The debate over the greatest live act in the major leagues has long centered on The Rolling Stones, U2, and Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. "Bullet in a Bible" serves as proof positive that any such discussion is now incomplete without the inclusion of Green Day [ tickets ].

Once a snotty-nosed, potty-mouthed trio of Oakland, CA-area punks who first honed their craft at the famed 924 Gilman Street venue, Green Day has transformed itself into arguably the biggest and best live band on the planet.

Recorded in front of the 130,000-plus fans that attended Green Day's two headlining shows at London's Milton Keynes National Bowl back in June, "Bullet in a Bible" is every bit as powerful and convincing as the band's epic rock opera "American Idiot," a studio work that numerous critics--including many of those here at liveDaily--rated as the top CD of 2004.

The band is utterly explosive as it opens with the biting single "American Idiot" and then moves through the engaging five-part "Jesus of Suburbia" suite, a vastly intelligent piece of pop-punk that can be seen as a modern variation on The Who's masterful "A Quick One While He's Away." Green Day also receives high marks for delivering such decade-old hits as "Brain Stew" and "Basket Case" with the same type of passion and purpose as the new tunes.

Besides the excellent live CD, the "Bullet in a Bible" package also includes a DVD with over 100 minutes of behind-the-scenes footage, exclusive performances and candid interviews--which makes it the perfect holiday gift for the "American Idiot" in your life.