of bands with strong blues influences, The Rolling Stones still tour today, but for as much as they still have it in the present, I don’t think the band would argue that there was something special about their concerts from when they were in their prime.

Recorded over the course of three shows – one in Baltimore, and two in NYC –Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out features some Rolling Stones classics, as well as covers of two Chuck Berry songs, “Carol,” and “Little Queenie.”

One of the highlights is a kick ass version of “Sympathy for the Devil.” The two guitar solos, one from Keith Richards, one from Mick Taylor, are two all-time greats having an absolute blast, and many fans consider this version of the song the absolute best. Give it a listen, and you’ll hear why!

James Gang – Live In Concert (1971)

Before I even get to the music, can we all just take a moment to admire the career of Joe Walsh? The guy is the unproblematic king of classic rock. Seriously amazing as a musician, and you’d have a really hard time finding anyone who has a bad thing to say about him.

Funnily enough, an entire generation was introduced to him through a sitcom, when he was a part time cast member of The Drew Carey Show, playing – and I have to imagine this wasn’t too much of a stretch for him – a really out there guitarist.

Before that, however, and before he was in the Eagles, he fronted the James Gang, and was performing his own brand of funk infused rock music.

James Gang’s Live In Concert was recorded at Carnegie Hall in NYC, and showcases a band, and an artist, who deserve every accolade thrown their way. The live version of “Tend My Garden,” with Walsh on the Hammond B3 organ, is downright magical, and of course every time he’s on guitar it’s a reminder of that he is among the very best.

Vanilla Fudge – Near The Beginning (1969)

OK, so this one is only half a live album, but I had to put it on this list because that half, which is technically just one song, is so mind-blowingly awesome that to leave it out would be a crime against humanity … or at least a crime against live music.

Psychedelic rock stalwarts, Vanilla Fudge were known for putting wild twists on classic songs including “Ticket To Ride,” “Bang Bang,” “Eleanor Rigby,” “Season of the Witch,” and the one they’re known most for, “You Keep Me Hangin’ On.” The highlight of Near The Beginning, however, was not only an original, it was a one-time only affair. Clocking in at nearly 24 minutes, the epic jam session, titled “Break Song,” takes up the entire b-side of the album.

Recorded at the Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles, every band member receives considerable time to shine on “Break Song,” and each one provides plenty of excitement.

After hearing it I think you’ll agree that Vanilla Fudge deserve to be mentioned way more often when we talk about awesome classic rock bands.

Alright, if anyone needs me, I'll be at the record store looking for more live albums that act as time machines for concerts I wasn’t alive to attend.