Twelve overlooked but excellent live albums from the 1980s

Joe Jackson - Live 1980/86 

Here’s a slightly unusual collection of live performances from an outstanding songwriter and performer. Released in 1988 it draws from different phases of Joe Jackson's career between 1980 and 1986. That means some different lineups for his band, different sounds and styles, but some amazing music throughout.

There are four separate tours covered in the album, each gets a side of the double disc. It ranges from his early days with keyboards to much deeper, sounds with horns or a more rock and roll approach. Given those varying phases, there is some justification for the unique choice the album offers listeners. Jackson's biggest song, “Is She Really Going Out With Him?” appears three times. You can decide which version you prefer, or just like them all. 

The whole album shows Jackson’s diversity musically. It also shows his songwriting talent, well beyond that best song, he has plenty of others to share. It's a unique chance to hear him and his music in all those varying styles

Meat Loaf - Live At Wembley

It has been a long ten years since the runaway success of Bat Out Of Hell when this Meat Loaf album was recorded at Wembley Stadium, London in March 1987. Released in October of that year, the album represented another step in trying to keep the singer relevant, current, and able to pay his bills. However high he had soared with that iconic debut album, he’d fallen back significantly in the subsequent years. 

Financial issues, mismanagement, and more led to bankruptcy and the loss of the rights to his songs. Meat Loaf’s reputation was low in the US after he had lost his voice for a while. He shifted camp to the UK, where his talents were better appreciated. Meat Loaf worked hard there to rebuild his career and following. 

All of these combine to explain why he was playing in stadiums and recording a live album in London. Oddly it was his first live recording, and despite earlier vocal issues, he gave a top performance for it. He and his band were bright, sharp, and energetic for the show. Great renditions of his classic songs, perhaps the likes of “Bat Out Of Hell” and “Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad” are even better versions here than on the studio albums. 

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