The Concert for New York City [LIVE]

Various Artists (Artist)

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 27, 2001)
• Original Release Date: November 27, 2001
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Live
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B00005S83H
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (41 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #25,668 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Less than six weeks after the attack on the World Trade Center, pop, rock, and R&B luminaries gathered at Madison Square Garden to pay tribute to the firefighters, police officers, and rescue workers who stepped to the fore following the catastrophe. The benefit, captured on this two-disc set, consequently has an immediacy and urgency rare among star-studded extravaganzas; the ruins of the twin towers, as well as the passions of the performers and audience, were still smoldering. With Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, and David Bowie digging deep into their oeuvres to resurrect songs appropriate for the occasion (the likes of "Let It Be," "Salt of the Earth," and "Heroes" are truly stirring), and the Who delivering a stunningly urgent three-song set, rock's senior statesmen lead the way. Contributions from Bon Jovi, Billy Joel, Destiny's Child, and others flesh out a collection that is never less than inspirational and is frequently inspired. --Steven Stolder

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rock and History Merge Before Your Ears, November 28, 2001

By	Birdman (Minnetonka, MN USA) - See all my reviews

One of the eeriest moments of this splendid, live recording is Billy Joel's performance of Miami 2017 in which the terrible events of September 2001 seemed to be foretold. The performer's voice breaks on the highs but it only seems to add to the pathos of his delivery. Like any live album of this sort, there are highs and lows. The highs, which include Mick Jagger and Keith Richard's powerhouse delivery of SALT OF THE EARTH, and Roger Daltrey's vocal on BABA O' REILLY, are some of the most passionate performances you've ever heard. And Daltrey's voice hardly sounds different from the one we heard thirty years ago. The great sanity and gentleness of James Taylor's performance will, in the historic context of this event, draw tears from more than one listener. Even Destiny's Child delivers beautifully in a Gospel Medley that will send shivers up your spine. Amidst all this grandeur are more lackluster moments,including David Bowie's opening cover of Paul Simon's AMERICA, Adam Sandler's very odd performance of OPERAMAN and Backstreet Boys' surprisingly sleepy rendition of QUIT PLAYING GAMES WITH MY HEART. There are also some blisteringly fine performances that are plopped into the middle of the performance -- such as HOOCHIE COOCHIE MAN performed by Eric Clapton and the beloved Buddy Guy, that are so damned good, we want to hear another cut or two from the duo, but must settle for one. Live performances are always a dog to record, but the four producers of this landmark recording did all they could to create a wide soundstage, balanced accoustics and minimal rolloff distortion during the loudest cuts. Most of all, the audience is a living, breathing part of the recording; they react to the music, join with it, cheer it, even boo it once or twice. All of net Sony's net proceeds on the album will benefit the Robin Hood fund, so it's an especially satisfying purchase too. Over all, I loved this album, warts and all. It is one our children will share with their children. It proves that music can be unbelievably healing. And who knows, you may even get up and dance to it once or twice. I did, and it felt great.

28 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Almost Perfect, December 14, 2001

By	Jonathan A Keller (Weston, FL United States) - See all my reviews

The thing about this CD is how wonderful it is that this concert happened, but how horrible the reason. Humankind at its best, as a result of humankind at its worst, is a striking contrast and very uplifting. Listening to this CD is a very moving experience, and you've got to play it loud and sing along at the top of your lungs.

The songs are more relevant now than it could have ever been imagined before September 11th. Mick and Keith's "Salt of the Earth", The Who's "We Don't Get Fooled Again", JT's "Fire and Rain", Bowie covering S&G's "America", Five for Fighting's "Superman", and of course, Billy Joel's "Miami 2017" & "NY State of Mind"; all great songs in their time, and are especially moving in this emotional and powerful CD. (Billy Joel and Five for Fighting truly stand out).

If you're not sure whether to buy this CD, consider this. I (don't like) Bon Jovi (...)! But listen to their performance, you'll hear a bunch of American boys, pouring their hearts and souls into their music in honor of the FDNY, the City of New York, and their country. I admit that it brought a tear to my eye, but I'm still not running out to buy "Slippery When Wet".

I loved the intros by John Cusack and Bill Clinton, Mike Moran's narrative, and Operaman. The only hiccup was including The Backstreet Boys. This concert and CD should have been reserved for bands/acts with more integrity than the boy-band du jour. Nick, AJ, Justin and whatever their names are, do not belong in the pantheon with Clapton, Elton, McCartney, and the other bands listed above. The CD is sort of like the big family portrait which includes your sister's loser boyfriend who she dumped 2 weeks after the picture, leaving you with a perfect picture, except for him, and you can't crop him out. Destiny's Child also do not necessarily belong, but at least they covered a song "Emotions" written by someone more talented than themselves.
But overall, this is just nitpicking. Get this CD. You'll love it!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A classic., December 26, 2001

By A Customer

I went to New York City in January 2001 as part of an annual school trip--after three days there, I left having completely fallen in love with the city. Nine months later, the unthinkable happened, and my love for NYC only grew stronger. I remember watching this concert on VH1 and just being completely floored by everything about it: the policemen and the firemen having the best time of their lives, the short films by New York's--and Jersey's--finest (Kevin Smith, baby, yeah!), the great bits by Billy Crystal, Will Ferrell, Jimmy Fallon, and Adam Sandler, but--my God--the music. The Who (complete with Townshend's windmill gesture), Billy Joel (later that night duetting with Elton John), and Paul McCartney bringing everyone out on stage at the end for his new single "Freedom". This is one of the best concert CDs I've ever heard, done for one of--no, the best--city in the world. Buy it.