The live album really came into prominence in the 70s. Kiss Alive, Frampton Comes Alive, and Cheap Trick At Budokan were some of the biggest albums of the decade of decadence. While selling millions, they were merely chum thrown into the waters for hungry fans to nibble on while the bands went back into the studio to write another record. Little did fans know that those records were heavily doctored, complete with added crowd noise and tracks added in the studio to hide imperfections that made the live experience special.
There are some classic live records that didn’t hide behind studio fixes, like Talking Heads’ Stop Making Sense and even prog Gods Rush releasing some amazing live albums(Exit : Stage Left is the one to start with.) Modern bands like My Morning Jacket and Wilco have also made the live record legitimate.
Another band that can be added to the list is The War On Drugs.
Arguably one of the best live bands currently hitting stages, The War On Drugs bring their studio creations to the stage staying true to the album while also expanding on the ideas. Live Drugs was their first proper live album and it brought the excitement of their live show to living rooms and headphones across the world. They have just released Live Drugs Again, which concentrates heavily on their 2021 album I Don’t Live Here Anymore. It’s yet another stunning live album that brings their stage magic home.
Live Drugs Again continues to prove that The War On Drugs are a band to behold both on their records and live in front of a screaming crowd. I’ve seen them three times, and all at different stages of their popularity. Regardless if the show was at a small theater in Indianapolis or on the stage of the illustrious Chicago Theater, Adam Granduciel and Co brought it all, and then some.
Live Drugs Again opens with one of the band’s best songs, I Don’t Live Here Anymore‘s “Harmonia’s Dream”. Live the song opens up and envelopes the listener. There’s a grandeur to the song live that is one of those “wow” moments experiencing it with a crowd. “Burning” from Lost In The Dream brings the Springsteen vibes to full effect. Granduciel’s vocals hit their mark every time and bring a full-throated, anthemic feel.
A real surprise is the inclusion of Slave Ambient‘s excellent “Come To The City”, bringing some of those dreamy, ambient feels that made that record so unique and special. Hearing it live brought to the stage with a full band brings chills. Closing out this live set is the one-two punch of “Under The Pressure” and “I Don’t Live Here Anymore”, two songs that have become staples of the live set.
Nothing beats being in a crowd – sweaty and breathless – singing and moving to your favorite songs delivered live, raw, and real. But if you need the next best thing, Live Drugs Again will get you where you need to go.
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