In a recent feature by Alexis Petridis ranking the 30 greatest live albums ever, Guardian readers have voiced their strong opinions on notable omissions, with Leonard Cohen's Live in London (2009) emerging as a particularly cherished exclusion.
A Sublime Performance Captured
Mike Pender from Cardiff expressed surprise that Petridis overlooked Cohen's Live in London, which documents the legendary singer-songwriter's performance at the O2 Arena in July 2008. During that show, Cohen humorously reflected on his long absence from London stages, remarking, "It was about 14 or 15 years ago, I was 60 years old, just a kid with a crazy dream." Pender suggests that for many in the audience, that night represented the fulfilment of such dreams, captured poignantly in the album's recording.
Other Reader Recommendations
The letters section also highlighted several other live albums readers felt deserved recognition:
- The Who – Live at Leeds: David Sutherland from Chiddingfold, Surrey, pointed out that his vinyl copy includes a Tommy medley on side two, contradicting Petridis's claim that it offers "no songs from Tommy." He specifically mentions the transition into "see me, feel me" from We're Not Gonna Take It.
- The Rolling Stones – Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out: Lance Hodgson of Streatham, London, advocated for this 1970 LP, praising Mick Taylor's guitar work and Mick Jagger's audience interactions as key merits.
- Allman Brothers At Fillmore East and Deep Purple's Made in Japan: Andy Cooper from Rochdale, Greater Manchester, expressed dismay at the absence of these classics, calling it a "transgression" not to include them.
The Broader Conversation
This exchange underscores the subjective nature of compiling 'greatest' lists in music criticism. While Petridis's rankings sparked debate, the reader responses enrich the discourse, celebrating diverse live recordings that have left indelible marks on fans. Cohen's Live in London, in particular, stands out not just for its musical quality but for capturing a moment of reflective artistry from an icon later in his career.
The letters collectively remind us that live albums often serve as historical documents, preserving unique performances and the palpable energy of concerts that resonate deeply with audiences, sometimes for decades.
