The Alice Cooper Show (Live)

By 1977 Alice Cooper’s stage performances had become more theatrical than ever. And sure, you can’t get all the blood, fire, smoke and monstrous props to come out of an audio recording. But as far as live albums go, this recording from Las Vegas’ Aladdin Hotel sounds awesome. Alice successfully hits his notes with the sinister snarls and growls that fans know and love. “Under My Wheels” gets the party started with a flawless vocal performance driving some of that boogie-glam before “Eighteen” unfolds into a face-melting guitar solo with different lyrics than the recorded version and some tipsy parlor piano. Even the ridiculously maudlin ballad “Only Women Bleed” sounds better here with tight harmonies and the pure tone of a live piano. Other highlights include a gargantuan version of “Billion Dollar Babies” as well as the medley “I Love the Dead/Go to Hell/Wish You Were Here.” And bookending with an epic rendition of “School’s Out” is an excellent way to finish a kickass show.