1. KISS - "Alive!"
There was no doubt or question in my mind that this is not only my favorite live album of all time, but also one of the best live albums of all time. This is the album that made KISS one of the hottest live acts of the 70s and of all time. This is also the album that introduced me to my childhood heroes in KISS. The album showed how their songs really sound like compared to their great, but weaker, studio versions of these songs. Songs like "C'Mon and Love Me," "Strutter," and their famous single "Rock and Roll All Nite" seemed to have more of a ballsy, raw sound compared to their studio versions. All the songs on this album were given a bit more "umph." Not only can you hear the rawness of the songs, but you can hear the craziness and insanity of their live shows. From the cracks of the flash bombs to the cheers of the audience, you feel like you are actually THERE. You can smell the weed, babes, smoke, and fire and see the flashing lights, pyrotechnics, and KISS just up there rocking their balls off. This album gets some flack for the studio overdubs, but it is still a killer live album, with versions of the songs easily better than their studio counterparts. Easily their best album and one of my top 3 favorite albums of all time, I highly recommend this to everyone and their grandmother.
Killer Track: "100,000 Years"
*So epic, it needs two parts! Killer drum solo, guitar solo, and rapping from sir Paul Stanley. No need to say more.
2. UFO - "Strangers in the Night"
An underrated live record, to say the least. This record finds UFO at their scorchin', hard rockin' best. Every song on here is killer and full of energy, especially the version of "Rock Bottom" on this album. This was my introduction to UFO and I could not believe, after I heard this record, that I have never heard of these guys before! This guys tear it apart on stage, and this album proves that. Michael Schenker is just ripping it up on guitar, while Pete Way and Andy Parker (bass and drums) hold down that rhythm section and keep it chugging along. Phil Mogg is in top form on this record, with his raspy, raw vocals soaring to new highs, while Paul Raymond tears up them ivories. The production on this album is very superior, and the track list is full of gems and hits. A non-stop tour de force of a record. Non-stop rocking.
Killer Track: "Rock Bottom"
Easily the most epic song on the album, as well as the climax of the record. While I could put every single song as a killer track for this record, I chose this one because of Mr. Michael Schenker's fucking mindblowing guitar solo on this track. He pretty much makes the guitar his bitch. This track also shows why Schenker was such a huge influence on Kirk Hammett, guitarist for Metallica. The energy on this song is off the charts, as well.
3. Judas Priest - "Unleashed in the East"
Not a lot of people think of this album when they think of Priest. They usually think "Screaming for Vengeance" or "British Steel." But, by God, this album is as killer as live albums can get. Kicking off with "Exciter," one of my favorite Priest songs and one of my favorite vocal performances of Halfords, they go full force and high speed and never let up. The album is fucking loud, heavy, and raw, and I would not want it any other way. The uberbitchin' guitar duo of K.K. Downing and Glenn Tipton is in top form on this record, busting out solo after solo and riff after riff of excellence. Ian Hill is in top form, with his bass perfect in the mix, driving the band through all of their classic early tunes. This is also drummer Les Binks last album as a member of Priest, going out in top form on this record. And the audience. That fucking Japanese audience is crazy! Singing along to every word, shouting at the top of their lungs. They can be pretty mental, and that makes the album even more energetic and awesome. A lot of people criticized this album for being mostly studio overdubs, but the Metal God himself, Rob Halford, says that the whole album is live besides the vocals, which got fucked up in the process of getting ready to mix the album. Classic metal live record, by far.
Killer Track: "Victim of Changes"
The guitar intro in the beginning is a cream dream for many guitarists when they hear it. It is so beautiful, yet raw. Then, there's those vocals. Halford really shines on this song, busting out a ball-crushing high note near the end of the song that will make everyone shit their pants when they hear it. The song is a lot heavier on this album than the "Sad Wings of Destiny" version, which makes it even better. One of my favorite songs by the band.
4. Thin Lizzy - "Live and Dangerous"
Again, another album that gets flack for studio overdubs. Some sources have thought that this album is either 75% live or 75% studio. No one knows. But, I DO know this. This album kicks ass over, under, sideways, and down. Like "Strangers in the Night" and "Alive!" above, this was my introduction to this classic and underrated band. I definitely think this is mostly live, especially after comparing the tracks to YouTube videos of them live and seeing that they are extremely similar. The album has all of the definitive tracks of Thin Lizzy on it, along with some killer versions of some of their best known tunes. The guitar duo of Scott Gorham and Brian Robertson are firing at all cylinders, turning out killer guitar performances on tracks like "Massacre," "Emerald," and "Still in Love with You." Phil Lynott is also quite epic on this record, with his vocals in top form. The man was sounded very energetic on stage and you can really hear it on this record. Brian Downey also turns in a stellar performance, especially when it is his time to shine on his drum solo on "Sha La La." An all out killer live record, and one of the all time classic live records, regarded as a classic in all genres.
Killer Track: "Rosalie/Cowgirl's Song"
It was quite hard to pick between this tune and "Cowboy Song," but I always keep coming back to this song everytime I listen to this album. Lynott's vocals are awesome on this track, along with the guitars of Robertson and Gorham. The transition from "Rosalie" to "Cowgirl's Song" is so effortless and makes the song even better than it was. One of the many highlights on the record.
5. Motorhead - "No Sleep 'til Hammersmith"
The energy on this record and the loudness on this record cannot be beat whatsoever. Motorhead simply kick ass, and this album proves it. It's so fast, so loud, so untamed, so raw. It's like sex with a jaguar. Yeah, that's right. This album is THAT kick ass. Every song on here is as good, if not better, than the studio versions (mostly better.) You can just feel the sweat coming off of your turntable as you play this record. Lemmy and crew are in top form and ready to kick major ass. The filth and the fury are in full force on this record. Do I need to say more? No. Actually, yes...go BUY THIS FUCKING RECORD!
Killer Track: "Overkill"
This song is as breakneck as breakneck can get. So loud, so intense, and so filthy. I love the version of this song on this album more than the studio simply because of the speed and energy of the song. It makes it even crazier and cooler than it already was.
Honorable Mentions:
Aerosmith - "Live Bootleg"
Ozzy Osbourne - "Tribute"
Rainbow - "On Stage"
Ted Nugent - "Double Live Gonzo"
Cheap Trick - "At Budokan"
AC/DC - "If You Want Blood, You've Got It"
Iron Maiden - "Live After Death"
Slayer - "Live: Decade of Aggression"
Scorpions - "World Wide Live"
Metallica - "Live Shit Binge and Purge"
Deep Purple - "Made in Japan"
Led Zeppelin - "The Song Remains the Same"
Black Sabbath - "Live Evil"
Rush - "All the World's a Stage"
Humble Pie - "Rockin' the Fillmore"
Pat Travers Band - "Live! Go for What You Know"
Enjoy this fuckers and keep on bangin' them heads!
Bonzo Brad
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