Customer Reviews

Beethoven Was Deaf (Live)

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Morrisey used to have one of the best bands on the planet. He assembled a crack two-guitar-bass-drums group around the turn of the nineties just after his rather mediocre "Kill Uncle" CD. The band that toured in support of that CD blazed some versions of his songs that were far superior than anything he had previously recorded--check out the "Live at KROQ" CD single and compare the studio vs. live "Sing Your Life" for proof. These guys had diverse backgrounds but a few had experience in the English Rockabillly scene, and their ability to greatly enhance and add a real groove to Morrisey's material was astounding.

The first studio album this band tackled was "Your Arsenal"---but "Beethoven Was Deaf", The live disc from a Paris, France date on the tour for "Arsenal" in late '92, is so good that it essentially renders that disc unnecessary. Nine of the ten "Your Arsenal" songs are performed in this Paris concert, and almost unanimously these performances improve upon, enhance, or downright stomp the album versions. Many extraneous production techniques used on the "Arsenal" album on songs like "Seasick Yet Still Docked" or especially "I Know It's Going To Happen Someday" are gone in this setting and replaced by a more straitforward band performance. The one exception to the live-version-is-better feeling is "The National Front Disco". About thee and a half minutes into an impressive version, the proceedings degenerate into a total slash-and-burn, feedback-and-distortion, random bashings-on-the-bass-and-drums, shredded-guitar noisefest. This would be fine for a quick ending, but this goes on for a nearly interminable three minutes or so! Be ready to hit the skip button as this endless caterwauling ensues. As the last screech is emitted, Morrisey says, "We're thinking of making that our next single..do you think it'd be a hit?" To which those in the crowd who know English and can still hear over the ringing in their ears scream, "Non!"

This small annoyance notwithstanding, the sound of this live disc is among the best ever for such a recording--the instruments, vocals, drums, etc are all very clear and very close to studio quality. Of course, there is a loud French crowd singing along on hits like "We Hate It When Our Friends Become Successful" to let you know that this is indeed a live recording.

There are some interesting song choices for the 7 non-"Arsenal" tunes. Most of the songs were from his many late eighties and early nineties singles and not from his prior albums--although a couple were on the US-singles-compliation disc called "Bona Drag". "Suedehead", his first single and a track on the "Viva Hate" disc, makes an appearance, and "Such a Little Thing..." is drastically truncated from its studio form and used as a lead in to the anthemic "I Know It's Going To Happen Someday". "The Loop" is probably the closest thing to Rockabilly on the disc, and the menacing sound of "Jack The Ripper" (not to be confused with the Link Wray instrumental of the same name) is effectively duplicated.

In all, there has scarcely been a better live album than this, and its quality stands as a sort of double-edged sword for Morrisey, because he hasn't really been able to produce anything quite this good, either before or since. Going into subsequent years/discs/tours, his band has not been solely made up of the musicians from this disc, and that probably contributes to a gradual sense of slipping quality in his releases of late(not that there has been anything new in a few years.) Live albums are hardly ever among the strongest statements an artist makes (The Who's "Live At Leeds" being a notable exception, ), but I would recommend anyone looking for the real 'best of Morrisey' to begin with this disc, because there really isn't anything in his whole catalog with quite the visceral power and amazing overall quality as this disc.

Most people who are good in the studio, do not measure up when it comes to live performances. This is not true of Morrissey - who is good in both settings. He has a talent for supplying infinite charms in the moment - and on demand - making him a figure of grand preportions - almost a jazz singer's approach. Indeed, he is as spontaneous and in control of his voice as was Frank Sinatra. He has something Frank never had, however, a profound ability in producing intelligent imagineative lyrics - no one writes lyrics like Morrissey - he is a poet - like his idol Oscar Wilde.

This disc offers 16 live tracks! And this is Morrissey in his prime - when he was a figure of almost religous preportions. You will enjoy this if you are a Morrissey fan!

I bought this CD four years ago and it's still one of most prized possessions. The recording captures Morrissey's charisma, energy, and ability to relate to his audience. All of the songs are great and most are better than the studio versions. Those who heard these performances live are very fortunate. Luckily they were recorded for the rest of us.

a storm of a show! Morrissey and band sound tight and firing on all cylinders this night in Paris. the songs are energetic and the setlist absolutely is amazing! riding the wave of success from the awesome Your Arsenal, it seemed (at the time) that Moz could do no wrong. a real live document worthy of purchase from even a casual Morrissey fan...but please, if yoiu haven't got them already, purchase Your Arsenal, Vauxhall And I, Kill Uncle, Ringleader...oh hell, get them all!

If I could keep only one Morrissey CD, it would be "Beethoven was Deaf". This recording, done during the height of Moz's post-Smiths career, is one of the best live recordings I've heard. It consists of most of Moz's greatest tracks, including a couple of non-album songs that are worth the premium import price. It's an essential CD for fans or a surrogate "Best of..." for beginners.

Worth the money even if just for these live versions of "Jack The Ripper" and "Sister I'm A Poet," which in my opinion, are far superior to the studio versions. This is Morrissey in what I consider to be his prime, looking and sounding great. If you love "Your Arsenal" like I do, then you have to own this album. I have listened to it almost every day since purchasing about a month ago!

I was not the biggest fan of the 'jack the ripper' song, but after hearing this live version, .... millions of times, like most of you have most likely done, I just fell in love. It took me a while to get this CD, and not sure why it took me so long to get it, but am glad I got it. All songs are clear, the sound is just fantastic ... and MOZ, well he's just wonderful.Beethoven Was Deaf (Live)

If you love Morrissey, you simply must buy this CD. Thjis is a live concert recording, and songs like "Suedehead" performed live are even better than the studio versions.

Beethoven Was Deaf is a great live album. It combines primarily songs from Your Arsenal, as well as a few others. A fantastic show from beginning to end. Live is the best way to hear Morrissey at his best. It's definitely worth the price.