 | Tracklist:
1. Young Man Blues
2. Substitute
3. Summertime Blues
4. Shakin' All Over
5. My Generation
6. Magic Bus
| Ranking: #1 for 1970 | |
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On 6 Lists
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5 of 5 thought this review was well written
#170 greatest album ever(Rolling Stone)
First off I would like to state that I had an extensive review written on this album. But no, what did I have to do. PRESS REFRESH and lose everything. I apoligise in advance if this review isn't up to standard.
This is one of those albums that no review will ever do it justice. To understand how incredible this recording is you have to - sit down, put in the disc and be blown away by one of the greatest bands in history.
I first heard Live at Leeds when I was in my early teens. At the time my CD player consisted of Rage Against the Machine and Nirvana. This album came on and it drifted through my ears without me paying the slightest bit of attention to it. It wasn't as heavy as contemporary music. So back on went the Korn cd! What can I say? I was young and niave. Well put it this way, im going to say(without sounding like an ass) that if you like good music then this is an essential.
I can't describe the power of this album. What amazes me the most is the fact that this was recorded before The Who had even touched on their greatest albums to date in "Who's Next" and "Tommy". Im not going to deny it though, I am a huge Who fan so my views will obviously be different to someone new to the band hearing this album for the first time. Im still stuck for words though - If you are remotley interested in rock music or "great music" then this is an album for you. Throughout, the album is laced with witty comments and remarkable musicianship.
Heaven and Hell(4:30)
Muffled talking, background noise and cheers from the crowd are the cliched start to a live album although I wonder if that cliche began with this recording? As soon as you here Entwistle's thundering bass tone stamp out the notes E,A,D,G you know the magic is about to start. Bursting in with a powerful riff and mind-blowing drum beat, this is the perfect way to start the performance. Written by Entwistle, this song was never recorded in the studio which baffles me as it would have fitted perfectley onto Who's Next. The greatest song to never have been recorded in the studio. 5/5
I Can't Explain(2:16)
Starting exactly the same as the Clash's "Clash City Rockers", this is classic Who. This is an absolutley timeless song that was at the fore front of the Who's set for 25 years. The orignal recording also featured Jimmy Page on second guitar. Not my favourite Who song but that doesn't stop it being a true rock classic that shows the Who at top form. 5/5
Fortune Teller(2:34)
Originally performed by Billy Spellman and covered by numerous other artists including the Rolling Stones. This is a great Rock n Roll song that is driven by Daltreys vocals. Although the song starts quite slow, it begins to rock halfway through. 5/5
Tattoo(2:51)
My favourite song on the album that I hadn't previously heard before. The lyrics are smart and witty with an incredibly catchy chorus. This also demonstrates the Who's great use of backing vocals that benefit the song greatly.5/5
Young Man Blues(4:56)
Another cover song which was originally done by Mose Allison. As the title suggests, this is a more bluesy song. With it's stop start feel and great vocal lines, you can see why they chose to cover it and make it their own - chosing songs to cover seems to be a talent the Who posesed as their choices were exceptional. Can I give this song 5/5 as well? I guess so. 5/5
Substitute(2:07)
Many favour it as being one of the greatest songs ever. Im one of them. 5/5
Happy Jack(2:13)
Continues straight on from Substitute, this is another of the Who's hits. Again demonstrates the Who's great use of backing vocals and Townshend's great song writing ability 5/5
I'm a Boy(2:40)
Starts off with vocals from Townshend until Daltry comes crashing in to rock out. Another great, great song. Not much else to say really. 5/5
Ok my PC crashed here. Luckily ive been transfering this over to a notepad as I type so all is not lost, again. The review will go on:thumb:
*Internet crashes again*
.............suicide?
A Quick One, While He's Away(8:25)
This is a small rock opera about an old engine driver who seduces a little girl. Breaks off into lots of different sections that all remain great to listen to. 5/5
Amazing Journey/Sparks(7:34)
Another two songs that I hadn't previously heard. Starts off slightly weak but picks up pace and begins to rocks out hard. Another strong performance. 5/5
Summertime Blues(3:20)
So powerful, so catchy - this is a highlight of the album which can be seen by it being used on the Who collection album. Unbelievable. 5/5
Shakin All Over(4:15)
Another catchy song. Ive found now that every song is getting 5/5 so i'll keep the song by song reviews a little shorter as they are all classics. 5/5
My Generation(14:45)
Bursts in a lot faster than the studio recording. It's reputation speaks for itself - My Generation is the Who at they're very best. 5/5
Magic Bus(7:22)
When I first looked at the album I noticed this was a strange choice for the last song but when I heard what this song was like live, I understood why. Great way to end an unbelievable concert. 5/5
Ok so I gave all the songs 5/5. Some will say that this doesn't give a true review of each song but there isn't a bad song on this album or a song that deserves less than full marks. Make your own judgements on the songs and go and buy this album. An epic performance from an epic band.
You honestly can't understand how remarkable this album is until you hear it for yourself. 5/5
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Well im glad that's done! My eyes are killing me now.
Enjoy
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Fabulous job :thumb:
I've probably listened to this album a million times and you completely did it justice :thumb:
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I was thinking about buying this album. Your review really helped me to get to the desicion of buying it.
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This great album, I like it but I would never give it 5/5.
They did shows that had versions Summertime Blues/YMB/Shakin etc. that makes this record look bad....
For example TKAA YMB from 1969 Coliseum (wasn't 3 uk shows filmed from this period ?) is much better than this, it's raw..
rumour has it that many of 1969-1970 shows were recorded but Townshend burned the tapes. I doupt it's true but since Pete is complately nuts, you never know 
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^It's not the just the overall album that gives it a 5/5. It's the fact that a band who is strongly based on chaos, can play off recording and do it better than on recording. It's shows The Who are the real deal.
This live album does more for them than any other live album. Because here, they broke out of the mod fashion and feeling, and went strait to Hard Rock, and they were a lot more loud, sharp edged, and choatic when they were Hard Rock. The Monterey Pop Festival recordings do a lot for them also, but not as much so.
^So, all of that makes this album history. Plus, it's big time because The Who are the greatest live band in the world (IMO). So the closest thing to seeing them live is hearing them live. And of course the fabulously played songs, and how unique they all are helps.
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Now I have it, it's awesome man. Great review, and you're right, every song deserves a 5/5.
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Posibly the best live album ever...couldnt agree more.
I dont think EVERY song deserves 5/5, but damn close. Great album - 5/5 total
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Incredible album! The greatest live album i've ever heard. Shows Townshend, Moon, Daltrey and Entwistle at their best. It's very hard to find another concert done as flawless as this one. From the heavy opening track, Heaven And Hell all the way to the covers and through A Quick One, you just can't go wrong with any song on the ablum. This live album is so good, it makes me want to never listen to the studio cd's again.
The Who is my favorite band, and this is my favorite album. I do think this is one hell of a live album. 10/5!!
| | | Album Rating: 5
This looks pretty darn awesome, but I heard of a DVD of another The Who concert after Tommy was released, can anyone tell me about it?
| | | Album Rating: 5
Best live album, indeed. The Who are like a car with no brakes, and it takes split second reactions and sheer intuition to keep it all together and avoid crashing and burning.
But they do it here. Awesome review.
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Heaven and Hell has to be one of their best songs. Great review.
| | | Album Rating: 5
i love this album. my fave live album ever
| | | Album Rating: 3.5
"...the fact that this was recorded before The Who had even touched on their greatest albums to date in 'Who's Next' and 'Tommy.''
This is false. "Live at Leeds" was recorded and released between "Tommy" and "Who's Next."
| | | Album Rating: 5
The deluxe edition has an entire Tommy performance as well. I have this version that was reviewed and it is undoubtedly the greatest live album. The talk before A Quick One is great.
Every day, i get in the queue
To get on the bus that takes me to you.
| | | Album Rating: 3.5
I am kind of curious as to whether John Entwistle takes any bass solos. I love to hear a good bass solo and that is something not often heard.
| | | Album Rating: 4.5
Even though I generaly dislike live albums, I really enjoy this one. The Who are an amazing band and this album is a true classic.
"Sumertime Blues" is my favorite off of this, although all of these songs are amazing.
| | | Album Rating: 5
For Obi one kenobi, i believe you are referring to The Who Live at the Isle of Wight festival 1970, where they play Tommy.
| | | Album Rating: 5
I'm not sure exactly when they started doing this, but I know on the Quadrophenia tour in 1996 or so Entwistle has a bass solo in the middle of 5:15. The footage on the newest DVD release shows him, and it's really amazing. Also on the Royal Albert Hall release Entwistle does a solo in the same place. John got better as he got older. I recommend trying to see the film or at least hearing what he was capable of.
| | | Album Rating: 5
John is so awesome because he actually looks somewhat bored while his fingers fly
| | | Album Rating: 5 | Sound Off
Hey Lunch. Great review. I know I left a comment for it if you remember, but it's somehow come up missing, WTF? So here's another This Message Edited On 03.08.06
Digging: Rancid - Let The Dominoes Fall | | | |
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