Little Rock to Leipzig

Oysterband (formerly The Oyster Band) released this collection of live recordings in 1990, and it offers a valuable window on what they sounded like outside the studio: every bit as tight, but with a stripped-down vibe that nicely blends folkie fiddle and English concertina with electric guitar and drums. There are modern protest songs (including the stirring a cappella “Coal Not Dole”), traditional tunes, and a few anomalies — like a hard-rocking take on “I Fought the Law” and a charming instrumental medley over which singer John Jones calls a country dance.