Customer Reviews

Live

5 star:		(54)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This cd is a wonderful companion piece (with great new stuff as well) to the Baduizm studio cd. I wouldn't exchange one for the other though, both have their strengths and show a side of Erykah that the other does not.

This cd starts with something that I imagine many of Erykah's fans may not pick up on. The first minute or so of "Rimshot" is actually the Miles Davis masterpiece "So What" (originally appearing on the album, "Kind Of Blue"), with Erykah's backing vocalists chanting Badu over it. This leads to my only complaint... The liner-notes should have acknowledged the Miles tune, if for no other reason than to allow someone with no jazz knowledge to seek out the original Miles album if they are so inclined.

"Other Side Of The Game" and Chaka Khan's "Stay" both get incredible, all-out, going-for-it vocal fluorishes. These two songs alone would make this cd worth purchasing. "Ye Yo" is a song that says all the words that every child deserves to hear coming from their mothers lips, and it says them without being sappy and stupid. Again, this song sets Erykah far above the great majority of the R&B world. While others are yet again singing of wanting to get someone into bed, Erykah unleashes an emotional blessing for her unborn (at the time this was recorded) child.

I read a couple of the previous reviews that basically made it sound like this cd has no new material. That's incorrect. "Ye Yo", "Searching", "Boogie Nights/All Night", "Stay", and both versions of "Tyrone" (one is Live and one is studio) are not found on any of Erykah's other cd's. "Tyrone" is the ultimate kiss-off song, and her unique and spiritual vocal phrasings and lyrics permeate this great cd.

Just wanted to point-out to those of you out there who are hesitant to purchase this because of the god-awful review by (luke).

What I'm reading from reviewer (Luke) about this gem is that he's reading the final credit's and coming to a false conclusion & totally overlooking the most obvious point that there are two recording crew's on this project. It's almost laughable that amazon let his review exploit falsehood's to us buyer's of real music.

(First)ofcourse is (The Live Recording & in-house Mixing Crew) which is stated (on the disc itself mind you) the vocal's(front & back)/instrument's/band & the wonderfully captured particapation of the audience which to me is just as important as the muisc in this case becasue the whole vibe is perfectly in sync.

(Second) is the Sony Music Stuido he's is talking about where they proceed(just like any other live show) with the final mixdown of this timeless (LIVE) cd.
This is the smoothess Live cd of 97'no doubt. Come on luke relax baby and don't mess with the structure and authentcity of grown folk's music, this is the real deal yah...

I purchased Baudizm back in February of 97' and I thought it was an instant classic. I was sure that it would be a while before anything topped it. But, when I bought the live album a couple of months later, it blew me away. First of all, the live album is much better than Baduizm. It is flawless. This is the best live R&B album that I own, with Maxwell's MTV Unplugged EP ranking at a close second. On this album, the band is on point and Badu's cover of Chaka Khan's "Stay" is amazing. Even with the disc in your stereo, Badu makes you feel as if you are there in the audience. That is how hospitable and personal this album is. This album proves that Erykah Badu is more than just a singer, she is an artist and a great live performer. With that said, I conclude that is album is Badu's best work to date and it is a must have for those that enjoy live performances. This album is over four years old, but I still whip this masterpiece out quite often, mainly because the performance on this disc has yet to be matched.

I purchased this Live CD instead of Baduizm on a friend's recommendation. Plus, I'm trying to fill in some space while I am waiting for Sade's next album. I'm glad that I bought it because I enjoyed hearing the crowd's reaction to Badu's smooth singing and banter. Badu's style is more earthy and girlfriendy than Sade's. The Tyrone song is really enjoyable. I must say, I play it often and laugh and laugh!

I still prefer Sade, but I rotate Badu's CD with Les Nubians, Roberta Flack, and Sarah Vaughn. If you like any of these classy artists, then you will probably enjoy Erykah Badu!

I didn't own the studio album when I bought this CD. My only exposure the Ms. Badu was through the video for Tyronne that I just happen to catch. But never before have I truley heard an artist bare their soul the way that Badu does on this recording. Along with a voice sent from God, Badu's engagement with the audience, and a spiritualism that reaches back to her African heritage, Ms. Badu has taught the music world a lesson in what it means to love your craft. My advise is skip the studio album it is extremly flat in comparison and go straight to Live.

Erykah Badu made the somewhat risky choice of following-up her triple platinum selling 1997 debut ("Baduizm") with a live CD. In fact, she released "Live" the same year, perhaps before "Baduizm" could be fully mined for hits. Fortunately for her and her fans, the risk paid off, as "Live" ended up going double platinum and further establishing her as one of the best of the late-90s neo-soul singers.

Live CDs from R&B artists sometimes miss their mark as stage presence and dance routines can play such a large role in shows. However, Erykah more than exceeds expectations. Her voice is nearly as smooth and soulful as it is on her studio CDs, and her playful repartee with the crowd comes through. Eight of the songs here are taken from "Baduizm," and they sound great. "On & On" - her #1 R&B hit - includes a rap addition by Erykah that makes the song even more fun. "Reprise" is a spoken-word song over the beat of "On & On" in which Erykah basically gives her philosphy of life - it may be a bit too much for some listeners, but she presents it with such sincerity.

Indeed, much of her stage patter reinforces her "earth mother" image. For example, one of the new songs, "Ye Yo," is Erykah's peon to her unborn child (she was pregnant when this CD was released, as witnessed by her back cover portrait). The liner notes are also in the same vein - with Erykah indicating that songs were "inspired by the Gods & the Earths" or "Reality." However, she lets loose a bit with an interesting medley of "Boogie Nights" by Heatwave and "All Night Long" by the Mary Jane Girls.

The highlight among the new songs, however, clearly is "Tyrone." Perhaps Erykah's most playful song, it tells about a man who uses women and is given his comeuppance by Erykah. The crowd goes really goes wild during this song and clearly appreciate the clever lyrics. Her ingenuity was rewarded with a 1998 Grammy nomination for R&B Female Volcalist for "Tyrone." A studio recording of the song is also included, although it pales in comparison to the live version.

"Live" ended up netting a deserved Grammy nomination for R&B Album. The only reason I wouldn't give this CD 5 stars is the lack of variety in the beat and groove. As with her debut CD, most of the songs keep a consistent simmer but never quite burn over. In addition, a few songs overstay their welcome - "Next Lifetime" clocks in at over 12 minutes. However, this CD is a top-notch live release from a talented artist.

I've had "Baduizm" for a few years now, and had I settled on that... I would have been seriously missing out. I only got this because I wanted "Call Tyrone" on CD (It was all I'd heard at that point).. and I was pleasantly surprised by the entirety of the album.

Erykah Badu is one cool lady, and in between songs she tells you a little bit about what she's saying in them. It helps you appreciate and understand them on an entirely different level.

Not that you didn't already know Erykah has an amazing voice -- but hearing her perform live leaves no question that it's authentic, and a lot stronger than you may have guessed.

The send-off of Next Lifetime brought me to tears and thats about the highest compliment I could possibly pay anything.

People are still commenting on this record and writing outstanding reviews, so far, seven years after it was released. Any questions?

I've never been a big hip hop/R&B fan, but this CD is amazing. Some favorites of mine include "Searching," "Apple Tree" and "Other Side of the Game." One song that stands out is "On and On," which segues into a discussion about cyphers and Egypt, only to flow into "Apple Tree." "Tyrone" appears on the CD twice, once live and once as studio track. The live track is great, but the studio version is out of place on a live album. I understand the studio version was intended to be the single to promote the album, but it doesn't flow well with the live material. I didn't like the finale "Next Lifetime" either. It's a great song, but Miss Badu stretches it out for 15 minutes to finish the show in a dramatic gesture, which by that point is unnecessary. All in all it's a great CD, and it encouraged me to check out other Erykah Badu music, and I haven't been disappointed. This is an artist who will stand the test of time and isn't going anywhere soon.

Never have I heard a singer that sounds exactly the same live as they can sound in the studio. This proves that she is a true singer with real emotion. Not only does this cd have her hits from "BADUIZM", but she also has some old school joints on here as well. I also like that she included interlude of her talking, it makes it feel like you're right in the audience at her concert. If you don't have a chance to see E. Badu live, buy this cd. She lets everything go on here. Even her background singers are singing well and they know what they are doing. In my opinion, the live version of "Tyrone" sounds better than the studio version, but that's probably because you can here the reaction from the fans. Either way, they are both great. I recommend this cd if you enjoyed Jill Scott's cd.

Erykah's concert CD is her best work to date. Erykah has a very deep, soulful voice that makes a person cry at times. One has to listen to the whole CD to understand her message. Her message is one of love, tolerance, and intolerance of those who would destroy a person's right to happiness. Erykah also honors her African heritage that was suppressed during slavery and segregation, as well as black and brown self hatred of today. She then gives tribute to her early R & B influences, incorporating groups and individuals such as Chaka Khan, Heatwave, and the Mary Jane Girls. I would recommend those who love real soul music to buy the CD.