There was a time when the idea of the “live” album meant variation on songs, the energy of the crowd, or a great sound that can’t be produced in the best studio money can buy. Whatever happened to the idea of making great live albums that carry energy you can’t get on any studio album? Greats such as The Allman Brothers Band’s “Live at the Fillmore East” or Johnny Cash’s “Live at Folsom Prison” still seem to be that kind of special live album that can’t be matched.

It may be cliche to say that music created 40 years ago was the best there was, or that it can’t be topped. But in regard to live albums, that definitely seems to be the case.

Modern live discs seem to lack creative variation of songs and a unique sound.

More or less, the live discs today sound almost exactly like the studio albums, with mindless banter by the band in between songs.

Public Enemy’s newest release, “Fight the Power,” is no exception to all the stereotypes of what modern live albums sound like.

Even though the disc carries the same name as their 1989 live VHS, it is in no way linked. In fact, the show that this release was recorded at happened in 2004 in Australia.

The newest release from the legendary rap group also offers a live DVD of the show.

Be that as it may, it still doesn’t make up for the fact that this compilation of songs would be better if listened to on their original recordings – not live.

Another live album of our generation that just can’t live up to its expectations. No shock there.