This album is incredible. It's a perfect blend of topical songs and more subtle folk tracks. The highlights are versions of Poe's "The Bells" and Alfred Noyes' "The Highwayman" set to music.
All of Van Zandt's studio albums are marred by poor production, limp performances, or uninspired song selections. This one tops them all, and it even has the edge over the legendary Live At The Old Quarter, by virtue of a quicker pace (no annoying jokes here!) and an incredible backing band.
Spiral Scratch is still their best work, but this easily tops Singles Going Steady.
I'll throw in the Sex Pistols' Burton-On-Trent gig if we're counting that as an official live album.