Using data to rank best 20 live albums of the 1980s is still contentious

Focusing on a data-backed ranking of the top twenty live albums of the 1980s doesn't stop it from being controversial.

David Coverdale
David Coverdale | Michael Putland/GettyImages
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14 - Wishbone Ash - Live Dates Volume Two

Another surprise entry on the top 20 list. Wishbone Ash had some great songs and music though. Their two lead guitar sounds stand out really well here. But this live album doesn't contain probably their best-known song, “Blowing Free.” It is their third live album, despite the name suggesting otherwise. Released in 1980 it follows two live albums in the 1970s, one of which was the first Live Dates. I’d still reckon that's by far the better of the two, or even three, but this one gets them a top 1980s listing. 

13 - Pink Floyd - Delicate Sound Of Thunder 

At the time of this 1988 album, Roger Waters had left and was down to David Gilmour, Richard Wright, and Nick Mason to continue the band. Despite the production work that goes into their songs for studio albums their live shows still sound amazing.  This live release was known for no studio overdubbing and just some minimal, adjustments being made. It's a really good collection of Pink Floyd’s music and their live performances. 

12 - Laurie Anderson - United States Live

This was an extensive five-record boxed set when released in 1984. It was recorded at Laurie Anderson’s shows at the Brooklyn Academy Of Music. Those were spread over two nights and totaled around eight hours. Her shows and the album covered a wide range of performance elements and reflected her avant-garde style. Of course, it includes her somewhat hypnotic and unexpected hit “Oh Superman,” but even so, it seems an unusual choice of album to feature in this top 20 list. 

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