The Flying Burrito Brothers: Live In Amsterdam

THE FIRST double album in rock that I remember was Blonde On Blonde, and to this day it is one of the few which really justifies its length (not counting compilations or doublebacks). There are others: Live Dead makes necessary use of four sides to create the impression of a complete live set unfolding before you, Layla by Derek and the Dominoes sustains itself. It's far easier to name double albums which are padded out with second rate songs, alternative takes and, often, appalling live material. Even the Beatles were guilty of such self indulgence on their white album The Beatles which could so easily have another Abbey Road.