Gig 1 without a doubt, as this is more than likely going to be one the albums of the group that I`d really want to hear live.

Half the time watching a group I like, trudge through a whole load of covers that normally sound inferior to the original, rareties or b-sides that were usually not considered good enough to get onto the albums works against gig 2.

The only time gig 2 would really work for me, is if they picked out a whole load of obscure album tracks that I really liked.

Every time I'm at a concert and the band plays a B-side or a cover, as pleasant as it is, I don't enjoy it the same because I don't know it as well.

Definitely the seminal album... if you think about it, that's going to be a special unique show itself as bands usually end up playing a mix of hits and new material for whatever they're promoting. I would ****ing love to see Dino Jr. playing You're Living All Over Me the whole way through. That, and I had to factor in that they are my favorite band, but a album of not so popular songs just wouldn't be good because, well, quite a few of the tracks after Lou left and before he came back, I can definitely go without hearing live...

I would probably go with the seminal album option. And just because they're playing an album through doesn't mean it wouldn't be a unique experience. I mean, the performances Talking Heads gave after releasing Remain in Light presented the album very differently from the studio recording, same goes with My Bloody Valentine's performances of Loveless. I'd much rather hear a different take on stuff I love than listen to songs that I just don't like very much.

I'll go for the seminal album gig, I think the atmosphere would be alot better at that gig than the b sides/rare songs one because of the fact there wouldnt be any snobbery, only people who love the music. I just have a horrible image that the rare material gig would have hundreds of people slowly disappearing up their own arses as they try to proclaim themselves as bigger fans than anyone else because they have heard that b side on that single that was only pressed 500 times and only ever released in Botswana, and would scoff at anyone who hadnt.

Give me the big hits and euphoric crowd who all know each song as well as everyone else does, who are lost in the moment and completely get into it. Give me this:







I just came.

I voted for the obscure album tracks, B-Sides, covers, etc... show. Case in point, my favorite band, The Replacements. Some of their most famous shows consisted of covers, them swapping instruments during the show, etc... What fun!

Here's an example of a couple 'Mats covers from a classic show from 1981. The bass player, Tommy Stinson, was only 14 at the time of this show.





This one's just audio and from a later show (not sure of the year).

I don't mean to dominate the thread but I've got one more. How would you pass up an Elliott Smith show with these covers?

Big Star - 13


John Lennon - Jealous Guy (rude, noisy, crowd during an AMAZING cover)


The Beatles - I Me Mine

i picked a seminal album in its entirety live

but generally, i'm a singles person, i'd rather watch the Stones or KISS play all their hits

Mastodon's Aragon show did the entire Crack the Skye along with a song from each of the other albums (not necessarily the most popular) and a Melvins cover. I'd say that's my kinda show as well. This show in particular i'd prefer to see Blood Mountain live. Surprises are nice, but i dunno, I guess i'd like to see a full album, or some hits. I do usually like the bands' hits, but usually if i'm into them enough i'll like a good bit of the less popular/overlooked material. And i love hearing covers live. I dunno, just gimme a good show and i'm good.

Amen to all this! However, i disagree about Mascis Jr. material; Green Mind and some of Where You Been (especially What Else is New) are great and would be great live. But yeah, i don't remember if they played a lot of YLAOM when i saw them; then again, i hadn't listened to that album yet when they came here.