Live and Unreleased (album)
Live and Unreleased is a common album title format used within the music industry, generally referring to a compilation album that features both recordings captured during live performances and recordings that were previously unreleased, often studio outtakes, demos, or alternate versions of existing songs.
Such albums are often released for a variety of reasons, including:
- To satisfy demand from fans: Particularly in the case of deceased artists or disbanded groups, Live and Unreleased albums can provide fans with new material to enjoy.
- To supplement existing discographies: These albums can offer a more complete picture of an artist's career or creative process.
- As a promotional tool: Sometimes, a Live and Unreleased album is released to generate renewed interest in an artist or band.
- For archival purposes: To preserve and make available historically significant performances or recordings.
- Contractual obligations: Occasionally, a Live and Unreleased album may be released to fulfill contractual obligations with a record label.
The track listing of a Live and Unreleased album typically includes a mix of live versions of well-known songs and previously unheard material. The sound quality of the recordings can vary significantly depending on the source material and the effort put into remastering. Some Live and Unreleased albums are professionally recorded and mixed, while others may be bootleg-quality recordings sourced from audience tapes.
The term is descriptive, and therefore many albums, across various genres and artists, have this title, often with an addition specifying the artist name. For example, "Artist X - Live and Unreleased". Due to the commonality of the title format, specific albums are typically identified by including the artist's name along with the title.