Elephant (Deluxe)

I want to start with saying that this is worth buying for the new album mix alone. I swear I can hear a lot of details that weren’t defined in the original mix. I don’t normally write reviews, but the live show included disappointed me so much that I needed to do this. I’m a huge fan of bootlegs and live recordings, but I felt this was a poorly chosen show. I never dove into the bands live performances until after listening to this show. If I’m recalling the tour stats correctly this is the eleventh consecutive show the band played in a string of shows on the summer US tour. Understandably Jack’s voice is really tired here and shouts most of the songs. That’s not to say there isn’t energy in the performance it’s there; I’d almost say too much. The tempos are played way too fast. If you care about the singer being in good vocal shape this show is a big turn off for the casual fans. Yes it’s a live show but this was midway through a massive tour year and there are earlier shows from the year that have been released that better represents the Elephant material. For a show closer to the studio album look for London 4/11 and a show that is arguably the best 2003 show Copenhagen 5/15. I wish Copenhagen was selected for the live show instead of the Ballroom.

This album is one that redefined rock/alternative in the early 2000s. It’s simplicity, rough edges, and pure emotion from Meg and Jack make this a modern masterpiece.

Love it