James Brown Live At The Apollo

This man will make your liver quiver! This man will make your bladder splatter! This man will make your knees freeze! If you will let’s all welcome the worlds Godfather of Soul, Soul Brother #1, JAMES BROWN!!! 1001 Albums To Hear Before You Die Day 9. I FEEL GOOD!! The album for today is Live At The Apollo (1962). Let me start by saying that it would be an impossible task to find another more influential artist in the history of modern music and dance. The best you can convince me of, is that he’s had some equals along the way, though few and far between. Now that we have that settled, I thought to myself, what’s my first memory of James Brown and his funky, soulful music? My first conscience memory is Living In America, the super smash, Grammy winning song that also just happened to be in the blockbuster film Rocky IV in 1986. Seeing The Godfather Of Funk giving an explosive performance in that movie moments before Apollo Creed would die in the ring against Ivan Drago changed my childhood. Apollo the boxer died in the movie. Live at the Apollo from Mr. Brown lives on forever. Mr. Please Please Please was only 29 when he recorded this live album at the historic Apollo Theater, a theater named after a Greek God that hosted many, many musical Gods over the years. Brown paid for this project out of his own pocket as his label didn’t think he held the same appeal to deliver a live recording that someone like Sam Cooke had at the time. In early ‘63 this album came out and it was so popular that it was hard to find a copy. Record stores bought cases upon cases in order to meet the demand, and if you found a copy, you had to share it with the whole household, and it was played so much that when you finally wore it out you had to re-up. Most of Mr. Dynamite’s biggest hits weren’t even recorded yet in 1962. Deciding to showcase his best repertoire at the time in a live setting was a genius move. Sure, James Brown sounded just as good on his records as he did in his live performances, but there is an electricity in hearing it live, even if it’s just on an 8-track in the 60’s or Spotify in 2021. You can almost feel the vibrations of this man working up a sweat. Just listen to the crowd go berserk. On the song Lost Someone you can hear the girls in the crowd literally falling apart at the seams. James Brown had the crowd in the palm of his hands and he knew it. His band, The Famous Flames, are “Clean as a silk suit” as quoted by Robert Christgau in Rolling Stone magazine. They never miss a beat, literally. This live album has my most favorite song from The Hardest Working Man In Show Business, Try Me. The passionate pleasing and soulfulness of that record, especially live, is worthy of being added to The Library Of Congress, which it has been. The first to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, James Brown sounds like a preacher at times. The way he uses the call and response technique has me in the shower damn near testifying! There’s no bad songs here. Make sure to check out Try Me, I’ll Go Crazy Night Train and Think. Also, make sure to listen to the girls losing their shit on Lost Someone. James Brown is The Godfather of not only Soul, but of Funk, Pop, and Hip Hop as well. He is the highest sampled artist in the world. His work has been borrowed a record smashing 7,413 times over the years. Listen to his song Funky Drummer and you’ll get the idea. James Brown is the Johnny Appleseed of music and I’m grateful for him.

1) All music since James Brown is a failed attempt to match his rhythm. Discuss. 2) Please explain why more albums should have seprate tracks for instrumental bridges. 3) Somewhere in these 31 minutes is the formula for Al Green's music. Please represent this as a mathematical equation, showing your workings. 4) James Brown never released a particularly good studio album, but is still responsible for much of the best music of the 20th century. Did he know something we don't?

I want to like it, but it's so hard to enjoy a live album.

He's a good singer and the instrumentals are decent but the live element of this is just much too irritating. Theres so much background sceaming and talking that I just cant enjoy it

What a performer. I remember hearing how JB would be furious if he heard any member of the band slip out of time or play a bum note. It’s tight as all hell and funky as a washerman’s dishcloth. If the mix was a little better we could appreciate it in all glory, but the scratchy, tinny sound, backed by the screaming fans really takes me back to those sweaty, heady early 60’s club nights. Much fun.

Probably blasphemy to some but I found this totally underwhelming. There wasn't even a fake walk off.

3

I can't believe that people went to his concerts just to listen to some mediocre R&B for 30 minutes and go home

I've never been big into James Brown's music. Maybe what ruins it for me is knowing what a wacko, and abusive SOB he was off-stage. Though I try to seperate the artist from the art, it's hard when a man's act centers around being a showman, but he's responsible for a lot of misery in people's livs. The music is forgetable, and James Brown sucks as a person.

One of the iconic live albums of all time, it is a bit amazing that this was recorded in 1962 (released in 1963). A year and half before the Beatles would appear on the Ed Sullivan show. At a time when the biggest hits on the Billboard charts were “Big Girls Don’t Cry” (Frankie Vali and 4 Seasons) and “He’s So Fine” (Chiffons). Into this safe and comfortable world burst James Brown, in a live setting, saturated with a primal energy that had to frighten the grown-ups. Listen in the context of its time and it is even more impressive. His energy, reflected back by the crown…. Well, it is impressive. I was too young to have caught this when it was fresh, but it’s an album I knew by reputation long before I ever heard it. And I’ve owned this for a long time. This is why Jame Brown is known as the Godfather Of Soul, and The-Hardest-Working-Man-In-Show-Business. The sound quality is better than one should expect for a live album in 1963, but you need to recognize that it isn’t known for its crystal sound quality. This is a testament to a moment. This absolutely belongs on this “must hear” list, a wonderful time capsule of music from an earlier era. It is notable that this album was recorded before the Civil Rights Act, before the Beatles, before JFK’s assassination. A dramatic recording from a dynamic time. 5/5

This album flew by, I actually wish it was longer. It was fun to hear the audience's participation, and even more fun to hear how tight the live band is. It sounds legendary.

An album that just oozes out "60s vibes". Makes you regret the fact that you were born in the late 90s and you will never experience this era ever again in such a way as back then.

My man

5.0 + It's incredible to hear the hardest working band arguably at their prime. They honed their stage performance to a non-stop onslaught of scream-inducing licks, shrieks and moans, MC'ed by arguably the greatest frontman in history. I'd say their schtick sounds too polished but then I hear James Browns' vocals on "Love Someone" - the way he digs to the bottom of his soul to convey that feeling of heartbreak, that's not a sound that can be manufactured.

driving the ladies WILD

I know who James Brown is, of course, but I don't think I had heard any of the songs from this album. I'm curious as to where this performance fits within context of Brown's career as a whole. I was surprised how short some of the tracks were, especially for a live performance. "Lost Someone" is the longest track, and has some of the back and forth between Brown and the audience that you might expect with a live performance. This album is fine, but I'm not sure if I'd listen to it again. 3 stars

Fantastic album, James Brown was an incredible musician and this really made me feel like I was seeing this live performance. If anything I found it too short.

Brown was a tremendous performer, had a great back up band and interacted really well with the audience. Obviously what's missing here is the visual aspect, as seeing James Brown go nuts on stage must have an awesome sight. I wonder how many parties have been graced by this fab LP?!

I never fully appreciated this when listening before, despite being a huge JB fan, as it doesn't have the same funk as his later work but wow, something clicked with me today listening. This is molten, the slower stuff particularly - Lost Someone >>>>

Amazing album! Fantastic sound and great energy.

-One of the greatest live albums of all time -Beautiful transitions and bridges between songs -A perfect jazz/R&B album if there is one -Best Songs: Try Me, Think, Lost Someone -Worst Songs: None of them -Overall Rating: 10/10

not me screaming "Ow!" back to JB in my office :')

The godfather of soul himself, James Brown. This is such a great example of an excellent live album. Every single musician is right on time. The whole album is tight, funky, and absolutely dripping with soul. The instrumental bridges being listed as their own tracks is super interesting too. It’s short, but it’s sweet. At 31 minutes it certainly comes nowhere close to overstaying its welcome, and I found myself wishing it was a little longer. While it’s certainly not my favourite album we’ve listened to on this list, it is undeniably great. James Brown is one of those influential figures in so many different genres of music, a true legend. 5*

As a document and a piece of musical history, this album is really a gem. James Brown, 1963, the Apollo in Harlem… wow. The inclusion of the crowd noise really works here as well, and you can really imagine being there and practically see the sweat falling from Brown’s brow. The musical content is also delightful, with Brown more on the crooning side of soul rather than the funky side that would become such a huge part of his legacy. Still, his performance is electric and his talent seeps from every note he sings. I don’t think any single song really stands out to me above the experience of it all. What a wonderful record to exist. I only wish it were longer. 10/10

Wow. This is an absolutely stunning live album. James Brown brings it all. The power, intensity and emotion here just rock me to my core. The track listing is basically useless, because this whole thing is the event, not to be itemized. The screams of feedback from the frenzied crowd are an essential part of the mix here, basically acting as an instrument. I feel that this would be impossible to replicate now, truly a relic of a different era. My only complaint is that it's not longer, but perfection is fleeting, so we must accept the rare moments when it does arise. Fav Tracks: The whole damn thing

Talk about tearing the roof off the house. 'nuff said.

Wow! It must have been something to see James Brown Live at the Apollo in 1962! I had expected an energetic performance, and that’s what I got. Crazy to think this was happening in a year where the top song of the year was a slow clarinet instrumental. Totally enjoyed this. The interplay with the audience was great. What a recording!

Yes. All day long. Hit me!

The quality of this recording of a live performance puts a massive swath of studio albums to shame. Sure, we lose Mr. Brown a bit while he's working the crowd, but that's the price you pay to work the instrument that is the audience; and it's worth it in the long run, as the crowd swells and swoons along with the tracks. Literally every song is winner. I couldn't help but move my feet and wiggle in my seat as I listened along to tracks like "Think", "Night Train" and even the various instrumental brides. When things slowed down on "Try Me" and "I Don't Mind" I was still swaying along and hanging on every verse. This album provides a glimpse into the undeniable fact that James Brown (and his band) had mastered the art of the stage show, and that's even without being able to see his expressions and footwork. I wish I had had the chance to see them myself. That chance has passed. But I'm glad to have albums like this, so I can at least glimpse into the experience and carry the energy on in my heart.

Good live album. Crowd can get a bit in the way of listening sometimes though, lots of screaming etc.

Amazing!!!

Can't deny this record it's due. Live albums tend to be a showcase for an artist's greatest hits, but can get bogged down in rough performances or poor sound quality. But this 1962 recording of James Brown at the Apollo Theatre transports you there. From the M.C.'s introduction to the tight band to Brown's captivating performance, this recording is better than any greatest hits album, because it's fresh and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Fav Tracks: Lost Someone, Try Me and I Don't Mind Rating 4.5/5

An excellent example of what a live album can accomplish. Joyful and uplifting

5 all day

that was one intense performance - he just never stopped that whole way through. amazing, and an awesome album as well.

Love the interaction with the audience! And this must be where Michael Jackson got the influence for his "Aowh!"

Big influencer on all music that followed.

Shit that's good. The faster version of I got you is truly a masterpiece. James' browns voice is also one of the greats

Love his music.

Such a fucking good picture of the apollo. What a showman. I wish this shit was longer!

4 out of 5. This is how you do a love album.

This was a great album.Not as familiar with Browns material other than the obvious songs

The Apollo theatre has held "Amateur Night" since 1934. In amateur night, contestants would perform as part of a competition. Like a cliche in a movie, if they perform badly they get booed off stage, with a character known as "the executioner" would sweep them off stage with a broom. James brown was booed off stage in 1952, going to show that not everybody succeeds on their first try. James Brown Live at the Apollo is an album released at the height of his popularity and showcases his funky talents well, however I don't think it's something I'll be coming back to with great frequency.

James Brown can get it

THEE showman

guter alter blues und soul, energetisch einem frenetischen publikum dargeboten. nicht schlecht!

Great band.

The album kinda flew by and felt like it was over sooner than I expected - I wonder if the audience at the performance felt the same way. But hey, if I have a choice between some James Brown and no James Brown, I will take the some.

I don't usually like live albums but this one was pretty good. For once, I actually wish it was longer which is rare for this list. Best song was Try Me.

James Brown, the legend, the creator of Funk, here in the early 60's, still as a Soul, R&B and Rock n' Roll singer whose fame was at an all time high and decided to release the live show from the Apollo theatre as an album which became his best known and most influential album. David Bowie quoted it as one of his all time albums and many other artists said that it was highly influential to them and their music. The album is full of passionate vocal deliveries and wonderful energetic instrumental performances. The album is an absolute beast in what it does and stands as one of the best albums of that year and the whole early 60's. The 'Introduction and Theme' starts the albums tone with an introduction that hypes up James Brown and his band plays a fanfare to bridge the way into the first song. It is just an interlude but it does its job very well and really hypes the whole thing up with an energetic and groovy melody. Especially the end is just incredible. 'I'll Go Crazy' really starts the whole thing with James showing how great he can sing and it's then followed by an energetic and very dancable song in typical Soul and R&B style that really suits James Brown's incredible performance. The song is just simply incredible although I wish that it'd go on for a little longer. The Doo-Wop example that 'Try Me' really gets a more sentimental tone into the album and Brown still delivers with his vocals as does the brass band and the backing vocals. It's a joyful but slower song nearly feeling like a Waltz. It's beautiful and an incredible song followed up by a short instrumental bridge towards the end. The fast rhythm section that feels very Jazzy which is featured on 'Think' really carries the song which feels much more reliant on the instruments than on the vocals. The result isn't as great as a couple of previous songs but it's still really good, great even. And again, an instrumental bridge in the end. 'I Don't Mind' is pretty much a mix of the styles heard so far. It's a little slower but has incredible vocals in a very Soul sounding style but also a couple of melodic and dynamic changes throughout. It's another pretty awesome song but it again feels a little less like it can hold up to the standard that has been set so far. Really good song but sadly with not enough strength that would really make me love it. And another short bridge towards the end that flows into the next song. The song 'Lost Someone' was actually split into two parts on the original vinyl release because it is a staggering 10 minutes long which is even crazier when the longest song so far 2.5 minutes long. Although this seems like it'd go totally wrong with the length of it, the song actually keeps very steady throughout and doesn't really go down in quality or keeping the listener interested. The vocals are great, the melody is great and it builds tension. It does feel a little bit over the top and even a little dragged around halfway through but it picks up again after a while. The song transitions into another quite lengthy track. The 'Medley' which consists of 9 different song that were put together into one 7 minute masterpiece of Soul, R&B, Jazz and even a little early form Funk. Because it plays with so many different songs and melodies in one, the song is interesting and amazing the whole way through. I absolutely love it and all the little changes and songs throughout. Every hook, every chorus is just simply perfect. All that means that the whole song is perfect. The album closes with the thematically fitting 'Night Train' which is easily the most Rock n' Roll sounding song on the album. It's still very much R&B and Soul but the guitar playing and the drums are very reminiscent of early Rock n' Roll. The song keeps it steady, neither really crazy nor with a slower tone and just finishes the album perfectly even if the song itself might've needed a little improvements around the edges to make it more interesting throughout. favourites: Medley, I'll Go Crazy, Try Me, Think, Lost Someone least favourites: I Don't Mind Rating: decent to strong 8 https://rateyourmusic.com/~Emil_ph for more ratings, reviews and takes

Great album. Super influential. Could even be longer

Hell of a live show recording. Setlist flowed from number to number with almost no downtime, bouncing from upbeat ditties (I'll Go Crazy, Think) to some bluesy ballads (I Don't Mind). Most expansive track, Lost Someone, gives a display of both in one with plenty of space for Brown to stretch his voice and interact with the crowd. Not the kind of music I typically go in for, but credit where it's due. This was solid. 3.5 rounding up

absolute bop. the part where he tells the men in his audience not to hit their wives was insane though

I don't normally like live albums but this is something special. The way the crowd screams is almost incorporated into the songs. It sounds like it's own instrument that James Brown uses. I like how this feels like I am a fly at the wall of a very special performance. I love the horn section. I love Brown's vocals that always feel as though they are reaching directly out the listener. The Instrumental Bridges are really cool with how they attempt to go from one song to another and each feels like they stick the landing

James Brown is one of those artists that has been more of an outlandish pop culture caricature to me than an actual tangible performer. He's been quantified to me more through countless "I feel good na na na na na na na" references rather than his actual body of of work. This is the first time it ever even occurred to me to listen to one of his albums, and I don't think a live one is the right starting point. But either way, I can understand why he's been crowned the Godfather of Soul; he has undeniable emotive vocal talent and his music is rife with soul. I like the raspy, gritty quality in his voice, it scratches a specific sonic itch I didn't know was there when I'm listening. I can feel what he's feeling when he sings, I dig that. He sweats authenticity from the very core of his being and I can hear that he left it all out there on stage that night in '63. I may not become a regular, routine listener, but he has my utmost respect.

Nr. 49/1001 Introduction NR I'll Go Crazy 4/5 Try Me 5/5 Think 3/5 I Don't Mind 4/5 Lost Someone 3/5 (2x) Medley 4/5 Night Train 3/5 Average: 3,63 Great vocal performance. Didn't love some songs

4.5 Holy cow this has to be one of the most explosive live albums I've ever heard, and the energy James gives the crowd and the crowd gives back is the stuff that separates great frontmen from legends. This was an incredibly quick 30 minutes, and it honestly could have gone on so much longer for me. I really, really need to check out more James Brown. My only complaint with the album is the production on Lost Someone... there's a good chunk where James Brown sounds completely washed out? Other than that, the sound and energy on this record feels like a lightning in a bottle live album, and I'll definitely be listening to again. Favorite songs: I really liked them all, but I'll Go Crazy, Think, and the buildup on Lost Someone stood out to me

Short live album but demonstrates how much of an impact James Brown will have had on multiple musical genres. Brown’s voice and the band are great.

Eternal classic, I'M BLACK AND I'M PROUD

I’m sure this is an important album that deserves better, but I didn’t latch onto anything here.

Live album loses a point

It's a cooking band and an energetic performance, probably the best live recording of early 60s RnB. That makes it a legendary and iconic performance, but why is this the only James Brown on the 1001 list? He was a pretty good RnB performer, and this album really made his reputation, but not the music that changed everything. It has some great, even iconic moments ("Ladies and gentlemen, it is star time, are you ready for star time?", "the hardest workin' man in show business", an uptempo version of Think, the audience screams during Please Please Please, a proto-funk Night Train), and shows off his impeccable skills as a band leader. I would have LOVED to see this show. However, Papa's Got A Brand New Bag (and the invention of funk) was still a few years off. And, if we are talking about James Brown, how can you have him on the list with an album that pre-dates his greatest contribution to popular music, the invention of an entire genre? James Brown is one of the truly great singles performers. he released literally hundreds of singles, and many of them have been amazingly influential on music as a whole. But he is not so well known for albums that make the grade, and so they have picked this one. Good album, but not what is truly great about James Brown. The listmakers desperately want to have James Brown on the list (because of course!), but the constraint of albums but no compilations make it impossible to showcase his most amazing work. Missed opportunity.

Live at the Apollo by James Brown (1963) This recording from a concert at New York City’s Apollo Theater on October 24, 1962 is a quaint look back at a moment in the career of the great R&B pioneer, James Brown. One gets a clear sense of the effect he had on an audience of 1,500, even if his own talents were imperfectly preserved (see below). The venue was the center of the urban black middle class universe at the time. The Apollo, in Harlem, was owned by Sidney Cohen and managed by Morris Sussman, catering to the well dressed and well coiffed ladies and gents who made their way to 253 West 125th Street. It sounds like they had a good (and raucous) time. The Beatles did not invent mania. The music is passionate, showy, exhilarating, and lush. James Brown’s blues voice is surpassed only by Janis Joplin’s, with its energetic and lusty flourishes and starkly contrasting smoothness, all woven together. The backing instrumental and vocal ensemble is generous and disciplined (even if the brass and reeds are not entirely in tune with one another). Among the weaknesses of the original 1963 album, one should note the faulty mix (shunting both lead and backing vocals into the right channel, and bass in the left with the gain too high), and the inconsistent vocal mic direction. The result is that James Brown’s delicious voice is frequently subdued to the point of concealment. These problems were somewhat repaired in the 1990 and 2004 reissues, but with a commensurate loss in fidelity. Also, in the live setting, the female screams (even coached along in the second half of “Lost Someone”) obliterate some of Brown’s most delicate stylings. And in slow, subdued sections (e.g., “I Found Someone”), the murmur of conversation is distracting, if not disrespectful. Plus, Brown seems to lose the audience on “Night Train”, especially at the dud ending of this final track—worst ending to a concert set I’ve ever heard. The serious listener should stick to the studio recordings, but there’s entertainment enough here to sustain interest for 32 minutes. 3/5

Dynamic, high energy R&B/Soul performance

What a concert to attend.Apparently it was a tough ticket to get. The band is very tight. Not sure if you watched any of the videos but there were a lot of band members to keep tight. He had quite the high pitch screams but the low quality recording didn't  do them justice. I thought by the late sixties live recordings were better quality. Might have scored higher if recording quality was better.

James Brown rules, but there is not a ton here.

Pretty good, upbeat live album. Not too memorable though

Uninteresting, but with good vocal performances

Didn't realize James Brown was active so early, for some reason I thought he was mainly in the 70s. I'd like to say I enjoyed this more than I did; unfortunately, most of this didn't catch me. I hope James has other records that catch my ear more in the future.

There are very few live albums I enjoy. This ain’t one of them. So much crowd noise.

I stopped listening to it halfway through the first time, though it wasn't the best listening environment. Will try again, I guess.

Концертик коротенький, половина это попурри и женские крики. Ну не солидно как-то. Сорян, Джеймс Браун

Yesterday I listened to the Alice In Chains unplugged for fun, so this has the bar set very high right after listening to one of the best live albums of all time. Recording quality is good, but the crowd can be very annoying. The vocals are really good, and instrumentation is good. You can very much tell this was an early 60s album. Overall not my thing, but I cannot deny the talent displayed on this album. That said, I probably wont listen again. I almost feel bad rating it this low, but the crowds constantly screeching ruins the album for me. 4/10.

Nice to hear some James Brown that aren't the same old overplayed cliche tunes. Still not very interesting however

BAD.

Not for me. 1/5

It a very important album, and a very good album. It difficult to understand what a big deal James Brown was in the early sixties. He was popular in the black theatres, and his masterstroke was making this album a live recording....one of the first live, in concert, albums. It's the perfect way to capture the energy, Nowadays, it sounds a bit hokey... but By God, James is the consumate performer. And imagine how much of modern music is based upon the JB sound. Massively influential, massively enjoyable.

Probably one of the best live albums of all time. 5/5

I was already familiar with this album before listening. It's a very good illustration of James Brown was like in concert, earning him the "hardest working man in show business" moniker. It's high energy and showcases his strong vocals and stage presence. My only complaint is it's pretty short at only 31 minutes. Would listen again.

The one!

hell yeah

funk is just my thing

Intro - no rating I'll Go Crazy - 5/5 Try Me - 4/5 Instrumental Bridge - no rating Think - 5/5 I Don't Mind - 5/5 Song Titles Interlude - no rating Lost Someone - 4/5 Medley - 4/5 Night Train - 5/5 Average score: 4.6/5 (rounding up)

Sublime live performance

Yet another album from Dad. They don't call him the king for nothing.

LOVE THIS, 5/5! awesome jazz

No notes, this is prime James Brown power, perfection, and energy. Highlights for me.....every single song.

Ain't it funky now

Great Energy, James was class, I'll give this another listen!

My favorite JB of all time! He was great live

Try me I don’t mind Think Night train

Nice.

Great listen! Has a good upbeat tempo, you can't listen it to without moving some part of your body

## In-Depth Review: *Live at the Apollo* by James Brown **James Brown’s 1963 album *Live at the Apollo* is a landmark in soul and R&B, capturing the raw energy of Brown and his Famous Flames at the height of their powers. This review examines the album’s lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, and weighs its pros and cons.** --- ## Lyrics Brown’s lyrics on *Live at the Apollo* are direct, emotionally charged, and repetitive, serving as a vehicle for his passionate delivery more than as literary statements. The songs focus on universal themes of love, heartbreak, and self-affirmation. Tracks like “I’ll Go Crazy,” “Try Me,” and “Lost Someone” revolve around longing, loss, and emotional vulnerability. Brown’s phrasing often emphasizes feeling over articulation, with lines like “You’ve got to live for yourself / Yourself and nobody else” standing out as simple but effective affirmations[4]. While some critics note that the lyrical content isn’t especially innovative, Brown’s delivery transforms simple lines into dynamic expressions of soul. His repetition-particularly in songs like “I Don’t Mind”-serves to heighten emotional tension and connect with the audience on a visceral level[6][4]. The Famous Flames’ harmonies add a gospel-like depth, especially in slower numbers, enhancing the emotional resonance of the lyrics[4]. --- ## Music Musically, *Live at the Apollo* is a masterclass in tight, energetic R&B performance. The Famous Flames and Brown’s backing band are remarkably synchronized, delivering a sound so polished that it could be mistaken for a studio recording[1]. The arrangements blend driving rhythms, punchy horns, and soulful bass lines, creating a propulsive groove that underpins Brown’s vocals. Standout tracks like “Think,” “Night Train,” and “I’ll Go Crazy” showcase the band’s ability to maintain relentless energy, while ballads such as “Try Me” and the nearly 11-minute “Lost Someone” allow for dynamic shifts and extended emotional build-up[3]. The interplay between Brown and his musicians is electric-he was known for demanding perfection, sometimes fining band members for mistakes, which ensured a disciplined yet vibrant performance[1]. The crowd’s reactions are integral to the musical experience, acting as a kind of call-and-response chorus that amplifies the excitement and intimacy of the show[3][6]. The setlist alternates between upbeat dance numbers and slower, soulful ballads, maintaining a cohesive flow that keeps the listener engaged from start to finish[1]. --- ## Production Recorded live at the Apollo Theater in Harlem on October 24, 1962, the album’s production is remarkable for its clarity and immediacy, especially given the era’s technical limitations[5]. Brown financed the recording himself after his label expressed skepticism about the commercial viability of a live album with no new material[5]. The result is an authentic document of a James Brown concert, with the energy of the crowd and the nuances of the performance captured in vivid detail. The album’s mix balances Brown’s vocals, the Famous Flames’ harmonies, and the band’s instrumentation, allowing each element to shine without overwhelming the others. The crowd noise is ever-present but never intrusive, adding to the sense of being in the room with the performers[3][6]. The pacing of the album is tight, with songs often segueing into one another, creating a seamless listening experience that mirrors the flow of a live show[1][5]. --- ## Themes The central themes of *Live at the Apollo* are love, heartbreak, longing, and resilience. Brown’s performances are imbued with a sense of urgency and emotional honesty, whether he’s pleading for a lover’s return or celebrating personal independence. The album also embodies the communal spirit of soul music, with the audience’s reactions and the interplay between Brown and his band creating a shared emotional journey[3][6]. The live setting amplifies these themes, as Brown feeds off the crowd’s energy and transforms personal narratives into collective catharsis. The album stands as a testament to the power of live performance to forge connections between artist and audience, making the listener feel like an active participant in the event[6][3]. --- ## Influence *Live at the Apollo* is widely regarded as one of the greatest live albums ever recorded, and its influence on the music industry is profound[2][5]. Its success proved that live albums could be both commercially viable and artistically significant, paving the way for countless artists to release their own live recordings[1][5]. The album helped cement Brown’s status as the “Godfather of Soul” and inspired generations of musicians, from soul and R&B to rock and funk[5]. Artists such as the MC5 have cited the album as a direct influence on their own performance philosophy, emphasizing energy, authenticity, and audience engagement[5]. The album’s impact is reflected in its numerous accolades, including induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame and preservation in the National Recording Registry[5]. --- ## Pros and Cons | Pros | Cons | |------|------| | Unmatched live energy and atmosphere[1][3][6] | Short running time for a live album[5] | | Tight, disciplined musicianship[1][3] | Lyrical content is simple and sometimes repetitive[1] | | Brown’s passionate, dynamic vocal performance[4][6] | Some may find the crowd noise distracting (subjective)[3] | | Seamless pacing and setlist flow[1][5] | No new material-mostly live versions of existing songs[5] | | Historic and influential recording[5][2] | The Famous Flames were uncredited on the original release[5] | | Excellent production quality for the era[5] | | --- ## Conclusion *Live at the Apollo* remains a towering achievement in live recording, capturing James Brown’s electrifying stage presence and the communal spirit of soul music at its peak. While its lyrics may not break new ground, the emotional intensity, musical precision, and groundbreaking production make it a timeless classic that continues to inspire artists and audiences alike. Its only real flaws are its brevity and the lack of new material, but these are minor compared to the album’s enduring impact and sheer vitality. For anyone interested in the roots of modern soul, funk, and live performance, *Live at the Apollo* is essential listening.

Täydellin showlive! 5/5

I like the vibes of an live performance in a old fashion bar fav song - Try Me 5/5

This is LIVE???!?!! Dear lord this man's voice. Lost Someone has me twisting and shouting. Beautiful, clever, playful arrangements full of emotion and soulful human condition. Truly timeless, intergenerational music. Elvis wishes he could. I'm ready for the night train ~ and everyone should hear this before they die!

Wonderful!

This rules. Live sessions albums forever and ever

I'm not usually one for a live album, but I wouldn't have even known this was one if it wasn't in the title. Killer stuff