Live at the Shepherds Bush Empire cover

Live at the Shepherds Bush Empire

Ezio · 1999

68 min · 11 tracks · traditional folk music

An intimate, acoustic tapestry woven with heartfelt storytelling and rich harmonies that resonate deeply with folk traditions.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Angel Song — This opening track sets the tone for the performance with its poignant lyrics and melodic structure that encapsulate the album's heartfelt essence.
  • →
    Go — The energetic delivery and engaging chorus make this track a fan favorite, showcasing the band's ability to blend narrative with rhythm.
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    Sweet Thing / Tuesday Night — This medley highlights Ezio's dexterity in songwriting and arrangement, transitioning seamlessly between reflective verses and an uplifting chorus.
  • →
    Just to Talk to You Again — With its emotionally charged lyrics, this track exemplifies the band's talent for crafting songs that resonate on a personal level with listeners.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

55 /100
Foothills
Higher than 45% of albums we've rated

The live setting enhances the emotional delivery, while the varied arrangements keep the listener engaged.

What we noticed

  • The running order emphasizes storytelling, with songs flowing into one another seamlessly, enhancing the narrative arc of the performance.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • intimate live storytelling experience
  • back-loaded emotional climaxes
  • warm melodies for reflection
  • evening listening with friends

Maybe skip if you

  • fast-paced music seekers
  • instant gratification enthusiasts

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1999, 'Live at the Shepherds Bush Empire' captures Ezio at a pivotal moment in their career, following their self-titled debut album. This live recording showcases their growing presence in the UK folk scene, highlighting their ability to connect with audiences through storytelling and musicianship.
Stylistic neighbors
Nick Drake· John Martyn· Sufjan Stevens

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • The Further We Stretch

    A section where the narrative shifts from collective memories to intimate reflections on personal relationships.

    This shift deepens the song's emotional impact, as it moves from shared experiences to a more vulnerable exploration of individual feelings.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Angel Song 5:46
  • 2 The Oranges Song 4:27
  • 3 Go 4:53
  • 4 Alex 5:54
  • 5 At That Moment 7:01
  • 6 Sweet Thing / Tuesday Night 10:55
  • 7 Deeper 4:45
  • 8 Just to Talk to You Again 4:01
  • 9 The Further We Stretch 5:15
  • 10 One More Walk Round the Dance Floor 4:55
  • 11 Saxon Street 10:28

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata