The Decibel Tolls

I recently stumbled upon this impeccable DAT soundboard-quality bootleg of a November 1994 performance by Ride, though bootleg may not be the right word. This recording often appears on the band discographies, but Ride never gave permission for an “official release.” Hence, before the mighty intarwebz, Live Light was available only in Japan.

Particularly special about this recording is that, given the date, this was probably the last document of the original Ride in their prime. Carnival of Light, released earlier that year, was Ride’s White Album. Chief songwriters Andy Bell and Mark Gardener were majorly bummed on each other, creating a huge rift in continuity on Light. Bell, as you may know, went on to join Oasis after the group’s demise in early ‘96. Talk about a rebound date.

Live Light was taped in either Lyon or Nancy, France according to the Ride Gigography. The album’s liner notes don’t specify. Either way, it is absolutely necessary for any shoegaze fan to have this swan song document of the genre’s premiere artist. Hence, I’m offering it at the link below. It’s the CD version of the bootleg. There was a light blue 2LP version as well that featured two songs not available on the disc (“Twisterella” and “Drive Blind,” the latter I’d love to hear). If anyone has those jams, holla at ya boi Bloggins here.

ZIP :::
Ride – Live Light (approx. 77 MB)

MP3 :::
Ride – Chelsea Girl (Live – 11/94, France)
Ride – Leave Them All Behind (Live – 11/94, France)
Ride – Close My Eyes (Live – 11/94, France)