5 - Simon & Garfunkel - The Concert In Central Park
The concert marked the reunion of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel in 1981 after ten years apart. They certainly made an occasion of it. Around half a million people in New York’s Central Park, it was no quiet affair. Even if they hadn't quite put their differences fully behind them, the pair put on a superb show. The magic and harmonies were there as they performed one great song after another, including some of their solo work too. The album captures the event brilliantly.
4 - Dire Straits - Alchemy: Dire Straits Live
This recording from 1983 was made a couple of years before their huge album hit Brothers In Arms. Which makes it even more exceptional. It’s still crammed with lots of Dire Straits’ classic songs despite those further hits still to come. There are enough great songs from their first four albums on here. We also get to hear Mark Knopfler’s brilliant tune “Going Home” from the soundtrack to the movie Local Hero. It had been adopted by the band into their regular setlists.
3 - Talking Heads - The Name Of This Band Is Talking Heads
This double album was Talking Heads’ first live album. Released in 1982, it features them live from 1977 and 1979 on one disc then 1980 and 1981 on the second. That combination allows for some of their earlier songs and is a sign of their progression as a band. The second disc has them expanded to a ten-person lineup, bringing in extra percussion and instrumentation to supplement and expand the sound. Many will feel this is their best live album, though their later album from their Stop Making Sense concert film tends to get more notice and attention.
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