Customer Reviews: Read 12 more reviews...
 Way above average live-album September 26, 1999
14 out of 17 found this review helpful
First: The only reason this album did not get a five-star rating, is that this is a Smiths album, and as such, must live up to some pretty high standards. Now, the Smiths were without doubt the greatest band of the eighties (and one of my all time favourites), and had a reputation for being a huge live-attraction. Now, unfortunately, I never had a chance to catch their live acts (primarily because they split up when I was ten years old), but I do imagine that some piece of their worth as a live band were due to Morrisseys enigmatic stage performance, which isn't easily transformed to a sound recording. That said, all the band members were (are) excellant musicians, as this album is a proof of. Now, to summarize my thoughts about this album:For: -It's the Smiths, it must be good. (and it is) -Good sound quality. Far superior to the bootlegs I have heard. -Some of the songs are featured in great live versions. This recording of The Queen is dead really opened my eyes, I mean ears, to this song. The studio version of the song had never really appealed to me. Until this one. -The Draze Train. Amazing intrumental tune. Awesome performance by Marr (as always). Against: -Less than great song selections. Vicar in a tutu, Ask, Rushholme ruffians and London have never been among my favourite Smiths-songs, though this version of Vicar is in my opinion far superior to the studio one. -Less than great live versions of some of the songs. I much prefer the regular album versions of What she said, I know it's over and Bigmouth. -Though backed by secondary guitarist Carig Gannon, Marr doesn't achieve the amazing guitar-tracks as he does when layering guitars on the studio-album. Still, Marr allways performs well, and this is no exception. So, if you are a Smiths fan, you already own this album. If not, you are going to buy it tomorrow. If you like the Smiths, but aren't a diehard-fan, then I'd still recommend this album. You won't be disapointed. If you are new to the Smiths, get The Queen is Dead or Louder than Bombs instead (and then get all the others). If you hate the Smiths, then go get the new remixes of Modern Talkings greatest instead.
 Good but too short... September 10, 2003
Patrick Lafontaine (Canada)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I am on of the biggest Smiths fans there is. And yes, you must get this if you are a fan. But, you can't help but wonder why (especially on cd) why Morrissey (apparently, he decided what songs were to go on this album) skipped out on many great tracks that the Smiths played on this night.
Songs like: "Frankly, Mr. Shankly" , "There is a light that never goes out", "I want the one I can't have", "How soon is now?" and others were sadly omitted. The overall sound is very good but you can't help but feel like your being swindled here. I hope "they" decide to release another live album to make up for "Rank".
Great selection live February 8, 2008
M. Turakhia
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Hard to believe it's been 20 years since the release of this album, which came out after the band disbanded and just before Morrissey ventured out on his own.
This is not a "must have" but showcases some of the Smiths' best work (albeit mostly from The Queen is Dead).
Recording quality is average.
Solid if inessential live album April 14, 2005
Sakos (NH United States)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
While live Smiths was usually awesome to listen to, this album, recorded during the end of the last tour the Smiths ever undertook, while good, isn't essential except to diehard Smiths fans. The performances are good and interesting, but it's not their most inspired performance, although it was one of the better ones from the end of the tour. However, I read somewhere that the band initially wanted it released as a 2CD set to include the whole concert, while Morrissey crypitcally refused and instead compiled this 1CD set that was released. Knowing Morrissey, I guess we'll never know why he did that, as the complete show would have been a treat.
 my favorite live album June 29, 2003
RC Chicago (Chicago, IL USA)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I especially love the live renditions of Cemetery Gate, and Big Mouth, much more so than the studio album versions, although I like all of the songs selected on this album. They are to me a really balanced selection of the Smith's styles. The album versions seem a bit, well, studio-like and restrained. Performed live, the songs take on an added essentiallness, drive, and verve. I like listening to the album in its entirety, very loudly or through headphones and each time I am transported to a magical experience. I know the other reviewers have mentioned that this album was a "filler" release after the Smiths broke up but to me this album really exhibits the essential beauty of Morrisey's emotional-laden songs and Johnny Marr's melodicism. By the way, if you like Morrissey's solo work, I recently bought "Maladjusted" and I must say it's a GREAT work!
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