James Brown Live At The Apollo

I mean, who doesn't know James Brown? I can't say I've heard any of the songs on this album before, which is all the more surprising considering its his only album on the list. • I really like the hits in I'll Go Crazy • Hearing how loud the crowd gets at the start of Try Me reminds you of how big James Brown still was at this time, before most of his biggest songs released • I like the instrumental breaks being on seperate tracks • Lost Someone is a nice change of pace. It's funny how much longer it is than the other songs (over a third of the album is this one song), but it never feels like it drags. I like the back and forth between James Brown and the crowd around the 7 minute mark. • The transition between Lost Someone and the medley was crazy • I almost didn't realise the last track had started, the introduction to Night Track flowed just as smoothly as any of the transitions in the medley This is a fun listen, and with its historical context (being the first live recording of James Brown) I can see how it earned a place on this list. For a 64 year old recording, it sounds very good. It's obviously not pristine, and there were a couple of moments where the sound suffered, but on the whole it sounds great. I do wonder whether Live at the Apollo Vol. II would be more fitting on this list, with it having more of his biggest hits to ease new listeners in (e.g. Cold Sweat and Man's World), but honestly I feel like the real issue is that, of all artists, James Brown probably deserved more than one album. Still, I have to give this album props for what it is, and that is a really solid (albeit short) live album. Favourite song: Think

Number: 69 Date: 03/09/2026 Artist: James Brown Album: James Brown Live At The Apollo Year: 1963 Genre: Funk Soul Rating: Notes: Before: Awesome, James Brown! I love James Brown! I'm not familiar with this album though. I don't see any songs I recognize on it. During: 3 Introduction 4 I'll Go Crazy 3 Try Me 4 Think 3 I Don't Mind 3 Lost Someone 3 Medley (Please..., You’ve Got….) 3 Night Train ----------------------------------------------------- 3.25 AVERAGE After: My favorites were Instrumental Bridge #1, #2, & # 3; however they were each only about 10 seconds long. I wish there had been more of that. I don't think this album is his best. I am surprised to see he only has one album on this list. He is one of the few artists I think deserve more than one album here. I know there has got to be a better representation of his work out there. 3 - my personal rating 4 - suitability for this list 4 - relevance ----------------------------- 4 - composite rating

Early stuff is way more R&B than funk/Soul but it's still great. The audience screams add to the overall feel rather than detracting from it.

I liked this it was smooth and powerful and the best at that hardcore, cuts deep, soul voice that James Brown obviously does best.

Pretty great sound. He's got confidence in spades, that's for sure. He feeds off the energy of the crowd, for sure. It's almost like the lyrics and what he says is far secondary to the performance and the energy. He's a great and talented singer, but the draw is the totality of the performance itself. This album works great as a live album. I don't think it would be as enjoyable without hearing the sounds of the audience. It's still great, but the synergy is a requirement for this album. It's obviously less polished than a studio album, but that just adds to its appeal.

I rarely say this with records on this exercise, but…gimme more. I felt a little cheated on this one as it was over just as I was starting to feel it. But it was still a good listen. Men want to be him, and clearly women want to be with him as exhibited with lots of swooning going on. Lots of legacy with this album and the man himself. From the Apollo to appearing in Rocky IV just over twenty years later. How’s that for a career arc?

Hot start to the week. More bands should start shows with formal intros. Although I bet Bruno Mars does it and it’s probably fucking lame

This guy was bringing the bops to kids that didn't feel represented by the Beatles. The audience simply goes nuts for him and the music is a fun listen

After a few days of mid albums, this was such a relieve. I liked the instrumentals and the way James Brown sings.

Love the energy the crowd brings to this one. The transition from Lost Someone into the Please Please Please medley is overwhelming.

Amazing vibe, super nice recording and really mood-setting

It was really good and very high energy. I did get a bit bored towards the end though.

Live is a whole different ball game. Only a pro can pull it off! Could've done with less screaming though!

The way this album was recorded added a great deal to this album. You can hear some conversations and commentary from the club, which makes it truly feel like you're almost there. Musically, James Brown is a legend. It's not exactly my kind of music but I can appreciate what he's contributed to so many different genres of music.

Fun listen, so much energy, loved hearing the screaming crowd. Nice recording quality for a live album and dude can sing, impressive vocals for a live recording.

Quelle bête de scène… quoique je persiste à dire que les albums live c’est pas pour les neophytes d’un artiste.

James and the band are so hot on this show. Incredibly tight. I've heard a few James Brown albums but they don't come close to the energy of the live band. The fanfare where they introduce the songs is genius. The sounds of the screaming girls is so classic and fantastic.

James Brown is a foundational artist who only put out fantastic funky music. One can never tire to his sound.

Funky and sweaty. I don't think I've ever seen a picture of James Brown where he isn't sweating, and it sounds like he is on this album too. Tight and nonstop, although funk type of music isn't my go to, this was good, he really was working it and it was working for me. Highlights: Medley

never heard of him before and I was honestly surprised, really good sound live, and he got the audience mad fer it! not really my type of music but i'm definitely downloading this album, it's a no skip. the transitions are really clear and his voice is imposing! the band sounds really good in my opinion. the only bad thing i find here is the low quality of the audio, it's from 1963. a solid 4/5. favorite tracks: all of them, they are all connected to each other. i love this type of things, must have been crazy to be there.

listening to this makes me wish i was there, which sounds like the dumbest most 10-year-old sounding way of saying i liked it, but actually i found that feeling almost working against the album because i could sense what a difference actually being in the room would have made and it just turned into sincere FOMO

It's a hell of a performance - but it's so of it's time, 11 tracks and four are intros or bridges

Very nice and different than others!!

Just not in the mood right now, lovely album

So electric felt like I was there!!

Introduction and Theme - 3.5/5 I'll Go Crazy - 4/5 Try Me - 3.5/5 Think - 4/5 I Don’t Mind - 4/5 Lost Someone - 4/5 Medley - 4/5 Night Train - 4/5 A funky, action-packed half hour that you can feel the sweat dripping off of James Brown's head. Him riling up the crowd definitely adds to the experience. He leans a bit more into the crooner side of his work, which I think is interesting since at this time he hadn't even come out with his most popular work yet. Great live performance. Overall: 4/5 Favorites: Lost Someone, Medley

Sferig

If it's good enough for the hundred-something women screeching at the top of their lungs whenever he breathes in their direction, it's good enough for me. He's saying the same ten things over and over (seriously, take a shot every time he says "I love ya, baby"), but he says them with a voice that could make a goulash recipe sound like it came straight from gospel. The band behind him gets into some incredibly funky antics and I was too distracted by the saxophones to realize he was saying the same ten things over and over until about halfway through the album. Basically, a good voice and a couple saxophones worth of saxophone bonus points can carry a record for me. Anyways, fun fact: you can hear someone faintly say "James, you're an asshole" about 14 minutes into the album.

This album made me very happy. You want to move to this type of music.

живенько очень

Lovely, infectious. Felt more than 31 minutes in a good way

8/10 very fun jazzy songs

8/10

Is there a second hand smoke equivalent for cocaine?

Sounds like it would have been fun to be there.

Good Album and more my style.

Lots of fangirling in the background

Perhaps the only experience above listening to a James Brown album is attending a performance by the man himself. This album is as close as you can get, and for that it receives high marks. Brown's voice is dripping with life and passion, and the Famous Flames provide a great funky soundtrack to match. Further, the fanfare of the crowd adds to the appeal of the experience and the live nature of the recording is clear, never detracting from the audio.

Un disco divertido. Me gustó. Creo que es uno de esos discos icónicos de la música por lo que representa. Se que el Apollo es un recinto en donde se han presentado los mejores artistas de la comunidad afroamericana en Nueva York, entonces creo que la grabación de este disco fue algo sin precedentes. Al escuchar el disco sientes como si te remontaras a los 60's y al tipo de conciertos en vivo que se acostumbraban en esa época. Escuchar los gritos, aplausos y vitoreo del público hace que te sientas ahí mismo en el Apollo escuchando a Brown. Me gustaría claramente destacar la ejecución impecable de cada musico y la increíble interpretación de James Brown. Creo que es un disco con cosas muy buenas e interesantes.

I’m not usually a fan of live albums, but this was a great vibe today.

Great energy and lots of warmth in this live recording. Love the balance of room and band sound, like you're situated right on the edge of the stage. Sometimes you get glimpses of what feels like an audience bursting with frenetic energy. Brown was 29 when this was recorded. Cool moment in time.

Crazy energy here. And hearing all the girls scream, every time he dug deep for a note, was awesome.

Right around when this album was released, James tried to shoot Joe Tex with a shotgun, which is kind of cool I guess

Möglicherweise eines der besten live Alben, die ich je gehört habe - Punktabzug weil live Album...

Blues Music Hits

Again, surprised why such a great artist has only 1 album on the list and it's a live one. It's a legendary live album no doubt, however he had a run of many great studio albums as well. But still for this historical record I reckon I'll give 4 stars.

super cool

The Godfather of Soul has one album on this list. Let that marinate. Think of all the empty soulless records you've endured on this journey. 4/5.

Loved the energy from the live performance - catchy songs too

You can feel the energy through the speaker It just makes you wanna get up and move The songs toward the end go on a bit long The grooves are nuts The blueprint

Fun. Can understand how he influenced so many artists after him.

he still is the grandfather of soul y'all

God DAYUM that's funky. And when I say funky, I mean in the 'tight as a fishes booty hole, stanker than a jazz cigarette' old school cool proto funk. Soul funky groove baby, yeAHHH!

Another amazing 60s R & B, rock & roll live album. This one felt like a Beatles precursor with the screaming girls and screaming pop vocals and tight harmonies (in some songs) - I’m pretty sure they were huge fans and probably heard this record at the time. But he is a legend all of his own. Brown earns his crown here, and more.

Moves my ass

Brilliant live recording

Good stuff, though this particular album being live hurts rather than helps (screaming).

The music was extremely enjoyable in this album. Unlike the san quentin johnny cash album, the live aspect actually was a drawback for me with this album. There was a little bit too much screaming from the crowd at times for me. But other than that, I really liked this album. James Brown is an amazing talent.

HEY! TOO HOT IN THE HOT TUB!

Better than Coldplay

I realize I don’t actually like James brown as much as like Sam Cooke. But I can see he’s a legend

Man's voice is a rocket launcher

I normally don't like live albums, but hey, it's James Brown!

What an interesting, energetic experience 😀 something about live albums just make things more entertaining because you can hear how excited the crowd is.

One of several great sixties James Brown albums

i love this sound the live is fun, i like hearing how the crowd reacts overall rly liked this, wld def listen again standouts: try me think the medley

What a positive surprise. Band's on point and James Browns vocals characterful. The mix has surprising depth for a live recording from this era and for a moment I thought I had accidentally put on a remaster of some sort. I personally don't mind the loud audience noise like some seem to do. For me it adds to the vibe of the album, but I can definitely understand if others find it grating. On the negative side, "Lost Someone" drags as it takes a whole third of the album and moves directly on to "Please Please Please" that's way too close in tempo and vibe. Maybe one of the instrumental bridges could have been moved after "Lost Someone" to get the palate cleansed a little. Feels like the end of the set struggles to get the same energy from there that the first half had.

I really enjoyed listening to this one again. I had the same problems this time that I had the first go round, crowd noise and stretching out a short song into 10 minutes to provoke more crowd interaction. If you skip lost someone after like 3 minutes this might be a 5.

Very entertaining and a breath of fresh air. This made me want to listen to more of his work.

Didn’t like the screaming from the audience in some parts but enjoyed this overall. Great cover art too. Specific rating - 4.2 Fav song - Think Least fav- Lost someone

дуже добрий блюз джаз

Crowd was great and Brown slides effortlessly between high energy rock and roll and ballad

Excellent historical record all the better for being no longer than 31 minutes. James brown needs to be on list for this kind of live stuff so 4.

50/1089 3.4661* Nice sound and great to hear JB in his earlier days. The guy is an entertainer and this show must have been the highlight of the week for many attendees! You could almost hear his smile while singing. A little fun fact about JB, aka Godfather of Soul, aka the Hardest Working Man in Show Business, is that he demanded to be paid in cash before he performed to eliminate being scammed by promoters, which was common at the time. He preached this to his contemporaries and those who followed in his footsteps.

‘Lost Someone’ was amazing Overall great live album!

Such a fun listen. 8/10

Very groovy, the king James Brown never disappoints 👍🏿

good! great for running

Very energetic songs and the crowd definitely adds to the excitement.

What a time to be alive. Greta show.

Pretty basic jazz, didn't do much to differentiate itself but I always found myself laughing out the crowd shrieking in the background

different from my usual, but good nonetheless :)

This album better exemplifies, more so than any other, the POWER that James Brown had when he held that mic in his hand. His interaction with the crowd is unique. They are literally shrieking at eachother.

really liked

The voice is smooth as butter and the instrumentals are as tight as they could be. Very enjoyable live album, a big compliment as someone who usually doesn't vibe with live albums. There's also so much to say about the fact that this was from the early 60s - I would have loved to have been in that room at the time, to witness the start of the 60s ‘soul’ boom.

Incredible live album. The band sound like they’ve been playing together for years, yet they still sound youthful and bright. Early James Brown is just bread and butter, isn’t it?

Amazing energy here. The singing and the band is so good that I wouldn't believe this was live if it wasn't for the screaming crowd. Too bad I wasn't born soon enough to see it live.

So much fun. Have not listened to it again, and have not listened to it in a while. A common trope among these older albums for me. Great to relisten to. All aboard the night train! Anyone who wants to learn more should watch his TAMI performance.

Great energy! Classic bluesy grooves and funky vocals.

Overall 7/10 I’ll go crazy - 9/10: I like this it was a very fun song and the instrumentals were really good try me - 8/10: a lot more chill but really good still. I love his voice and the ending. think - 6/10: I thought the speed was good I just didn’t love the song it was a little too much for me I don’t mind - 7/10: this song is chill I like it, a little boring for me but still good. lost someone - 7/10: very good song just kind of long and not super fast. it is fun in some parts medley - 9/10: this song is really good, very fun and many different changes that make it really interesting night train - 8/10: I like this it’s very danceable and super fun

This should be a 5 just for impact. If it were 5 or 10 minutes longer that would seal it for me. I love Brown as the young R&B singer. Before he became an Eddie Murphy character or a "Crack Smoking Wizard." His tale t and the skill.of his band is undeniable.

Lively and fun. Big focus on instrumentals and James Brown signature yells and hoots.

This is exactly the kind of record (particularly as a live album) that I think... I bet being there was wonderful. I think I get the whole vibe, it is absolutely alive, and while it's not something I really know much about it is hard to find music with more 'soul'. I love it, but other than in things like this list I can't honestly say I would sit down and listen to the album. I feel it is important that I have listened to it, and I have.

New to me. Great loved it! 1. I'll Go Crazy 2. Think 3. Lost Someone (Wow - the screams!)

Legendary artist somewhat outside of my experience. This album was energetic, although bluesier than I expected from hearing his later stuff. Captured his presence well.

Love a live soul album, especially when you can hear the atmosphere/audience having a great time. Great energy. Would love to see a good James Brown concert doc.

Now i undersrand those SNL skits as a child.

I associate James Brown more with funk than with rhythm & blues, and this release is the latter. That said, this is some pretty damn solid rhythm & blues!

Can definitely see the beginnings of where James Brown ends up going and can only imagine how fresh this sound was in 1963.

Hints of Blues, high respect for James Brown

If you want to understand why James Brown is so highly regarded, here it is. I am giving it a four because of my previous thoughts on live albums. Note to self: Is there a single live album that is better than a recorded album - even among bands known for their live performances?

Good

banging

crowds energy is 10/10, amazing album makes me want to listen to more of the artists work, love the jazzy instrumentals

Great James Brown

No he llegado ni a la mitad del concierto y ya le doy buena puntuacion. Ritmo, R&B, sonido en directo - hay gente a la que le puede molestar pero para mi es un extra para meterse en ambiente -

Classic

The godfather of soul. Lively performance, truly shows how much HE was the music. Only problem is it’s only 30 minutes.

Good party

A great live recording of a young JB. You can feel the energy and excitement vividly. I just wish it was longer.

It’s over 9,000!!!

Never really listened to James Brown before and now I want to do more of a deep dive. There’s so much energy and emotion in his music that makes you want to hear more. Loved the instrumental bridges between songs. This album is quick and easy to listen to, but it also has so much depth. Love

Good ol' James Brown

fun jazzy and really enjoyed it overall very fun and happy tracks overall vibes

What a performer. The instrumentation on this is fantastic - they don't make music like this anymore.

Enjoyed this one.

Have had some slogs on the list recently, this ain’t one of them. It flew by! While the mix isn’t great- which is understandable- the king of soul’s ability to still makes you swing 60 years later.

Somehow the exact vibe I was looking for. The only time I felt bored was during ‘Lost Someone’. This is not due to the song being bad it’s just long and slightly kills the pace of the earlier tracks. Luckily the energy almost immediately returns. I can only imagine what it was like to watch this live at the Apollo theatre in 1962. 4/5

JAMES BROWN. JAMES BROWN. JAMES BROWN.

Hard to deny the energy in this live album. Also, the grooves. Very fun. Must-listen #258.

I can't imagine how over-the-top this must have sounded in 1962. Great energy to match that amazing horn section. The songs are much to brief, but the energy and sound are amazing.

It not my style bit he was a genius

Solid work from the hardest working man in show biz. Minus one star for the length of the performance (only 30 minutes) and a single track that takes up 1/3 of the runtime.

I'm quite familiar with James Brown but this album is new to me. This was a quite enjoyable live recording of early James Brown. I'll likely listen to this again.

8/10

3.7/5 B+

Lost someone was way too long but otherwise I really liked it. I’m more used to the later faster funk side of James brown so it was good to hear this side. I really liked some of the transitions particularly on the medley. Fun album

Wish I could've been there live. An incredible album only rating it 4 because its probably not an album that I'll listen to very often, or be able to put on in the background of everyday life. So interesting reading about Brown's insane influence on practically eveything, and piecing together how much I had already unknowingly listened to from him.

It’s James Brown mother fucker!

So much sauce here, I can only imagine how cool this was live. Live albums can definitely be a bit wonky sometimes, but every now and then those legendary ones can make you feel like you were there in the audience. Something about the cheering and laughing just put me in a good mood.

I’m impressed the recording quality is so high. He really proved his range on this one.

“Every instrument is a drum.” -James Brown My ratings are generally based on 2 things: 1). Did I like it?; 2). Is it influential on things I do like? James Brown is in that upper echelon of influence, like shit that you need to know on day 1 of being a pretentious pop music snob. He is an inspiration to artists ranging from Iggy Pop to Michael Jackson. He’s the most sampled artist in hip hop. He basically invented funk. He’s also kind of a monster if you read about him. If I'm judging a live album, I think the most important criteria is "Would I like to have been there?" and the answer here is a resounding yes. But at the same time, so much of James Brown's appeal is visual. Watch clips of this dude performing and he's an absolute madman on a scale that has only ever successfully been replicated by Michael Jackson. So, the question is whether the performance can really be conveyed to the listener through audio and audio alone. For that, I asked Wayne Kramer from MC5. I subsequently was informed that he's been dead for like 2 years, so I found a quote from him about it: "Our whole thing was based on James Brown. We listened to "Live At the Apollo" endlessly on acid. We would listen to that in the van in the early days of 8-tracks on the way to the gigs to get us up for the gig. If you played in a band in Detroit in the days before The MC5, everybody did "Please, Please, Please" and "I Go Crazy." These were standards. We modeled The MC5's performance on those records. Everything we did was on a gut level about sweat and energy. It was anti-refinement. That's what we were consciously going for." “Anti-refinement” and “gut level” are maybe a stretch here. This band is pretty damn precise. So precise that I assume James Brown pointed a gun at at least one member of the Famous Flames daily.

A fucking powerhouse performer, with auditory proof that no artist has had a crowd in the palm of their hand like this ever since. Does this album sound amazing, is it very re-listenable? Not realllly. But what you’re hearing is the Big Bang of funk, stylistically James Brown is soaring way ahead of his band, forging a sound that will change music forever.

Brimming with energy and vigor, James Brown has the audience in the palm of his hands for the show. Fantastic.

La forma en que pide que griten, les dice así no y les corrige como seguir gritando extasiadas. Auramaxxing. This man was swimming in pussy. Them horns tho. Este hombre era el goat la forma en la que lo dirige absolutamente todo a base de gritos, gruñidos y demás sonidos guturales. Immaculate vibes buenísima experiencia.

Not the energy level I was expecting from a James Brown concert, but that's a me problem

James Brown's music works best for me when he's at his highest energy. So, while Live At The Apollo isn't necessarily the bag I reach into when I want James Brown, there is still an undeniable importance to this album. This may even be better as a document than an album. The atmosphere of the concert experience is captured perfectly. There's just enough imperfection, and energy crackling around here. And the, almost rhythmically, *screaming* crowd here is one of the most important parts. People go crazy for James Brown, people go crazy for the "emcee", people go crazy for the band, and sometimes, it feels like people go crazy for nothing at all. But point is that the crowd is into it. It really captures the phenomenon that James Brown was. I'll also say, the way he blitzes through songs is *improbable*. Most of these songs are under 3 minutes. Except for the 10(!!!) minute long Lost Someone, the medley, which is sort of cheating, and Night Train. And a lot of these songs are a lot of fun. I will say that for its length, Lost Someone manages to not overstay its welcome. It helps that this album is so brief as is. This is like 31 minutes long. A Third of it is Lost Someone. Another third is The medley and Night Train. Which means that the rest of this album fits into like 10 minutes! It's almost a punk rock move. And the sheer tightness of the band helps a lot. I've heard that James Brown was almost impossible to work with and I believe it. I will say, for as much of a strength the brevity is, it's also kind of a weakness. This album doesn't have much weight as it passes through my ears. But, as I said, what is here is strong. Even though this isn't what I'm necessarily looking for out of James Brown, it is utterly successful in its goals.

I enjoyed this album listen from James Brown! He seemed like someone that would be electrifying and fun to see live. I loved the soulful and funky vibes that this live album delivered. I would give this another listen in the future if I was looking for something different from what I normally listen to and to energize myself. This album was a great time indeed!

Wouldn't expect anything other than high energy and good vocals!

A very iconic James Brown album

It's a live album, which I'm not a fan of. But more importantly, it's James Brown. The man can make doing your laundry fun. And every part of the performance is damn perfect, the instruments, the vocals, it's all good.

3.8 Ive always listened to Volume 2 of live at the apollo, there is a better selection of tunes on there. Makes sense, it was few years later.

It’s a banger.

Fun listen, wish I was in the crowd for this one

What a time capsule of an album. Brown is great, his energy infectious and the band is unbelievably tight, but a huge part of the charm of this is just the live performance. The screaming fans, the sound, the location. More than a lot of live albums, this really gave me the feeling of being in the room, which was quite cool. Great music, great performance. Had a lot of fun.

Good live album, which isn't common. James Brown is a legend for a reason.

שאולי: קצר מדי אבל היה סבבה שירה: אלבום מעולה, אך לא היה שיר שהפיל אותי

This album was a vibe! I mean who doesn't enjoy James Brown. The soul of this album can be heard throughout its entirety.

Really enjoyable 30 mins. So much energy.

It’s James Brown live of course it’s good.

Despite not being my favorite genre this was undeniably fun

fun shit!!!

Nothing not to like here. Unlike my standup set at the Apollo.

Baustelle, Gerstetten, Deutschland. Super Livealbum!

A lot of audience squealing in this live recording. Because it's James Brown.

I am too hung over for James Brown.

What the. Why are my ears wet??

Favorite Track: I Don't Mind

So, so hot.

So damn cool

What a sexy man. Incredible that this was live

What can you say other than the godfather, great album

The godfather of soul truly brings the energy in this live performance. While I didn’t really know any of the songs, I couldn’t help but feel the excitement as he did his thing.

Hell yeah, James Brown! My only real grief is that this album just seems to end prematurely, but it's a great listen.

Not normally a live album guy but this was pretty good.

I can only take James brown in small doses. He's got his historic yelps, yowls, and the call-out bits are fantastic. He's actually got a decent singing voice in the mid and lower registers, too. It's just that it doesn't take too much of his histrionics for me to get over it. Had to listen to this album in 4-5 song bursts. The production is pretty much what you'd expect from a live event at this time, a bit tinny and the crowd is too loud. But he definitely has them fired up. I guarantee that this was a wild time. He's a hell of a showman. But on a recording, when you can't see him jumping around, dancing with the people, and all of the cool characters in his band, it loses a lot. I'll give it a 4, in small doses. But, I know some folks love it and I can see why.

Not a fan, but the album is quite entertaining 7/10

Yeah, he's good. His style has been mimicked so often it's hard to gauge just how raw and powerful this must have been in the 60's.

Love a good live album of someone who can really sing.

Hard not to rate any James Brown record during his golden era as a 5. The man was truly in a league all his own.

Great live album

I'm sorry I never got to see him live. I had a ticket for a show, but he died before the concert. One of those lost opportunities. His music is so soulful and funky. His band was so tight. This album was a high water mark. Brilliant!

If you see my other reviews you know i like a band who can hit a groove so this album is going to hit the spot no doubt. James is great. Not a classically amazing singer i dont think but decent range, super soul and emotion. But it is the band that really make this. So together. So much shade and light. Amazing. Nevwr been to the Apollo but assume its a big venue no? If so this recording and the band manage to make it sound very intimate.

Fun live albums, the intro and the audience & performer feedback is so amazing. 4/5

Cultural 5; personal 4. That one long song kinda killed me.

He's great

good album but just not my vibes !!!! but i trully see the talent and good mood

He’s stolen my heart and soul and body and attention and dedication and nostalgia and my pain and my all and made magic

Just didn’t feel like this had his bangers

Can’t slight the king

All the energy and passion. What would it have been like to be in that concert.

Fun little album!

Such a fun listen to get the crowd's screams as well!

So good. So much emotion. So much groove

It's a perfect showcase of how he is live! It is early in his career so you don't get a lot of the hits that were to come but you could tell early on he was special

The screams of the souls of the damned haunted me with every track and Ill never kill again I promise just leave me rest I like the music beneath it all tho

Whew

Full of energy - a showman - not the greatest songs, but imagine to see that live would have been something special

Now, how do you rate James Brown. 5 just for being him & one of the most entertaining entertainers, ever. This album seems like a taste of what was comin' down the pike..maniacal energy, enthusiasm, spontaneity, feeling every note in the depths of his soul, just awesome

Sounds great, the energy is fantastic, liked it a lot.

Un album pour l'histoire, même s'il y a des creux. Quand tu vois ce qui sortait en même temps, vla le choc.

James’ voice is enigmatic. The band is incredible. I can’t believe this is early 60s

So easy to rate Jazz highly, but this is genuinely outstanding even to casual fans. How they managed to capture the perfect amount of crowd reaction and energy is beyond me. Such a treat Will be listening again and again

Low 7/10 for me Kinda jazzy some funkier songs but Sinatra tops this for me defo

This is why he's Mr Dynamite - it's a life affirming half an hour of impossibly tight energy

H: I don’t typically like live albums as the music sometimes loses the quality. This album lost no quality and had amazing energy throughout the performance. Only downside the crowd was a little over the top sometimes. 7/10 H fav song: I’ll go crazy Z: effortlessly balances between infectious energy and soulful ballads. The instrumental bridges helped tie this live album into a cohesive gift. Hearing the crowd engagement was also so cool— it felt like I was in the room with them. The recording is also incredible, especially given the fact that this was in 1962! James Brown baby. Like a sniff of cocaine. 8/10 Z favorite song: I Don’t Mind

Very charismatic

Usually not a fan of live albums but this was fantastic. Brown and crew crushed this set. I am unaware of most of James Brown's discog so I can't attest to any "oh wow that's a fun way to do that live" moments but this was great. Favorite Song: I Don't Mind

At first I wondered what I'd get from hearing raw footage of screaming fans of James Brown - as I continued to listen I understood why. He had a unique relationship with them, with stage presence and crowd interaction that is seen less frequently today. Was this a concert or a sermon? Overall very enjoyable, exactly what I'd expect from Brown.

Not long enough…

It was fun

What more can I say than James Brown goes hard. The man is talented and this sounded like an awesome live show to have witnessed!

Not listened to much James Brown outside of I Feel Good. This album is a great listen, but I wish it was made up of studio versions of the songs, instead of a live performance. Brown and the band perform excellently, but I'm not a big fan of listening to live performances if I'm not/was not at the event myself. It's why I don't watch Glastonbury on TV - for me, the crowd cheering takes away from the performance when you're not in the crowd. Short album overall, only 31 minutes. The second and third from last songs are 16 minutes on their own, making up over half the run time, but musically, Brown was very talented and I now want to hear more of his repertoire.

A really powerful live album. Have it on vinyl, so I’ve listened to it plenty. Brown and his band are in total control of the crowd.

James Brown showing why he is a legend. The only thing keeping this from being an easy 5 is it's way too short. He must've done more than a 30 minute set. A bunch of short (2 minute) songs, followed by one 10+ minute song, a medley, and his latest hit. That's it. Songs: 5 Performance: 5 Album: 4

Another well selected snapshot of musical history! Plus its James Brown!

It's great, but not what i need now.

Excellent. The band is razor sharp. Mr Brown's charisma is off the scale and the crowd are totally into it.

Pretty funky and fun

Good morning listen

This clearly has its roots in the call and response of the gospel tradition, and it's difficult not to compare it to Sexual Chocolate or other parodies. But JB really does have the (seemingly all female) audience in the palm of his hand, with his dramatic shouts and exhortations ("Can you feel me children?!". Actually that sounds bad written down). The solo scream from the crowd amidst 'Lost Someone' is hilariously fantastic. And it's that dramaturgy (that word making its first album review appearance) that makes this fizzle. This may well be his second best live performance ever committed to tape, behind his 1985 ringside performance of 'Living in America' in Rocky IV.

“Somebody screeeeam!” 4/5 Highlights: I’ll Go Crazy Try Me Medley: Please Please Please/You’ve Got The Power/I Found Someone

A powerful reminder that human beings can do this without the support of technical wizardry like click tracks and auto-tune. These folks didn't even have particularly good stage monitors, let alone in-ears -- you've really gotta know your part to sound this good when you can hardly hear yourself. In fact, you can hear the first few bars the guitar player (Les Buie) plays on 'I'll Go Crazy' are rushed. He settles in quick enough to avoid a fine from the boss, though (it was standard for bandleaders to dock the pay of musicians of this period for all manner of infractions, from musical to personal issues; it's how they ran tight ships). Check out the bass playing on 'Think', too. Hubert Perry just killing it. And, of course, the Famous Flames sound divine. It ought to be said that a great deal is lost without seeing Brown's performance. The show is choreographed and his charisma is magnetic, the costumes immaculate. James Brown was a top-to-bottom showman. It's worth checking out video of The T.A.M.I. Show (1964) for proof (it also features The Beach Boys, Chuck Berry, Marvin Gaye, Leslie Gore, The Miracles, The Supremes and The Rolling Stones, back in the Brian Jones days). In the end, this is an easy recommendation: it's a live recording of a live legend at the peak of his powers. 4/5 and by the time its 30-minute runtime ends, you'll be in a better mood than you started.

Легенда

You can hear how much fun this show would have been to attend. Well crafted, high energy live set with smooth instrumental transitions

Was not actively listening to this album. But I enjoyed what I paid attention too.

I love seeing a live album on this list. I loved midway through the album when. You just hear som random audience member scream at the top of their lungs

One of the great frontmen in music, although the recording and production on this record is of it's time you can still feel the energy of his shows, I wouldn't say the album has any great standout tracks but still a fun listen and his vocals are insanely good.

Great jazz record

Its an amazing listen. I dont think that any songs will fit in playlists just cause of old vibes but it is an album that i will be revisiting like listening to it completely. I enjoyed it a lot and daaamn James Brown's voice is amazing

The crowd at the Apollo really takes this recording to the next level, I can feel how exciting this was at the time. Great performances as well.

This is the first album, I dont listen to old music often so the differences are blaring, however i do find this sound very intresting to listen to and i wont say it is bad in anyway. The biggest change i can see is the vocals are way different than anything today and it doesnt feel like the music played is a background track to the actual vocals like modern music. It feels like the vocals are being used as an instrument instead of being the stronger force. Like an example is that there are times where he makes a loud part of the song happen in tadem with the music as the instruments will stop and then start again right when he makes the big noise. Lastly there is also a lot of crowd work in the songs due to them being live which makes them very unique. i dont know what other albums are going to appear so i will start out giving this a 80/100

Fun and quick

Fun recording. Infectious energy, tight arrangements, Brown's vocal power burns through on this.

A little slow to start, but the second half is pretty good.

I loved this. The live feel felt so great. Wonderfully recorded and James Brown absolutely killed it.

Amazing soul made even cooler with a live performance. Bonus points for screaming women.

It really feels like you're there at the Apollo watching him. I loved the energy and the atmosphere, the screams from the crowd. The recording still sounds so crisp and clear while being live. And James Brown is just.... the king of R&B. He's the ultimate performer.

I don't generally like live albums. James Brown is probably an exception to that. The way he feeds off the crowd (and the crowd feeds off him) makes the usually annoying crowd sounds part of the music. This likely wouldn't be as impactful if it was a studio performance.

fantastic

Love his voice and a concert album

Own this, just the greatest showman

irresistible

It’s just so good.

Really enjoyed this actually. Didn't take note of much songs by themselves but overall the album was very enjoyable. I think the live recording improved it as well. Wish I could play piano like that!

How statistically unlikely that this should be my third live album in a week having previously only had two in over 200 days. Not grumbling though as this was good, showcasing what a live force Brown and his band were at their peak. When I was growing up James Brown was much more recognised and lauded than he is today. The biggest music star of that era Michael Jackson openly acknowledged the influence of James Brown on his own music and showmanship, now it feels he's much more slept on. There was a biopic that I vaguely recall about 10 years ago but it didn't seem to generate the renewed interest that others did. It starred Chadwick Boseman, albeit pre Black Panther super-stardom. For someone whose timing was so immaculate on stage, it doesn't seem to have translated into his posthumous career.

So few have this talent to whip a crowd into a frenzy, then pull them back. Absolute palm of the hand

banger from 60s

Lost my notes. Wanted to love it, only liked it. Curious what a James Brown album would sound like, but the live concert is a bit rough on the edges. Feels like a weird selection for 1000 albums list.

Not a huge fan of his work but the production on this live album is soo clean and good. The people sound like theyre having a helluva time. Wish i could've been there fot it

Whoa. This is super old school. Soulful and blues driven. You can feel the passion.

I don’t generally like live albums, but this is great. There is the usual James Brown performance, which is Church with loads of soul. I prefer Godfather of Soul JB to funky JB, so this album is fine by me. Loads of cool here, loads of emotion, and a lot to enjoy.

I thought this album was really fun. The band is tight. The energy in the room is palpable and James actually sings instead of screams which he seemed to do more in his later years. I wish I had been in the room. I bet it was a blast. I love when the mood is so well captured on an album.

Damn good and fun short and sweet very simple and effective very

Pretty good. Although I’m more familiar with and prefer volume two that was recorded about five years later. On the deluxe version of volume two I love the extended grooves of There Was A Time and I Feel All Right.

Love that this is just a nonstop groove that only slows when the music demands, but sustains power. They bottle this up it could replace all those cancer-filled windmills.

I love me some James Brown. This was pretty great, and had a nice mix of four and five star songs, but doesn’t quite get to 5. I prefer Sex Machine, and I don’t think it’s on this list for some reason.

3.5/5

another certified bop two days in a row. james brown is the goat. people don't perform like this anymore.

An epic album for sure, though I prefer the funky-er side of James that comes later in his career.

Fine. Chill.

Classic album and very influential

The sound quality for a live album from the 60’s was impressive. James Brown doesn’t disappoint either.

I like when the audience goes AAAH

I've listened to other live James Brown albums and this very much captures the electricity of what he does. It's a very interesting contrast to modern concerts with the amount of interstitial instrumentation involved. A great listen.

Not my favorite James Brown recording, but still solid.

Exciting stuff. I hadn't heard stuff from this early in James Brown's career before and it was cool to find out that he had already taken on the "hardest working man in show-business" moniker and that his vocal style was already fully formed.

Soul and jazz and crazy vibes from the crowd. A fun listen.

I would have loved to have been at this show. Incredible how most of the songs are 2 minutes if not shorter. I love the feel of the band being so clearly incredible good but also that their performance is so wildly imperfect. It's the perfect combo. So alive.

Bien chouette

#120 - Awesome to hear it live. Wish I could've been there!

Rock n rol

Ends on an absolute banger.

Absolutely electric performance

All the energy.

James Brown is amazing. There's so much influence on Janis Joplin and Michael Jackson that's unbelievable. Very good work. 8/10

So quick, so tight, so good. Lost Someone is the peak: the crowd is in to it!

not fond of live albuns, but James Brown kills it

So so good. The model used by Prince and Springsteen and Elvis. Designed to entertain and please a crowd and it did.

he is a legend

Det er bra

Can't go wrong with James Brown

i would have liked to have been at that show

Absolutely pristine recording, especially for 1962. The band is in top form, tight as hell. Brown's voice is impeccable, easy to see why he's such an icon. The setlist itself could be a little better and, mainly longer, it feels like it's over just as it begins. I'd also love to see live footage, given the amount of screams you hear through the album. Would definitely listen again, a master at work.

Not bad at all, but again not my type

I’m not a massive fan of James Brown’s howling brand of soul music, but I can recognise and appreciate how talented he is as a singer and frontman. Not one I want to listen to endlessly, but I understand all the love.

great

OUGGHHHHGGHHHHHHHHHH

there's no fucking businiss like show business, people usually say... and here's this live album by the hardest working man in the show business. i listened to it in the middle of the night during a night flight to new york when im in some place transferring in the middle of the night and sitting near the broading gate at 2 in the morning listening to the blaring horns and james scatting into my headphone. so dynamic. so lively. so out of this world. some songs are a bit long but thats ok. im hallunicating cause i need to sleep at 6 in the morning to adjust to time lags the quickest. post script: i rly hate people who don't enjoy live albums. 4/5

James Brown är allt som oftast bra

Years later, this album would inspire some great Eddie Murphy skits.

Excellent stuff!

Clásico.

It sounds like it would have been fun to be there

Good stuff

Pretty cool. Pretty black. 60s soul who has learnt to reggue and roll the notes

Dynamite as one should expect! Now let me scroll through the other ratings and pity the tasteless chumps who voted 1 or 2.

Nice

What a chanter! Great songs. Live performance has to be taken into consideration.

Wel lekker maar een beetje te oud om echt vast te luisteren

Favorite live album so far. Feel like the live aspect accually had a positive impact on the record.

Quite impressive that Brown funded this album all out of pocket. They certainly made an impression!

Whoever thought live albums weren't a good idea shouldn't then go around adding more audience screaming to it. These people made a self fulfilling prophecy. Nevertheless James brown wrote excellent songs and brings them with power and a unique voice. The band is giving it their all. Looking forward to more from this artist.

1962. That was a long time ago. This guy’s career has spanned nearly y whole life. He became a bit of a caricature of himself for a time, but man did he own his act. This is extremely funky for 1962, but that’s not entirely surprising. You can almost smell the sweat.

Fantastic live performance. Would have been utterly insane to see Brown in his prime.

Hardest working man in showbiz indeed

Can we get the girls to scream a little more? - James Brown asks them to scream every song…

Helt ok fredagsalbum, energisk og gøy, men ingenting æ beit mæ merke i.

Never into James Brown but what a great early fusion of what would be funk and soul

Brown and his band were on FIRE here