Given enough studio time, anyone can sound like a million bucks on an album (maybe). Making a live album, however, can be a bit more difficult for some folks. It’s sort of like proving your salt, showing your chops, throwing your skills down… I’ll stop. A live album can offer a lo-fi intimacy not found on studio album. Here are a few worthy and recent examples from our noble state.
Bisbee Royale Live EP
The earnest indie rock of Race You There has a down-to-earth folksy quality that strikes a comforting chord with listeners. Recorded in December down at The Bisbee Royale, this album has all the adroitness and artistry you’d expect from a Race You There studio release. The EP opens with the airy track “Revelations” that tethers uplifting pop crescendos to a homey core that carries through the rest of the album. Take a listen here. You won’t be sorry you did.
Live at La Cocina
The experimental dreampop of Tucson trio Liila has a decidedly Western sensibility and it’s not just the pedal steel that leaves listeners with that desert feel. The six track album opens with “Rainydaysunshine” – a visceral, punk-tinged soundscape – before giving way to the more familiar and, perhaps, more inviting but still not devoid of dissonance sound of Liila with “Ghost”. Definitely give Live at La Cocina a listen here and get out to see the band live ASAP.
Recorded at the Hayden Flour Mill in good old Temps, Hi from the Mill offers fans a few of the new tracks from their upcoming studio album. One or more of our editorial staff has a vested interest in this band. So, if you’ll notice, I’m not actually saying anything opinionated with regard to this band. I’m just suggesting that you take a moment and listen for yourself. Or not. This is a no pressure situation… but you should, maybe. Listen here.
Good Friends Great Enemies previewing some new work for fans (which should include everyone).
Dogshow performing at the Beautiful Noise Festival in April.
