The Counting Crows - Across A Wire: Live In New York City

Too much too soon is the m.o. of so many bands who, thanks to the fleeting fame that accompanies music-video breakthroughs, are famous before their time and has-beens five minutes later. You could be excused for thinking that's the case with Counting Crows, darlings of both MTV and VH1, who here release a double concert CD after only two studio albums. But you'd be wrong. The set, an acoustic disc recorded for VH1's Storytellers and an electric one from MTV's Live from the 10 Spot, proves how well the oft-bootlegged Crows have earned their reputation as a smoking live band. It also shows how elastic their rambling and evocative songs can be, some of which appear on both discs but in vastly different arrangements. People may tire of vocalist Adam Duritz's perpetually-wounded-soldier-of-love act, but this is one band whose success was hard-won and is richly deserved. --Daniel Durchholz Amazon.com

What a wonderful live experience!

This is one of the best live albums I've ever purchased and I think every one who likes pop/rock like Counting Crows should get themselves a copy, because the band's perfomance is extraordinary good - both of the performances!

It's a double live album which contains two live recordings from Vh1: Storytellers and a Mtv gig. The first is kind of an unplugged acoustic concert which is more quit and philosophic - also because of Adam's lyrical adds to the songs and the bands new interpretations of the songs. This is an individual decision if you like this or not, but I love it! The Mtv concert is more loud and the songs are more the ones you know from the albums, but still you feel the band's energy and you understand why they are such a popular live band.
The album contain songs from the two first albums: August and Everything After and Recovering the Satellites.

Overall it's a very good album, and I don't recognize any reason not to buy this if you like Counting Crows, because it shows some new sides of the band and if you don't like the band or have never heard of them before, then go buy it anyways because it's a musical experience under any circumstance.


Nicolai ;D December 23, 2007

If you want the orginal recorded music by that instead!

I wasn't a huge fan of the live music. Too many audience noise to drown out the otherwise amazing music. The audio never feels authentic to me. The VH1 disk is worth the money and then some. But beware. If you are a person that only wants to hear as band sing their songs exactly like they do on the album, this is NOT for you. I love the way they have changed the songs and lyrics to fit the mood that they're in at the time they're singing it. "I think we know how to play them now" probably explaines more than I could ever attempt. If you looked back at things you have done years ago, I am sure you would change them to reflect your position today. This album makes those changes and it's truly blissful to go along for the ride. June 23, 2007

Great live music from the Counting Crows

Normally I am a total purist when it comes to concerts. I like the songs to sound the way they do on the CD, and I don't like surprises. But after seeing Counting Crows live this summer for the first time, I was amazed. It didn't matter that they changed the arrangements. They were just incredible. I immediately ordered Across A Wire, which didn't disappoint. This double CD captures their live performances for VH1 and MTV. It brought me right back to this summer's concert, and let me really appreciate Adam Duritz's vocals and the band's ability to change things up. Anyone who likes this band live will appreciate this CD set.
November 8, 2006

Best album of CC besides August and Everything After

Live music from Counting Crows! I somehow only just found this CD after being a CC fan since 1994. The energy of this performance is exhilarating. Adam Duritz is still raw, a trait I love and miss, since I think the rawness of his performing and writing has evaporated over the last five years or so.
I highly recommend this as a must have CD of Counting Crows. Two CDs, one is more acoustic than the other. My preference is for the second CD which is edgy and loud, long versions of songs I love. Sullivan Street, track 4 on CD#2 is awesome.
There are two versions of "Round Here" on this CD, one acoustic with only Adam and Dave. Both are fantastic. August 24, 2006

I was at this show

I actually went to live at the 10 spot. I remember them announcing they were recording this live. It was a great show, though I had wished it was longer. Seems like the Counting Crows are lazy. I was a little disappointed they didn't play Mr. Jones. Overall great show though. August 5, 2006

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