Ghost Stories Live 2014 [CD/DVD]

Following the studio album by a matter of months instead of years, preserves 's supporting tour for their 2014 album, . Unlike many live albums, this record isn't a stroll through the band's back pages. Instead, this provides live versions of each of the nine songs from , all cobbled together from performances given in London, Sydney, Paris, New York City, Cologne, and Los Angeles. isn't an especially kinetic album and its original incarnation emphasizes studio textures, some of which are captured in concert; there are synths and perhaps hints of tapes as well. Overall, resist the temptation to give these meditative songs muscle, nor do they rush the tempos, which means merely feels bright and open -- a nice distinction for the hardcore fans who are the real audience for this pleasant package. [ was also released as a CD/DVD set.] ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine