Live albums are always pretty interesting, beyond the music. It’s like the artist wants to make some sort of statement – like, “Here’s a souvenir from my last tour.” (Rolling Stones). Or, “You know, these songs may be 40 years old but I can still make ’em sound pretty damn good.” (Paul McCartney). Or, “Hey, we’re still relevant … aren’t we?” (The Eagles). Here’s a handful of live recordings that manage to make pretty much all of those statements:
Live In London by Leonard Cohen – This 72-year-old songwriter and (sometimes) singer has never sounded better in this two-disc souvenir of a show in London’s O2 arena from last summer. His songs – especially the lyrics – are rivalled only by Dylan and like ol’ Bob, Leonard deftly turns his not-pretty voice into a powerfully expressive instrument. Cohen’s songs are cast in a musical framework that recalls German cabaret and Hollywood movies, similar to what Tom Waits has been doing the past few years. Cohen’s backing band is highly skilled and tasteful, they always hit their mark without taking the spotlight off the star. I must admit I enjoyed this album way more than I intended to; after all, this is moody non-rock that nonetheless hits hard and cuts deep. If you are a fan of mature, adult-oriented rock music, this is certainly a keeper.
MP3: “Sisters Of Mercy” by Leonard Cohen
The Soundstage Sessions by Stevie Nicks – The soundtrack for a DVD cut live in Chicago two years ago, this disc updates some of Nicks’ classics from both the Fleetwood Mac days and her solo days, and tosses in a new tune to boot. Nicks, currently on tour with the Mac, offers little reinterpretation (and quite a bit of post-production) on these curious remakes, wiped clean of any sign of the live audience. That kind of makes the music a little more sterile, and considering that Stevie’s voice isn’t the supple instrument it was in the past, makes it also a little more irritating. Still, the orchestral version of “Landslide” and a stripped-down “Sara” manage to shine, even if the rest of this is for hardcore fans only.
30 Days Out 