Customer Reviews

Live Stages

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...is on this wonderful live disc. If you heard the new single "Everything You Want" on the radio recently, and were wondering if the band had any other good music, this album answers that question with a resounding yes. A live collection encompassing some of the band's earlier hits (so to speak) and fan favorites, Live Stages is at once a fantastic live album and a retrospective of the early stages of the band's career. After hearing two of their songs on the Aware II compilation (another fine disc), I purchased this on the faith that it was as good as those two songs. It surpassed my expectations and has since become one of my favorites. The sound of the band has changed a bit over the years. This album features songs crafted entirely with acoustic guitar, and feature two lead vocalists--each with a unique style that helps define the songs they sing. Highlights for me include "The Man Who Would Be Santa" (the first VH song I ever heard), a tale of parental love, and "Japan," a song about loneliness and lack of identity in an unfamiliar place. Live Stages is filled with thoughtful lyrics and feel-good acoustic guitar. I love their new album, but this will always top the list for me. A fabulous disc from start to finish. Quick Picks: Not that they sound like any of these bands, but if you like any of the following I urge you to give Vertical Horizon's Live Stages a try: Guster, Dave Matthews Band, Jars of Clay

I first heard of VH in '97 when I heard the rocking We Are on the radio. After that, I went out and got Everything You Want and their first two albums, along with this one. Let me first say that those 3 albums are incredible. Go is a pretty good album as well but not as good as the first 3. I personally love Keith's raspy, rattlesnakey voice and for some reason, probably record company politics, they decided to make Matt's voice the main one, whereas in the past the songs were equally divided between Matt's higher range and Keith's rolling low range. So, on Go, Keith basically only sings harmonies.
Anyways, this Live album is incredible. It honestly is one of the best live albums I know. And I have a wide array of incredible live albums by bands such as Rush, U2, Bon Jovi, Aerosmith etc. This album features incredible songs from their first two albums, including a couple new songs never released on studio albums. They are all awesome! One thing you will not know about VH by listening to their studio albums or their hit singles is that they are somewhat of a jam band. Matt can play a sick lead guitar and a gorgeous acoustic, and they reserve much of their jamming to live shows and dont put much jamming into their studio albums. With this live album, you will see just how much they can fully rock.
The song Wash Away is a killer song, and this album has an incomparible 12 minute rock-out version of it, featuring some of the most amazing, enjoyable guitar and bass solos I have ever heard.
The song Falling Down starts out with one of the most gorgeous acoustic guitar riffs I have ever heard.
I can't go on about individual songs because every single one is so incredible. Get this CD whether you are familiar with VH or not cuz no matter what, if you like any music at all, I garauntee you will love this album.

I'm a Vertical Horizon newbie. I heard one of the songs off this CD on internet radio (thank God for internet radio!) and purchased this CD on a whim. All I can say is.....WOW! It is as good as everyone else in these reviews says it is. The music pulled me in because of the great guitar work but held my attention because of the lyrics. The Man Who Would be Santa makes me want to cry and Falling Down/Heart in Hand make me want to dance. On the same CD, that is pretty rare. This CD has been constantly playing since I bought it and I actually carry it from my car back to my house so I can keep listening, it's THAT good. I'm watching for VH tour dates because the next time they come in concert anywhere near me, I will definitely be there.

I have been a Vertical Horizon fan for a while now. They were an opening act for someone I saw about a year ago and after that... I was hooked! Live albums are so nice to start out with when looking for a new absolute favorite band! It gives you a chance to really HEAR the music... the guitars, the drums, the vocals. It gives you a chance to hear them in concert... ALL THE TIME! All of you who have heard "Everything You Want" and think this band is the best thing since sliced bread, you ARE right! Try out them and get this cd!

If you like good live music, BUY THIS CD. If you want to hear a good sound not on the radio, BUY THIS CD.

This group has a great sound that top-40 would never play, it is what it missing from your video collection. Vertical Horizon will quickly become one of your favorite groups, after giving this a listen.

When I went to Berklee College of Music, I used to see these guys play at Mama Kin all the time. I listened to their CD's all the time, and all my friends listened to them as well. Very nice people I must add... I used to chat with them after the show.

This album is wonderful, but it still not as great as seeing these guys LIVE! VH is one of the best live bands around! If you have the opportunity to see them... go see them!

My reccomendation: Buy this album, and every other single album that they have!

Vertical Horizon is THE best "small-time" band I have heard, and they are especially incredible live. They are going to big though, without a doubt. They are one of the few bands that I can say I like every one of their songs -- every one! They are an incredible live band -- they're even better live, which is hard to say for a lot of bands. (Third Eye Blind) I promise you -- you will not be disappointed with this band!!! Check out their new CD on RCA Records --Everything You Want. It's also amazing. And check them out live!

I first heard Vertical Horizon from a friend of mine who downloaded some of their MP3's - I fell in love with their voices and their songs. These guys certainly are going to go far in the music biz, and now with exposure from their pop hit "Everything You Want" they will finally get the recognition they deserve. ... You wont be dissappointed if you order any of their music!

All I have to say is, if you've heard Everything You Want, and are wondering if their other stuff is just as good, the answer is yes. Very much so. Ever since a friend got me to give them a listen, I haven't been able to stop playing their CDs. Excellent. In my opinion, I like these guys better than Dave Matthews. You will not be disappointed.

This CD is amazingly energizing. Keith's voice never ceases to get me going. "On the Sea" and "Man who would be Santa" are two great performances. And the resemblance to Dave just exemplifies this CD's greatness. Truly one of my favorite CD's of all time. They do a great show too.