Open Your Box 07: Live

Today I thought I'd feature some of the best live recordings from a handful of acts I've had the good fortune to see live in concert. Björk, one of my favorite artists and possibly my favorite live performer, always puts on an amazing show. I've somehow been able to see her twice, the first time during her "greatest hits" tour at the Hollywood Bowl, and again this past May at the start of her lengthy Volta tour. She's well-known for reinventing her songs live, and her extensive Live Box (featuring a live companion to each of her first four albums) is an extremely rewarding listen. I saw Coldplay during my senior year of high school, and needless to say it was pretty awesome. This live take of "Yellow" is a stirring acoustic rendition recorded during a session for the legendary Santa Monica radio station KCRW. More recently, I went to see electronic pioneers Goldfrapp at the more intimate Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles. While not completely re-imagining their work like Björk might, they put on a powerful performance, and their ridiculously-costumed dancers (wolf masks and string bikinis during "Train," pictured above) topped off a wonderful night. My advice would be to see every live show you can possibly afford and attend. You won't regret it!

Bjork, "All Neon Like" (Live in Spain, August 9, 1998) (from the album Homogenic Live, also part of the Live Box) [zShare]
Coldplay, "Yellow" (Live on KCRW) (from the Clocks EP) [zShare]
Goldfrapp, "Deer Stop" (Live at Somerset House)
(from the single Twist) [zShare]

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