Customer Reviews

Live On Letterman : Music From The Late Show

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Dave spent most of the 80s introducing under-the-radar acts on his late, late night show. This collection pretty much shows what you get when you "graduate" to an 11:35pm timeslot: bigger names, star collaborations, and more than a few "hit" singles. What strikes you most is the age of a lot of these acts -- people like Lou Reed, Aretha Franklin, Elvis Costello, Burt Bacharach, Al Green, Van Morrison, Rod Stewart, Patti Smith, and the now departed Jerry Garcia. While they're all time-tested veterans, they're also pretty safe choices for a compilation album. And while Franklin's "Think" or Lou Reed's "Sweet Jane" are terrific songs, they're also songs we've heard them perform for decades now. Almost as safe are the "hit" singles from the newer acts like Sheryl Crow, Paula Cole, Dave Matthews Band, Jewel, Lenny Kravitz, and R.E.M. (who, incidentally, made their TV debut on Letterman's NBC show in 1983, I believe). Again, safe choices. That aside, there are still a number of highlights. My personal favorites include Lou Reed's always great "Sweet Jane," Elvis Costello and Burt Bacharach's "God Give Me Strength," Lyle Lovett and Al Green's take on Willie Nelson's "Funny How Time Slips Away," R.E.M.'s swaggering "Crush With Eyeliner," and Patti Smith's raging Valentine's Day offering "Who Do You Love." It's not a landmark compilation by any means, but it does its best to appeal to a wide range of music fans. Plus, there's that fantastic cover photo of Dave and a doggie... THREE AND A HALF STARS.

Like many before me I bought this cd because of the show(David) but four months on, I'm very pleased, not only can you have a part of the show in your own home but you can have so fab music as well! From the first track I was impressed. Although there are many great tracks the Lyle Lovett/Al Green track is by far the best. Late Show fans will love it because you can here David introduce some of the acts(listen carefully you can here him clap at the end of some as well) but this cd is for Late Show fans and music lovers alike! Lets all hope there's a follow up! My best wishes to Mr Letterman.

If you are going to purchase this CD because you love the thought of playing this mix of live solo and duet performances over and over, then you will not be disappointed.

However, if you are going to buy this CD because you love Dave, you want to support Dave, and you will buy anything having to do with Dave, then you may be let down just a little bit.

In case you can't tell, I fall in the latter category, and while I do enjoy this CD, I was expecting it to be more...Dave-like.

I am glad I bought this compilation, but truthfully, I like it more for the picture on the front than the music inside. Would you look at that guy? I wouldn't give his troubles to a monkey on a rock.

I've read the other reviews for this incredible CD; and have to admit...many of you are missing the big picture here. This collection of artists and titles are a must for any music buff. I play it regularly and find it endlessly entertaining. I just wish there were others produced and available...with Dave's fame and continued run on late night TV...I'm certain there'd be a dozen by now.

A must for any serious lover of rock, pop, soul, and alternative rock. Lou Reed , Sweet Jane, Paula Cole is awesome. and REM is envigorating.I think that the Elvis Costello , Bert Bachrach song on this album is outstanding . So much that I might go busted buying the old Costello on disc. Dave Mathews is ripe and the Lyle Lovett song is great. A real treat .

"Live On Letterman" is a great collection that stands up 8 years later. Sheila Rogers has done an excellent job producing this for Reprise Records. The sound quality is crisp. The audience applause flows seamlessly between tracks giving the sense to the listener that you're listening to one long concert. There are some delightful tracks on the disc. Lou Reed's "Sweet Jane" blazes out with his edgy vocals and slashing lead guitar. Aretha Franklin may have sung "Think" 3,000 times, but she belts it out with an energetic band that'd have James Brown looking up their phone numbers, "I ain't no psychiatrist or doctor with degree, but it don't take much high IQ to see what you're doing to me." Lenny Kravitz also blasts out with "Are You Gonna Go My Way" with a thunderous guitar storm. Other tracks on the set are also strong including R.E.M.'s "Crush With Eyeliner" & the softest track on the set, Elivis Costello & Burt Bacharach on "God Give Me Strength." This little walk down memory lane from the small screen is worth a reprise on your changer. Enjoy!

This is a awesome cd this cd is fun and enjoyable to listen to. The best songs on this disc are all of them

Great music! I got it for one particular cut and love the whole thing!!

This is a great offering in terms of enjoyable, live performances by some great names in music, and it serves its eclectic purpose by having a little something for everyone.
My favorite track on the disc is the first, the simple yet evocative "Friend of the Devil" by Jerry Garcia featuring David Grisman with a wonderful mandolin accompaniment. I can't say I'm a Grateful Dead fan, but this tune has really grown on me since I first heard it, and its bittersweet words and melody still brings a tear to my eye with each listen.

I lost this CD in Hurricane Katrina and I had to replace it. Fantastic collection of music.