Your favorite live recordings of 2011
Words // Scott Pingeton
One of my motivations in starting VV almost two years ago was to share live recordings from some of my favorite bands. Growing up I would collect as many bootlegs as I could - from Dylan to Springsteen to The Replacements to Ryan Adams - and there's something magical about capturing the intensity and intimacy of a live performance. Especially if it's a souvenir of a show you saw live. Here are the five most popular live recordings we shared in 2011...
#5 Middle Brother: Paradise Boston MA 3.3.11
Middle Brother - Million Dollar Bill
"As a perfectly-sloppy version of "Twist and Shout" capped-off over three hours of music, I couldn't help but think how lucky I was to be able to see this band live."
#4 The Wooden Sky: Lizard Lounge Cambridge MA 11.11.11
"The reason I started Visible Voice was to share the music that I believe in, and there is no better example than They Wooden Sky. A sold out Lizard Lounge is a start, but they are are destined for much bigger things"
#3 The Head And The Heart: Royale Boston MA 9.30.11
The Head And The Heart - Lost In My Mind
"At times I was taken aback by the response, and the band seemed genuinely surprised as well. In any case, I've never seen a crowd at Royale so enthusiastic"
#2 Lady Lamb The Beekeeper: Brighton Music Hall Boston MA 4.14.11
Lady Lamb The Beekeeper - Aubergine
"As Aly Spaltro bared her soul to a room full of strangers, we exchanged knowing glances and eyebrow raises - we were witnessing something pretty special. A jawdropping set from a rising star."
#1 Jeff Tweedy: State Theater Portland ME 3.26.11
"The acoustic setting puts Tweedy's songwriting in the spotlight - stripping densely-produced songs to their bare essentials."