2009 two CD set. Joe Jackson was one of the pioneers of the leading British-based artists that brought a New Wave sound to the world in the late '70s. This compilation of recordings is taken from the BBC s archives, who caught a snapshot of the artist at the start of his career and charted his phenomenal rise to success. Recorded between 1979 and 1983, this collection contains 32 live recordings including Is She Really Going Out With Him Steppin Out , Real Men , Breaking Us In Two and It s Different For Girls . Certainly, Joe Jackson in his prime! Universal.

2009-05-25 -- 5/5:: Live & Improvised showmanship at its finest
I'mm sure the other reviewers have mentioned many aspects of this fine 2 cd set capturing shows in 4 different BBC broadcasts. I will say that if you are JJ fan - you need this. I have never heard the band or Joe sound this "hungry"; the energy generated during these performances is amazing and the band is very tight. Joe gives the band room for some solos and if you see songs repeated chances are they aren't played the same way twice. Joe and his band were climbing the ladder at this point just before their peak popularity. Truly a great live performer that should be even more appreciated today in the face of bland American Idol performances that play it safe and much of today's formulaic top 40 bands. Joe plays to the audience and incites them to be part of the show; the band ignites, smolders and catches fire at all the right times. This is as good or better than the Live 80-83 cd because it's just a bit more raw, fiery and personable than the earlier live release. Joe's five for five among the reviewers - what more can I say?

2009-05-09 -- 5/5:: Smoking Joe
I have been a long time fan of Joe Jackson. This is a really good live collection of his work. There were some songs that I have never heard (Friday, Tuxedo Junction, and others) before but they are all good. The only song that I was disappointed in was "Another World." I have heard several versions of this (the best one is on Two Rainy Nights)and this one was off. Other than that one song (32 in all)this is an outstanding collection. I have never seen him in concert but it sounds like he is having fun and puts on a great show!

2009-04-22 -- 5/5:: It's Joe Jackson
If you like early Joe Jackson, you'll be in love with this CD, of course. What more needs to be said? He and his band are at their energetic best and the songs fly by like home run hits at a baseball park. Go beat crazy!

2009-04-04 -- 5/5:: Beginning Joe
This is the start of Joe Jackson. If you like him you will love this.

2009-03-19 -- 5/5:: Joe Live at the BBC
This 2 Cd release seemed to get no fanfare at all and was a complete surprise to me that such a collection has appeared. Simply a very good collection of BBC live recordings from the early period of Joe's career. Excellent audio quality with liner notes that are rather basic. Joe Jackson fans should grabbed this one. Hopefully, more live recordings and rarities from Joe Jackson vaults will follow.