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How many live albums would you listen to over the original recordings? I know for me, there are very few -- perhaps Social Distortion’s Live at the Roxy, the Ramones’ It’s Alive, or maybe 7 Seconds’ Scream Real Loud. I’m sure many people have differing opinions on the “best live album,” but the list for “best live albums” is definitely a short one.

Most bands don’t know how to make a live album. These releases often consist largely of “greatest hits”-type set lists with the songs performed as closely as possible to the original recording -- maybe a little faster, or maybe with a little stage banter between songs to “mix things up,” but that’s about it. Hell, nowadays most bands are completely skipping over the “live album” and going straight to DVD! While it’s nice to be able to see these bands perform (definitely very nice!) in this reviewer’s honest opinion, it’s just not the same as a well-executed live album.

Which brings us to the Descendents’ live release, aptly titled Liveage! Not only is this my favorite live album ever, but this is my favorite Descendents record.

Now, before you hit the comment button and type “no way man milo goes to college/everything sux/social-d’s liveattheroxy/etc r0x over liveage!!,” hear me out.

Listening to this album, it doesn’t feel like you’re sitting in your chair listening to an album. Recorded in 1987, it feels like you’re inside a club, witnessing a brutal old-school punk show performed by the Descendents. The production is top notch, without sounding fake. The balance between the band and the sounds of the crowd is just right. The set list feels like an actual live set, rather than just a collection of greatest hits. Now, don’t get me wrong -- the favorites are all there. Appearances by catalog favorites “Myage,” “Silly Girl,” “Suburban Home,” “Hope,” “My Dad Sucks,” “Coolidge” and many others solidify the record, but what makes this album so great is the appearance of songs you really wouldn’t expect to hear played live.

While it’s true that “All-O-Gistics” has since become a live staple, it’s great fun to hear Milo rambling on about the commandments and the entire place chanting “QUA QUA, QUA QUA!” “Wendy” makes a surprise appearance on the set, and “Kids on Coffee” blisters by in forty seconds. A number of tracks from each Descendents album take their rightful place alongside each other on the album, seamlessly blending into each other nicely.

Getting through these 20 songs in just under 40 minutes, the Descendents are tight as hell, as always. Every time I listen to this album, I’m further impressed with the technical abilities of the members of the Descendents. The energy displayed by these guys is unmatched, as well. As expected, Milo’s trademark voice sounds great live -- his rough, harsh vocals are great on many songs, while his more melodic singing is just as good. The lineup on this album is the same as on the band’s ALL record: Stephen Egerton on guitar, Karl Alvarez on bass, and Bill Stevenson on drums. Stephen’s guitar work is top notch all throughout the album -- just listen to his part in “Van.” He’s no Jimmy Page, but he can definitely hold his own. Karl performs the bass lines with excellent precision, though if you really want to hear them souped up, you should check out the band’s newer stuff. Bill’s drumming is predictably spectacular throughout, as always.

All in all, you couldn’t ask for more from a live album. The Descendents just show how it’s done, with excellent, entertaining performances of many of their best songs. They really raise the bar for live albums, putting forth an unparalleled mix of energy, passion, and power. Every time I listen to this album, I’m saddened by the fact that I’ll probably never get the chance to see my favorite band live at this point…but hey, as long as they keep releasing great albums every few years, I really can’t complain. Of course, to get the complete Descendents live experience, you’re going to want to pick up the spectacular Hallraker, which has songs ranging from lesser known tracks from their second release ("Global Probing" and ‘Hey, Hey’) to the metal-styled deep album tracks from ALL ("Cameage" and "Iceman"). You should also grab Live Plus One, which not only contains a great show by ALL, but also has an awesome set list spanning the entire Descendents catalog (up to Everything Sucks, that is).



People who liked this also liked:
Descendents - Everything SucksDescendents - I Don't Want to Grow UpDescendents - Cool To Be YouDescendents - Milo Goes To CollegeBad Religion - The Empire Strikes FirstBad Religion - SufferBad Religion - New Maps of HellAlkaline Trio - Alkaline TrioAlkaline Trio - From Here To InfirmaryAlkaline Trio/Hot Water Music - Split



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    Posted by stricken on 2005-11-04 19:37:55
    My Score:

    i love the descendents.. that is all.

    Posted by plutocracy on 2005-11-03 22:53:26

    I like Hallraker even better. I'm one of those asses who prefers Descendents' later 80's albums. ALL is my fav.

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, November 1, 2005 at 10:58 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    the album that made me a descendents fan way back when, the only other live albums that come clost to this for me are ramones - it's alive (on par) queer's - suck this (not quite as good) face to face - Live (pretty good but not quite) & fifteen - allegra

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, November 1, 2005 at 7:57 PM (EST)

    the best punk ablum live would have to be Avail's live one.

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, November 1, 2005 at 7:07 PM (EST)

    ""Also, Sunday is "old school reviews" day, moron."""

    how the fuck is anyone supposed to know that ya fucking chimp?

    elitist twat

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, November 1, 2005 at 7:06 PM (EST)

    """"is this a re-release? if not whats the point of reviewing a 17 year old album?"

    thats the dumbest thing ive read all week and i just finished an argument with will"""""

    what is the point? i own it and its not even that great. why don't you review holidays in the sun? fucking old album reviews

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, October 31, 2005 at 9:06 PM (EST)

    "one of the best live albums ever put out "

    not quite.

    Posted by greenerton on 2005-10-31 16:14:24

    "is this a re-release? if not whats the point of reviewing a 17 year old album?"

    I think the fact that it's one of the best live albums ever put out is reason enough to review it. These things have to be reviewed at some point.

    Also, Sunday is "old school reviews" day, moron.

    This album's a must-have, and that's all there is to it.

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, October 31, 2005 at 12:45 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    shit i forgot my other favorite...

    we're the meatmen and you suck!!!

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, October 31, 2005 at 12:38 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    great album great review... if you like live bill stevenson drumming check out black flags live 84 album.

    some other favorites of mine include bad brains youth are getting restless, dead boys night of the living dead boys, black flag who's got the 10 1/2, misfits evillive, afghan whigs black soul gentlemen, ac/dc let there be rock, avail live at the kings head in, and avail live at the bottom of the hill.

    personally though i like hallraker a little more than liveage but it's by a really fucking tight margin.

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, October 31, 2005 at 12:25 PM (EST)

    Avail's "Live at the Bottom of the Hill" is an excellent record.

    Posted by housewrecker on 2005-10-31 11:41:25

    It's a fucking classic.

    Posted by Douglas_Howser_Jr on 2005-10-31 04:44:08

    "on a disturbingly related note, I saw a commercial for the new Tony Hawk game and the background song was an incredibly pollished(pollished=lame for those of you who dont know) cover of "suburban home". iick."

    you havent checked this site very much in the last month have you?...

    http://www.punknews.org/reviews.php?op=albumreview&id= 4586

    Posted by rob_rob on 2005-10-30 22:14:22

    i prefer hallraker actually.

    Posted by stevejonestherealbones on 2005-10-30 21:43:47

    whats with the 80s and homosexual fonts

    fags

    also, i wanted to be the one to post "no way man milo goes to college/everything sux/social-d’s liveattheroxy/etc r0x over liveage!!"

    early bird gets the worm i guess

    - jones the bones

    - stevejones8770@yahoo.com

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, October 30, 2005 at 9:01 PM (EST)

    "thats the dumbest thing ive read all week and i just finished an argument with will"

    At least I actually think about what I'm arguing for/against instead of giving a jagged, knee-jerk reaction to something as broad as, you know, animal rights.

    -Will

    Posted by localh on 2005-10-30 20:35:48

    best live cd ever
    I'm not a loser, sour grapes, or All o gistics are the best songs

    Posted by Godfather on 2005-10-30 20:34:39
    My Score:

    "is this a re-release? if not whats the point of reviewing a 17 year old album?"

    thats the dumbest thing ive read all week and i just finished an argument with will

    anyways, ive never heard this album, but anything from the descendents deserves at least 4 stars

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, October 30, 2005 at 7:13 PM (EST)

    is this a re-release? if not whats the point of reviewing a 17 year old album?

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, October 30, 2005 at 4:23 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    I thought the Souls' "Tie One On" was a total disappointment, personally.

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, October 30, 2005 at 4:03 PM (EST)

    Some more good live albums:

    NOFX - "I Heard They Suck Live!"
    Bouncing Souls - "Tie One On"
    Bad Religion - "Tested" (I know it's just a comp of live stuff, but it's pretty damn good)
    The entire "Live in a Dive" Series (most notably Lagwagon and Swingin' Utters)

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, October 30, 2005 at 3:49 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    Wow, that was actually a good review

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, October 30, 2005 at 3:46 PM (EST)

    There are some good live-albums though (but most stinks!):
    Nomeansno - live and cuddly
    Motörhead - no sleep until Hammersmith
    Stiff little fingers - hanx
    Mc 5 - kick out the jams
    Bad brains - the youth are getting restless
    Johnny Cash - live at San Quentin
    Ramones - It´s alive
    Neil Young & crazy horse - weld
    Supersuckers - must´ve been live
    Peter & the test tube babies - pissed and proud
    Blue öyster cult - on your feet or on your knees
    Sub humans - live from a dive
    Thin Lizzy - live and dangerous
    Poison idea - dutch courage
    Grand funk railroad - caught in the act
    Machinehead - hellalive

    Posted by allison_le_gnome on 2005-10-30 15:01:09

    I just downloaded this yesterday.

    Posted by bogey4 on 2005-10-30 14:57:10
    My Score:

    Hands down, this is my favorite record of all time. Great review too!

    Posted by sallyjesse on 2005-10-30 13:29:43
    My Score:

    Myage is a great song, yes. and All still holds the title of "bands i've seen live the most times", but I'd go Ramones' "Loco Live" over this live album.

    on a disturbingly related note, I saw a commercial for the new Tony Hawk game and the background song was an incredibly pollished(pollished=lame for those of you who dont know) cover of "suburban home". iick.

    Posted by 8dollarclarinetsolo on 2005-10-30 13:27:00
    My Score:

    this is a great great record by a great band, one of my first descendents records and a classic

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, October 30, 2005 at 1:18 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    This is the greatest live album ever performed. No other live record comes close!

    Posted by fallingupwards84 on 2005-10-30 13:13:56

    Myage is one of the greatest songs ever written

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, October 30, 2005 at 1:06 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    i agree completely. i think the problem with the descendents 80s albums is the weak production would suck out a lot of the punch from the songs. but this recording has all the punch you could want and the track list is pretty much flawless. easily my favorite 'dents cd.

    score is also for allroy's revenge, which is the most perfect pop-punk album ever made.

    Posted by kamatacci on 2005-10-30 13:04:20

    Best Live Album ever

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, October 30, 2005 at 11:57 AM (EST)
    My Score:

    good call on reviewing this album. its fucking grrrrrrrreat.

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, October 30, 2005 at 11:38 AM (EST)
    My Score:

    Live albums suck.

    Posted by threechordsandthetruth on 2005-10-30 10:40:23

    Anyone ever hear the live Exploding Hearts bootleg from some show? It's better (in recording quality terms) than their only LP, plus they play some older songs too. Just a shame some tracks are a little slower played live.

    Posted by CallingLondon on 2005-10-30 10:33:45

    whatever happened to cbgb's? did it actually close?

    Posted by gregs on 2005-10-30 09:20:47

    "anybody ever hear their song "Lucky" off the Godmoney Soundtrack? My fav."

    yes, one of their many great tunes. some of their later stuff is just so great.

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, October 30, 2005 at 9:15 AM (EST)

    For the best book on the Ramones read,
    "On The Road With The Ramones"
    http://hometown.aol.com/ramonesontheroad/myhomepage/boo ks.html

    This is a MUST-HAVE book for all Ramones fans. It's an inside look from the people who were actually there witnessing and experiencing all the extreme highs and lows one of rock's greatest bands. The Ramones' music has influenced nearly every power pop, punk, alternative, and metal band. Monte A. Melnick served as The Ramones tour manager from their early New York club days at CBGB's in the '70s to their farewell gigs in 1996. Filled with memorabilia including photographs and interviews collected along the way, this is his view of life on the road with the band as "baby-sitter to psychiatrist, booking agent to travel agent, paymaster to van driver." It's such a fascinating read, you'll have a hard time putting it down. Buy it, read it, and then revisit their albums. You'll never look at the Ramones in the same light.

    Posted by fallingupwards84 on 2005-10-30 09:04:10

    Descendents = best band of the 1980s

    better than the Clash, Ramones, Black Flag, Minor Threat, or any others

    Posted by fallingupwards84 on 2005-10-30 08:59:57

    The Descendents are absolutely amazing. They cannot write a bad song.

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, October 30, 2005 at 7:10 AM (EST)

    anybody ever hear their song "Lucky" off the Godmoney Soundtrack? My fav.

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, October 30, 2005 at 6:58 AM (EST)

    You outta add Black Flag's absolutely brilliant "Who's Got The 10 1/2" to that list. Although the studio recordings are great too.

    Posted by colin on 2005-10-30 03:06:09

    on lagwagons live in a dive, i can't help but be a sucker for "sleep" when joey just says "and everything is fuuuucked"

    then again i'm drunk as hell
    welcome to saturday night

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, October 30, 2005 at 2:10 AM (EST)

    no way man milo goes to college/everything sux/social-d’s liveattheroxy/etc r0x over liveage!!

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, October 30, 2005 at 1:19 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    another classic.... this is a great live cd.. at times it seems that it is a studio release becuz the mix is so good.

    i was fortunate enough to see these guys 4 times after Everything Sucks was released, including the 1st night of a week straight of sold out shows at the Whiskey, great live band.

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, October 30, 2005 at 1:10 AM (EDT)

    i wish they would have atleast done some kind of tour in support of 'cool to be you'. it would be nice to actually see them live, instead of listening to the live albums all the time.

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, October 30, 2005 at 1:55 AM (EDT)

    This album is pretty good. The Descendents were all fantastic musicians, like most bands on SST.

    The thing about this is the later era stuff. "Milo" is better.

    -Will

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