193. The Who | Live at Leeds (1970)

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Wikipedia Entry

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Tracks

1. Young Man Blues
2. Substitute
3. Summertime Blues
4. Shakin' All Over
5. My Generation
6. Magic Bus

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Note: there have been several different releases of this album. The most notable are the ones released in 2001 and 2010. The 2001 release includes the complete concert at the University of Leeds which include a complete performance of Tommy. The 2010 release includes the material on the 2001 release and the concert performed in Hull which also includes a complete performance of Tommy. As for this review, I listened to the originally-released version.

When listening to the albums on the 1001 Albums list, I always try to listen to the album as it was released originally, at least as far as the original track listings are concerned. Does that make the review more authentic? I doubt it. For a vast majority of albums, there is just too much knowledge about an album and it's impact or lack of to be authentic. I aim to approach these albums from the original point of view, but I don't claim objectivity at all.

Live at Leeds is an energetic album. The music is rock. The Who play three originals and three covers.

The first four songs are short and to the point which makes them more like studio songs rather than live songs. The Who decide to extend themselves on the last two songs. My Generation becomes a medley of other famous Who songs. Magic Bus is a jam.

The Who sound really good live. I wonder why some bands sound better live than on an album. Too many takes? Poor production? Overproduction? The venue has good acoustics?

I don't think there's anything special about this live album. Sure they do some good covers, but they are done in the "Who" style, so they don't make this album essential to listen to.

Moreover, there have already been several live albums on the 1001 Albums. Those albums sound good, but none of them had been a live rock album. If that's the reason, I'm not buying it.

Is it worth listening to? I think so, but it shouldn't be on the list.

All of the songs are excellent. The stand outs are: Summertime Blues, My Generation and Magic Bus.

★★★★★★★★★☆