Customer Reviews

Live at the Royal Albert Hall (with Bonus Disc)

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Having purchased the original Steamhammer recording when it was first released, I didn't think that anything could top the quality of the original disc, live recordings being what they can be. Often times the sound is muddy or unbalanced or the crowd noise is beefed way too high in the mix. Well, believe me when I tell you that the SACD Hybrid Multi-Channel version completely blows it away. Everything is pristeenly clean and clear with no break ups at any level that I played it at! Pete's guitar (power chords and all) were clear and (unwanted) distortion-free. John's bass was thunderous yet very clear and solid and Zak's drums and cymbals were perfect yet none of the aforementioned instuments got in the way of Roger's vocals. Personally, I wish more cd's were available in this format as it buries the sound quality of a standard cd. If only the prices of SACD discs were more reasonable. Aside from that shortcoming, I recommend this disc wholeheartedly.

This is an excellent performance by the best live band of all time. Unfortunatly poor sound limits its sonic impact on the listener. There is way too much compression and the result is a rather dull, muddy sound. The audio on the dvd version is far superior. The only saving grace of the cd set is the inclusion of a couple of songs left off the dvd, as well as a bonus disc containing 4 tracks from John Entwistle's last concert with the Who. While I recommend both, if you have to choose one go with the dvd.

Don't get me wrong. This is no "Live at Leeds". This is no "Isle of Wight". But believe me, this is still better than most live albums. John Entwistle is at his peak in the peformance of "5:15". Pete's playing sounds great throughout the album. Although Roger Daltrey's vocals are definitely not what they used to be, they still aren't unbearable. Zak Starkey is the best drummer that could've followed Keith Moon. Exiciting guest peformances from Noel Gallagher, Eddie Vedder and more.

Bottomline:If you can get this cheap like I did, then get it. Entwistle's bass solo in 5:15 is worth a few dollars itself. If not, then be sure to get "Live at Leeds" as a testament of The Who's live domination of the rock industry.

Good song mix, although mostly predicatable. Sound is good and performances passioned. 2 1/2 discs for under $10 makes this a no-brianer. Last gigs with John E. on Bass makes it a nice historical gem. Who are YOU?

I don't care what anyone says. This is the best live show the Who ever played. Keith Moon is gone, but Zak Starkey is a great replacement, and they can still rock just as hard. The improvisational jams plus the loose atmosphere of the show, not to mention some superb guitar playing by Pete and John. Roger's voice sounds great. Among the great songs here are "Bargain," "I Can't Explain," "Magic Bus," "My Generation," "Who Are You," and "Won't Get Fooled Again." Also included in this 3 CD package are 4 songs from their February 8, 2002 show, the last with John Entwhistle. That's the real treat for any Who fan. The 2000 show too was really cool, and the Who will never play a show like this again.

For anyone who appriciates good quality music - this album is ideal. For Who fans it's perfect. Ive heard critisms that without Moon, the who have lost it - absolute nonsence if you ask me. Zak Starkey who has been drumming for the who sice '94 is bloody amazing! The ONLY person worthy of moon's stool! Townsend, although old now, is still fantastic, strumming riffs and really pelting his guitar. Daltry has been on better form but he can still pull it off. As for Entwistle, only one word - Amazing ( his solo in 5:15 prooves this. The show as a whole is excellent with an overal performance that seriously rocks. It just highlights that after so long together, The Who are still the best band ever! Both the DVD and CD are worth buying.
The ultimate of all CD's/DVD's.

This album was amazing! They included all the songs from the great DVD, but they add two more that did not appear. Mary Anne with the Shaky Hand was excellent and Getting In Tune was nicely done. But the bonus disc was my favorite. I'm Free was great, I Don't Even Know Myself had great harp work from Roger, Summertime Blues featured John Entwistle as the low-voiced boss man. But Young Man Blues absolutely blew me away!! Pete definitely owned the song, firing off insane solos and riffs. I read somewhere that Pete fell off the stage during the song, but I could never tell. If he did fall off, he did not miss a beat. One of the greatest live performances out there! RIP John and Keith!!

I purchased the DVD of this concert as soon as it was released two years ago. I saw the Who both on the 2000 and 2002 tours and I met John Entwistle several years before. The DVD of this concert is nothing short of pure excitement as anyone who has seen it will attest. The audio was specifically arranged by Bobby Pridden (The Who's roadie for several decades) and it is full of life and energy. This CD is good but when compared to the DVD it just doesn't stand up as well. The CD suffers from too much compression or other audio problems that make it sound audience friendly instead of show The Who for what they are: The best live rock and roll band in the world. Get the cd anyway though--all the money goes to charity (as does the money from the DVD)--but if you want to know why the Who were on fire in 2000 then get the DVD.

I have to admit I was very sceptical when I saw this release. I saw the Who last in concert in 1996 (on the "Quadrophenia" re-enactment tour) and wasn't too impressed, frankly.

"Live at Albert Hall" (3 CDs, 29 tracks, 162 min.) brings us the full benefit show from November, 2000. What stands out immediately when "I Can't Explain" kicks off CD1 is how reinvigerated the band sounds, in particular the bass playing of John Entwistle. The band simply is in great form that evening. Other highlights on CD1 are "Relay", "The Kids Are Alright" and "Who Are You". CD2 is more risky, with all the guest stars (this is a benefit show, after all). I really don't understand or like Bryan Adams on "Behind Blue Eyes", I mean, Bryan Adams on the same stage as the Who? c'mon on! Other guest spots work much better, such as Paul Weller on "So Sad About Us", Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder on "I'm One" and the Stereophonics' Kelly Jones on "Substitute". But the real highlight of CD2 is a 12 min. workout of "5:15", check out the bass solo from Entwistle! The bonus CD brings us 4 songs from the February, 2002 show at the Royal Albert Hall, the last show of the band with Entwistle, and a must for that reason alone.

I personally was appalled that the 2002 US tour went on, a mere days after the passing of Entwistle. When can you say 'enough is enough'? Meanwhile, "Live at Royal Albert Hall" is a very strong live album, highly recommended!

I was Absolutely Amazed with this CD. I Highly recomend this CD for any WHO fan, also for new WHO fans it is a must have live performance. This is probably the last time you will ever see/hear John "Thunderfingers" Entwistle. The Guest appearences are great, especially by Eddie Vedder, and Noel(oasis).