Live LPs have always been popular, as they allow listeners to experience some of music history’s most memorable moments from the comfort of their living rooms. Live recordings capture the energy, essence, and aura of a great band or solo artist, and are able to transport the listener back to the moment, even if they weren’t present. These records are a vehicle to inspire a new appreciation for an artist’s sound and craft. Rough Trade has been fortunate enough to immortalize some of their own special live moments, with two highlights being their exclusive pressings of Bernard Butler and Yard Act.
John Coltrane’s Live at the Village Vanguard is his first official live record and was initially criticized for its free-form influence and addition of Eric Dolphy on bass clarinet. However, it is now regarded as one of the greatest live jazz albums of all time and a true companion for any Coltrane fan.
James Brown’s Live at the Apollo is the perfect live record and an essential for Rough Trade and R&B dynamite for anyone who hasn’t heard it yet. The acclaim and success of this album were enormous, with the Grammy Hall of Fame inducted album staying on the Billboard Charts for over sixty-six weeks.
Johnny Cash’s Folsom Prison Mobile Fidelity Edition, an all-hit catalogue accompanied by the sharpness of the Tennessee Three, re-ignited popular interest in Cash. The audio highlights include renditions of Cocaine Blues and 25 Minutes To Go and closing with Greystone Chapel.
Talking Heads’ Stop Making Sense Tour has seen a revival in popularity since A24 restored and re-released the ‘greatest concert of all time’. This particular live LP takes recordings from that tour and highlights the excellent musicianship of Tina Weymouth, Chris Frantz, and Jerry Harrison and their accompanying ensemble. David Byrne’s leading performance and dance choreography remains completely unique and is something that to this day has never been recreated.
Finally, Portishead’s Roseland NYC
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