Search - Leon Redbone :: Live

It could be better

Skeeter | 01/04/1999

(1 out of 5 stars)

"As a live recording, many things are going against it. First of all, the recording (live in 1984) is ladden with audible tape hiss. The tracks end and begin sharply with little fade away and thus the lack of continuity. The CD liner notes are very minimal, and lastly, it sounded as if that Mr. Redbone gave a very uninspired performance. His vocals were very muddy, and the amount of phlem that he had that night must of been overwhelming, the constant throat clearing and lost notes in songs were annoying. AVOID"

Phlegm Rules!!!

Skeeter | Kansas City | 01/11/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is Leon Redbone in the raw. It's as if he's playing right in your living room. This album is not for those wanting some highly polished and heavily produced piece of crap studio album. This is just Leon, his guitar, a few subtle background instruments here and there, and a crowd that can't clap along in time. The recording quality is just above horrible. But, somehow it just adds to the mystique of the performances. If I was stranded on an island and could only have 5 cd's, this would certainly be one of them. This is one of the few cd's that I have that I can't stop listening to once I hit 'Play'. I've listened to it back to back several times and I can't say that about any other cd. However, if you like the usual FM radio crap or if you consider 'American Idol' "must see" tv then stay away. This wouldn't be up your alley. But be careful if you do get this cd, it will ruin you for all of his other studio albums. My only complaint is that Leon doesn't intenionally cough up phlegm on more than one song. Whoever thinks that he must have been "uninspired" didn't make it to the songs with the harmonica solos (I think the audience reaction speaks for itself). Also, whoever wrote that review certainly has no appreciation for guitar playing. This cd isn't for everybody. The best litmus test I can think of to see if this cd is right for you is: If you own a bootleg cd of your favorite band and really like it, then you'll love this cd. If you don't even know what a bootleg cd is, you'll hate this cd."