Customer Reviews

Live at the Royal Albert Hall

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This recording thankfully does not make the mistake of many live albums (cut and paste songs from different concerts, overdubbing, an official concert of the band as now past their prime playing a "greatest hits" tour)but instead offers you a full version of Echo and the Bunnymen during their "Ocean Rain" tour. There are of course songs off that album such as the hit "The Killing Moon" but also from previous albums ("Crocodiles", "The Cutter"). The concert is presented in its entirety complete with impromptu segues into "Light My Fire" (note that after this an ep was released of a live tour with covers of influential classics including "People are Strange"). The "live feel" is present but since it was originally officially recorded (although it has circulated otherwise) the sound is close to pristine. My only complaint is that since the concert was videotaped is that there be an official dvd to go with it. Perhaps a future endeavor.

This record captures something rarely heard on the studio albums, the power of the band. Especially in the improvised, repetitive parts - they truly cut loose and SLAM. Drummer Pete DeFreitas (RIP) was the secret weapon here, the bass and drums are especially strong. The vocals and guitar are as you'd expect with Ian wobbling off-pitch when he strains, but it actually makes it better, more intense. Have to say, even with the addition of strings (not a real orchestra, just a violin and cello or two) some songs don't compare to the studio versions; The Killing Moon never quite hits the mark - it's very fast. But almost everything on here I prefer to the album/single versions - not so much reverb and 1980s production. This sounds like sitting 6 rows in front of a stage, clean, loud, clear. Love it, I keep listening over and over again. This is the definitive Bunnymen, too bad it didn't come out at the time!!

Having just seen Echo and the Bunnymen perform their first two albums back to back in Los Angeles, I was compelled to search for any new releases the band might have out there. What I found, instead, was an incredible concert that should have been released years ago, one that would have nicely filled the void between their 4th and 5th albums.

Officially recorded at the Royal Albert Hall during their Ocean Rain tour, Echo and the Bunnymen turn in one of their best performances on this release. They are an amazing band to see live (and still are - I've been catching their shows since the mid eighties), and if I had to emphasize the efforts of just one musician in this recording, it would be Pete de Frietas, the Bunnymen's deceased drummer. Sometimes people forget how amazing Pete was, but a great deal of their sound was shaped by his talents. I can't emphasize enough how crucial his contributions were to the band.

It's a shame he died so young.

Anyway, this is a fabulous recording. Every piston is firing full speed and the band tears through each song with a beautiful vengeance. The recording quality is incredible, as well. The eighties were an awesome time for music.

I have seen Echo and the Bunnymen at least 7 times between 1985 and 2005, so I am a serious fan. This live recording is one of the best I have ever heard from any band. McCulloch's off-the-cuff verses coupled with Sargent's well-played guitar improvisations make for a great concert. Buy it.