Greatest Hits Live Live in San Diego, CA - Aug.11.1997

Greatest Hits Live - CD Issued 1997 Audience recording

Songs as listed on cover WHITE = corrections DISC-1 Star Spangled Banner Rock n' Roll Band Peace of Mind It's Been Such a Long Time Interlude Don't Look Back Instrumental (Blues a la Boston) More Than a Feeling Guitar Solo Livin' for You Cool the Engine Surrender to Me Hollyann Higher Power Tell Me Amanda (New Version) Amanda DISC-2 Launch Walk On Medley At Night Walk On Get Organized Walk On (Some More) I Need Your Love To Be a Man I Think I Like It Party Foreplay/Long Time Feelin' Satisfied Something About You Smokin'

One of the better bootlegs from the 1997 tour, but not real interesting

Greatest Hits Live was I believe the first bootleg to some out from the Greatest Hits tour. Lots of people hailed it for its superb sound quality, while others scorned it for its bad sound quality. So what gives?

It's not a bad recording really, but there is something about it that makes it sound kind of hollow. Maybe it was the accoustics of the venue, or maybe it was the mix that night, or maybe it was just the location of the seat. Or maybe somebody fiddled with the EQ before distributing it. Still, it's enjoyable to listen to. It's got great bass and the mid-range is clear and defined, perhaps a bit too much. The high end is heavy and possibly a bit harsh.

The set is not the short one often played on this tour, particularly at the end of the tour, but it's not the long one either. They do play the long version of "Walk On", but they cut out "The Journey", "What's Your Name", and "Magdalene". The back cover boasts a "new version" of Amanda, but don't be fooled. It's the same version we are all familiar with. The problem for me is the lackluster performance. It seems they are just going through the motions and not really performing. I really hate saying that about my favorite band.

The artwork is boring too. Although well done, it's nothing more than a Boston logo over a brown texture. But hey! Nice drop shadow guys! The back cover is the same as the front, except it lists the songs. There is nothing on the inside, no photos of the band, no Boston logo, just the white side of the paper.

Bottom line is that it's not as good as some people have said, it's not as bad as some people have said either. It is one of the better bootlegs from the 1997 tour; however the 1997 tour was one of the most heavily recorded tours and there are numberous fan recordings floating around that put this one to shame.

Other bootlegs from this tour: Greatest Hits
Greatest Hits Live
Landed Again

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