Ten amazingly brilliant 1970s live albums

Two fantastic artists making their live album debuts

Scorpions - Tokyo Tapes 

Japan was a great location for a live album. The technology to ensure a great sound was there and the audiences lapped up live music of all sorts. In 1978 Scorpions was the latest band to release one and their first live album at that. Tokyo Tapes was recorded in April of that year and released quickly after in August, but only in Japan.  It was early 1979 before it came out in the US. 

It’s very much the best of Scorpions at that stage, both in content and in quality. The album covers the period of their first five albums. It also marks the last time Uli Jon Roth played with the band before going solo. His brilliant guitar work is evident across the album. 

There are some vocals from him too, a small awkward point about the album, he was an awesome guitarist, but it’s a bad idea to let him loose as a singer. Roth also has spoken subsequently of the audience applause in places somewhat amazingly being taken from Frampton Comes Alive rather than their own show. That all aside, Tokyo Tapes is a must listen to release, a great chance to hear the early Scorpions live and at their early prime with Roth in place.

Leon Russell - Leon Live 

Leon Live is somewhat overlooked and could be a hidden gem for some. It's not often quoted alongside the live big hitters of the 1970s. Though Leon Russell did achieve Gold status in the US for this 1972 live album. If you’ve heard any of it, then you’ll know why it's listed here. 

The album buzzes with energy, it's like a cross between a Baptist prayer meeting, a gospel revival, and a blues band live. Russell at his piano with his band and singers are very good. It’s a lively and spirited show throughout and you can't help getting caught up in it all. Russell includes his great version of “Delta Lady”, perhaps best known as a song by Joe Cocker, but written by Russell. Look it out if you haven't heard this one before.

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