NoMeansNo – Live and Cuddly (1991)
Undoubtedly one of the most musically proficient and original bands in punk rock, Canada’s NoMeansNo’s raw sound works even more powerfully and direct in the live setting. Recorded at the band’s peak following the release of their 1989 masterpiece Wrong, the album is a manic yet perfectly controlled explosion of driving energy. Although not sounding radically different to the band’s albums – mostly due to their straightforward sound and outstanding musicianship – the live setting brings an element of danger and energy that enhances the band’s sound ever more. Essential listening.
Ramones – It’s Alive (1979)
One of the most famous live albums in punk rock by one of the most famous bands in punk rock, 1979’s It’s Alive captures the band at their most iconic leather jacket-wearing peak. Before experimenting with their sound (by Ramones standards at least) on 1980’s End of The Century, the band capped off their defining early era with this live scorcher. With all songs somehow being even faster and higher energy than the originals, the no-frills approach of the Ramones simply goes from one song to the next, with only Joey saying the title and Dee Dee yelling “1-2-3-4” before each two-minute burst of pop-punk energy to come.
NOFX – I Heard They Suck Live (1995)
With studio albums varying from solid to terrible, long-running pop-punks NOFX have always sounded most at home on the stage. Although their stage banter dynamic ended up being completely ripped off by more successful bands (cough*blink-182*), NOFX were an important punk band to bring a strong element of humour into their sound. This record captures the band at the beginning of their commercial breakthrough following the release of fan favourite Punk In Drublic. While the band has had low-points in their live performances in later years, due in part to frontman Fat Mike’s well-publicised drug and alcohol issues (as documented well in their autobiography The Hepatitis Bathtub), I Heard They Suck Live is the sound of a confident and tight band on the cusp of success.
The Cramps – Smell Of Female (1983)
Originators of the psychobilly sound, The Cramps were among the first punk bands to draw heavily from the weirdest aspects of the 1960s garage-rock scene. While their studio albums often suffered from lacklustre and dated production quality, the raw energy of the band came through best on their first live album in 1983. Recorded live in a small venue in their hometown of New York City, Smell Of Female is considered by many to the be the band at the peak of their recorded output.
