As a kid, I always preferred live albums.

They had that "dirt", the rawness, the energy I just couldn't find on studio recordings.

I was so obsessed with it that I'd always start exploring a new artist with their live album, if they had one. And if not, I'd still try to get to any bootlegs as quickly as possible.

I recorded many concerts I saw, too (which, in those days, required smuggling small recording devices to the venue...not a small feat, I tell you.)

Today, I prefer studio clarity. However, it doesn't mean that live recordings don't hold sway on me. It's just, now, I am more prone to notice their shortcomings, particularly when it comes to the sound.

I started thinking about those live recordings again after rediscovering two incredible prog live albums: King Crimson's Earthbound and Le Orme In Concerto.

And they sent me down a fascinating rabbit hole.

I wrote about Earthbound already on the site.

Below, I share my thoughts on Le Orme's outing, along with several other prog live albums it pointed me towards.

Also in the issue: Two incredible new records from Albert King and Papangu, The Visitors, Paul Janoschka, Elanor Moss, forgotten gems, and other albums worth hearing.

I hope you'll find some great new music to explore below.

Pawel