The Greatest Live Albums

Granted they are all within the same genre, I believe these three electro giants produced live albums that definitely deserve more acclaim. Because of the shows these guys have put on, I believe the bar was largely raised for the rest of the entertainment world to which spilt into other genres especially hip hop most notably with Kanye West. We see this in his 2008 Grammy performance with Daft Punk themselves even with the pyramid making an appearance. I will begin with the albums in chronological order to which I've listened to them.


Daft Punk's Alive.
This was a tour not to have been missed. Daft Punk's spectacular set and light show was 1/2 the show with the rest being the banging set Daft Punk did remixing songs once known as mediocre. The entire show seemed to be a remix best of set that put Daft Punk back on the map. After putting out an album that hit only par, their tour put their career back into light speed and it is to many people's anticipation to see what they do on their next tour.


Soulwax's Part of the Weekend Never Dies
Soulwax to me are one of the most known unknowns. It seems to me they have yet to create a name for themselves here in the United States but have dominated the European scene. Many of the so called electro-heads here in the Northwest region of the United States have yet to discover who Soulwax is and the almighty power they hold. I would have to say, of the three live albums I am reviewing this would be the most organic of all with the band covering the remixes to which they do. Definitely a must see if Soulwax comes to a town near you.


Justice's A Cross the Universe
Justice was one of the three shows where I was fortunate enough to catch. Daft Punk did a show in Seattle I believe during the Alive tour but Soulwax has come as close as Northern California for this Oregonian. Back to the lecture at hand, Justice utilized a similar formula as Daft Punk as to do a continuous set remixing the songs they produced. Their light show slightly accentuated the music with their illuminating crucifix and light up marshall amps. However it is to say that Justice's live album is much more gritty and grungy in contrast to Daft Punk's robotic sounds.

In conclusion, these three albums are a must have for those who question the liveliness of electronic shows. They are all packed with so much energy and to witness a sea of people jumping and chanting all at the same time to Justice's "We Are Your Friends" made me a firm believer in how bad ass these shows can really be.