Showing posts with label rock. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rock. Show all posts

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Woodstock: 3 Days of Peace & Music Director's Cut (40th Anniversary Ultimate Collector's Edition with Amazon Exclusive Bonus Disc) Review

Woodstock: 3 Days of Peace and Music Director's Cut (40th Anniversary Ultimate Collector's Edition with Amazon Exclusive Bonus Disc)
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Woodstock, the 40th Anniversary Ultimate Collector's Edition is an wonderful box but far from perfect. If you have the 1994 Director's Cut you already have the meat of this box set. The extra songs are great (really!) but only worth paying for if you're itching for any new footage. Of course, if you don't already have a version of the Woodstock concert on DVD, then by all means get this box. The extra DVD contains three songs from the Creedence Clearwater Revival set which is fantastic to finally see (along with extra songs from another dozen groups). And PLEASE buy if from Amazon as they include their own exclusive DVD with a few very rare songs (limited time). The Life magazine reprint is fun but I would have preferred they replaced most of the "stuff" with another DVD. My personal peeve is the absence of Melanie. Even it you get this box set, it will still be worth the money to buy the 2 DVD set of +Jimi Hendrix: Live at Woodstock+ and (if you still have a VHS player that works) its also worth seeking out the VHS tape from 1991 titled, +Woodstock: The Lost Performances+ which contains a hour of songs that are not in the new box set. The extra songs in the new box set are not integrated into the Movie, so you will have to change DVD's to see all the songs of a particular group. Perhaps when the 50th Anniversary rolls around we will finally get a box that puts all the performance footage together as it ought to be. If not, maybe we can have our Cryogenically frozen heads defrosted in time for the 100th Anniversary (don't count on it). Oh, as to the complaints of others about the songs being "corrected", just ignore them, the sound is great.

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Sunday, December 30, 2012

Slipknot - Disasterpieces (2002) Review

Slipknot - Disasterpieces (2002)
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I've been waiting for quite some time for a new Slipknot DVD to come out, and I was hoping it would be one that would show one of their live performances. Well, that day has come. Slipknot's "Disasterpieces" is for anybody who is a fan of Slipknot.
This live performance is more than satisfactory. The video and sound quality is really superb. It's almost like you're there live. The concert took place at the London Arena, which shows us just how crazy a London crowd can be at one of these shows. Along with seeing them perform their songs, you get to see the band prepare for the show as well. They play a lot of songs from the second album, as well as with the first one. Some of them you can count on seeing are "disasterpiece," "wait and bleed," "(sic)," "purity," "left behind," "my plague," and many, many more.
This 2 disk collection also features all of the band's videos, including a rare animated version of "wait and bleed," the bonus audio track "purity," and more.
They're a group either people love or hate, which is fine. They're not for everyone. They take their music to the extreme, always willing to take it to the limit. Some may consider their lyrics brutal and violent, but that's not Slipknot's message. Yes, believe it or not, they do have a message. And it's not "f- the world" or "everyone is garbage." Their message is that it's okay to have negative thoughts, just as long as you deal with them the right way. They deal with their demons through music. Slipknot's "Disasterpieces" is a must-have for any Slipknot fan.

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No Description AvailableNo Track Information AvailableMedia Type: DVDArtist: SLIPKNOTTitle: DISASTERPIECESStreet Release Date: 11/26/2002

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Wednesday, October 17, 2012

David Bowie - Best of Bowie (2002) Review

David Bowie - Best of Bowie (2002)
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This is a Bowie DVD that is actually clear and of great quality. For those poor souls who bought the Glass Spider or Serious Moonlight DVD I'm sure you haven't noticed much difference from the VHS. This DVD is extra special because of the more recent videos that never made it to USA TV and the stunning clarity of the older material. Yes, LIFE ON MARS is supposed to look like that! We have all years represented here but we still have some of the more oscure stuff missing like DB's '80's soundtrack work with Pat Metheny or Raymond Briggs. Maybe those recordings are owned by someone else and will never see a real release. Now as far as Easter Eggs go...I won't say WHERE but I will say WHAT: full 20 minute Jazzin' For Blue Jean video promo, Russell Harty interview, MTV promo club version of Blue Jean (alternate video), Day In Day Out (extended dance mix video),Seven Years in Tibet (mandarin Version video), Survive (Live paris '99 and more to be discovered. Remember you have 2 discs here...there will be a lot!!

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The 47-track Best of Bowie traces the many incarnations of David Bowie from the androgynous, glam-rock rebel of the 1970s to his more recent incarnation as the postmodern pop ironist of the '90s. He's always kept us on our toes-and now you can relive some of his greatest moments-from Ziggy Stardust to China Girl. It's all here.
Format: Best of, Color, Dolby, NTSC
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. )
Number of discs: 2
Rating:
Studio: Virgin Records
DVD Release Date: November 19, 2002
Run Time: 252 minutes
DVD Features:
Available Audio Tracks: English (PCM Stereo)
Disc 1: Oh! You Pretty Things (from Old Grey Whistle Test), Queen Bitch (from OGWT), Five Years (from OGWT), Starman (from Top of the Pops), John I'm Only Dancing, The Jean Genie, Space Oddity, Drive-in Saturday (from Russell Harry Plus Pop), Life on Mars?, Ziggy Stardust (from the motion picture), Rebel Rebel (from TopPop), Young Americans (from the Dick Cavett Show), Be My Wife, "Heroes," Boys Keep Swinging, D.J., Look Back in Anger, Ashes to Ashes, Fashion, Wild Is the Wind, Let's Dance, China Girl, Modern Love, Cat People (Putting Out Fire) (from Serious Moonlight Tour), Blue Jean, Loving the Alien, Dancing in the Street (with Mick Jagger)
Disc 2: Absolute Beginners, Underground, As the World Falls Down, Day-In Day-Out, Time Will Crawl, Never Let Me Down, Fame '90, Jump They Say, Black Tie White Noise, Miracle Goodnight, Buddha of Suburbia, The Heart's Filthy Lesson, Strangers When We Meet, Hallo Spaceboy, Little Wonder, Dead Man Walking, Seven Years in Tibet, I'm Afraid of Americans, Thursday's Child, Survive
Hidden interviews and alternate videos

Size: 7 1/2" x 5 1/4" x 1/2"


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Friday, August 24, 2012

Nickelback: Live at Sturgis Review

Nickelback: Live at Sturgis
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Nickelback is awesome live! I enjoyed every second of this concert. It is censored but I don't really care its still great! (plus most of the boob-flashing chicks were ugly anyway LOL) this a great dvd for Nickelback fans. just so you know here's whats on the DVD:
1.Animals
2.Woke Up This morning
3.Photograph
4.Because of You
5. Far Away
6. Never Again
7. Savin' Me
8. Someday
9. Side of a Bullet
10. How You Remind Me
11. Too Bad
12. Figured You Out

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Item Name: Live from Sturgis; Studio:1 AM APPROACH

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Friday, August 17, 2012

The U.S. vs. John Lennon Review

The U.S. vs. John Lennon
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THE US VS. JOHN LENNON is a riveting documentary that shows how the judicial and immigration system works in the United States. John Lennon was placed under the microscope by President Nixon and the US FBI during the early 1970s because he posed as a threat to Nixon's political campaign, and an intense influence on the youth of America as a result of his music and iconoclastic image. Bottom line, the film focuses on Lennon's activism as well as the controversial and gray aspects of the meaning of activism and dissent.
Director David Leaf interweaves Lennon's music within the documentary with a collage of images of the mop-top Beatle to the bearded-hippie shouting for world peace from an Amsterdam hotel room alongside the press and fellow peers. The core participants and leaders of the late 1960s and early 1970s are presented in the film, such as John Sinclair, Angela Davis, J. Edgar Hoover, President Richard M. Nixon, and various writers and journalists who reported about Lennon. The interesting aspect are the recent interviews of those political activists who attempted to make a mark on society. Within Leaf's documentary is the past, but the political atmosphere of the present appears to parallel or bear similarities to the past.
THE US VS. JOHN LENNON is entertaining. In light of serious events that occurred in Lennon's life, he tend to press on. There are funny moments in the film as well as serious ones. But the film also presents the chilling aspects of the system of government, and the powers that be. Lennon may have been one the last influential figures of the 1960s who spoke and sang a thousand words to a generation that just wanted to be listened and understood, and politics did not stop him from creating his love of music for all to hear.
This film is highly recommended for all Lennon fans as well as those who would like to understand the relationship between politics and music.

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The compelling and provocative story of John Lennon's evolution from beloved Beatle to outspoken artist and activist to iconic inspiration for peace, and how, in the midst of one of the most tumultuous times in American history, Lennon stood his ground, refused to be silenced and courageously won his battle with the U.S. Government.

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Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Jethro Tull: Live at Madison Square Garden 1978 (DVD/CD) (2009) Review

Jethro Tull: Live at Madison Square Garden 1978 (DVD/CD) (2009)
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Do this: buy this set. Insert the DVD into your video player. Choose 'Track select: Opening.' Then enjoy an hour of the most exceptional Jethro Tull footage heretofore released. Ask: When have you been so richly entertained for $20? But wait, there's more: add the audio tracks that precede and follow the DVD footage, and the companion CD you get, too.
We probably have this in common: the whole CD catalog, all the video released to date, the album where the band stands up, and the one that folds out as a newspaper. If I were to select a single favorite Jethro Tull product, it may very well be the concert telecast featured on this DVD. I simply can't recommend it more highly.

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Saturday, April 7, 2012

Shakira: Live & Off The Record Review

Shakira: Live and Off The Record
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As a gentleman with a bit of grey in my hair, I've been privileged to have seen almost every major act that came down the road. I saw this concert at another stop on the tour, and I must say I was completely and breathlessly KNOCKED OUT by Shakira's performance, on every professional and ethereal level. The atmosphere in the arena was as highly charged as I've ever experienced, and her entrance as you'll witness on this disc was dramatic, mysterious, sensual and almost otherworldly. When those lights hit the snake and the opening chords of Ojos Asi were struck... and as she began to move... and as she seemed to float forward to the mike... I'll tell you, it was a life moment, I'll never forget it. It was genuinely surreal. What was SO incredible, however, was that by the time the song was about to end and we had seen her movement, heard her voice, and felt the powerful and exotic wall of sound reduce to a simple violin phrase, the crowd was almost silent, as though dumbstruck. Few entrances and opening numbers have ever left me speechless... but this did. As to the DVD, it's A+ in every regard except for being the single most poorly edited video I've ever sat through. A blind editor would have done a better job. Otherwise the show is great, sound is great, camerawork when left alone for more than one second is good (this speed freak MTV five shots a second nonsense must end!), this woman has perhaps the most beautiful face since Bardot and she moves like an opium dream. Buy it and see why Britney and Christina cut their tours short - they obviously watched this DVD!

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No Description AvailableNo Track Information AvailableMedia Type: DVDArtist: SHAKIRATitle: LIVE & OFF THE RECORDStreet Release Date: 03/30/2004

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Sunday, February 12, 2012

Heavy Metal (Collector's Edition) (1981) Review

Heavy Metal (Collector's Edition) (1981)
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I can't believe the number of negative reviews this movie has gotten! I bet these people don't like James Bond movies, either.
To fully appreciate Heavy Metal, one has to understand the era it came out in. At the time, most animation, at least what was seen in the US, was frequently of the "family entertainment" variety seen in Saturday morning cartoons and TV commercials. Apart from Ralph Bakshi, most animators were basically shackled by the need to present something that was "rated G". Heavy Metal took the exact opposite route. It was a liberating experience for the animators working on the film to be allowed to draw things they usually weren't allowed. And they got paid to do it, too!
After the opening Soft Landing sequence, we're introduced to the Loc-Nar, a glowing green orb responsible for all the evil that has plagued the universe (or at least, that which has plagued the human race). The various stories contained in the film are told by the Loc-Nar to a young girl, as examples of it's awesome power.
The stories include the film noir homage Harry Canyon, the male "wish fulfillment fantasy" of Den (which demonstrates the versatility of the late John Candy, who voices both Dan, the science nerd who gets transported into an alternate dimension by the Loc-Nar, as well as Den, the Conan/He-Man-esque beefcake that he is magically transformed into), the highly amusing Captain Sternn (trivia: the voice of the prosecutor is done by John Vernon, the actor who portrayed Dean Wormer in Animal House), the EC-esque B-17 (aka Gremlins, which went through so many script revisions, it's a miracle it got finished at all), the bizarrely hilarious So Beautiful And So Dangerous (ok, maybe there's some truth to the juvenilia charges during this segment, but only a corpse could keep from laughing at this piece), and revenge scenario of Taarna (imagine a tougher, sexier version of Xena, only about a decade and a half earlier).
While there IS some element of juvenilia here, it's no worse than any other movie that's been released by any major studio during the last 25 years. In fact, I bet it's a little more cerebral than most of those other movies. Harry Canyon is a rather crafted film noir homage, while some elements of Taarna are clearly patterned on Sergio Leone's spaghetti westerns. And while there are a couple sex scenes and a certain amount of excessive violince in Heavy Metal, again, it's nothing compared to some of the garbage that's shown on cable TV these days. I'd certainly rather watch this than Basic Instinct or No Way Out.
This movie is a classic piece of animation. Yeah, some of it's rough around the edges, but that has a lot to do with Columbia's decision to move up the deadline so they could have the original movie out in time for the summer 81 season. One has to consider the scope of the undertaking, and the relatively short time that was at hand to create it.
Look at the "travelling sequence" during Taarna, where she's shown riding her mount (a sort of large bird creature) over a rolling landscape, and consider that it was done WITHOUT the use of any kind of computer generated work. It's explained in the audio commentary on the rough cut of the film, as well as during the documentary how it was done, and why it didn't quite turn out as planned). No one had ever done anything like that, and it had to all be done by hand.
Really, you can't take this movie too seriously. It's a movie that exists soley to entertain. There's no big message or point to the movie. Just put the DVD in the player, turn out the lights, turn up the volume LOUD, and just enjoy the trip.
It should be noted, that this disc also contains some of the best bonus features I've seen on any DVD. Besides the regular movie, you get a full length "rough cut" of the film, consisting of storyboards, pencil tests, and some completed animation. The only audio for this rough cut (besides the optional audio commentary, by Carl Macek, who also does a completely different commentary for the finished movie) is the dialog. There's long stretches of silence, but it's worth watching, as there's lots of bits of dialog that were cut from the final movie (we learn, for instance, that Katharine, like Den, was also transformed when she was transported to this mysterious alternate universe). It's also interesting to note that the stories weren't always in the order that they were in the final movie.
There's also a half hour documentary with interviews from many of the filmmakers involved in making the film. We finally find out why we see a model of a house blowing up at the end (because they didn't have time to finish the animation for that one bit), and also why Cornelius Cole's Neverwhere Land was cut from the movie (either for reasons of length/continuity, or because Cole didn't finish it in time, depending on exactly which version of the story you wish to believe.
You also get a few minutes of deleted scenes, most notably the above mentioned Neverwhere Land, which was originally supposed to link Captain Sternn and B-17. There's also a few minutes that surround an early version of the framing story (in whence the Loc-Nar was actually the power source of a magical merry-go-round, and the various objects on the merry-go-round related in one way to the stories...ie, there's a taxicab, Taarna's mount, etc...each time the girl takes a ride in a different vehicle on the merry-go-round, she experiences a different story).
And finally, you get all Heavy Metal covers up through 1999, plus various bits of production drawings, cels, etc.
In short, this is a classic film that should be viewed by all fans of animation and/or heavy flicks. Prudes and conservatives who get cranky at the very thought of a movie being ruined by a little too much flesh or blood (and really, there isn't THAT much of either in this film) or a little warped humor (ok, there's PLENTY of that here) are advised to keep away. I just wish they had restored Neverwhere Land to it's original place between Captain Sternn and B-17.

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HEAVY METAL - DVD Movie

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Wednesday, February 1, 2012

The Doors Collection (Collector's Edition) (1985) Review

The Doors Collection (Collector's Edition) (1985)
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"The Doors Collection" is the best audio/visual source about the band available. It is a stunning, exciting collection of the best of The Doors on film. It is the best Doors DVD out there and a must for big fans, rockers and anyone barely aquainted with the music who wants to know more. All the three segments are excellent documents of The Doors and their hypnotic music and the dynamic persona of Jim Morrison. It is clear from what you see here that he was poet, rock star, artist and genius. The first segment, "Dance On Fire" has some great material. There is the music video for "Break On Through" which is stylish and has aged well, in fact, I saw it air on MTV a few nights ago. There is also the neat video for "People Are Strange" and the legendary performance of "Light My Fire" at the Ed Sullivan Show. The video for "The Crystal Ship" is dreamy, romantic and hypnotic, with a real feel for the song which showcases some of Morrison's best poetry. The performance of "Love Me Two Times" for Danish television is especially entertaining and cool, with Jim all in leather reciting some poetry before breaking into one of their best blues tunes. The video for "Moonlight Drive" is interesting with Jim sporting some black shades and Robby Krieger doing some dreamy slide guitar. The "Roadhouse Blues" footage is especially fun with shots of some wild concert moments and Jim doing a Dionysian dance as images flash by. The second segment, "Live At The Hollywood Boal" is a nice document of The Doors in concert. They performance some of their best songs like "Backdoor Man," "Light My Fire" and "Whiskey Bar." The best performances are those of "When The Music's Over" which is epic and "The End" which is hypnotic. The final segment, "The Soft Parade" is an interesting look at The Doors as the end was coming closer. The beginning features a montage cut to "The Changeling" and shows Morrison and the band in a "superstar" tone. The interview they give is fascinating, especially when Jim predicts advancements in musical technology with incredible precision. The performance of "The Soft Parade" is better than the album version while footage of the band recording "Wild Child" is fun and interesting, not least because it's a great song. The bonus features in the DVD are also great. The commentary by the band members is funny and fascinating with lots of cool facts. Robby Krieger's new version of "The End" rocks while Ray Manzarek's student films are interesting to watch. The memorabilia section is especially fun and interesting, they even show ticket buts. John Densmore's one-man play is really silly and frankly, boring and uninteresting. It's annoying to hear him sing the songs because frankly, he can't sing. All in all, "The Doors Collection" is the best Doors visual collection. It's exhilarating, fascinating, visually alluring and filled with great music and poetry. It shows how there are certain things as timeless music and artists. Though The Doors music and lyrics are kept alive and well by newer bands (Creed, STP, The Cult), nothing beats the originals. The Doors were the first rock band to mix music with poetry and explored dark realms and set in motion things in rock n' roll that we are still living through. This DVD is a great document of how they did that.

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DOORS COLLECTOR'S EDITION - DVD Movie

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Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Devo - The Complete Truth About De-Evolution Review

Devo - The Complete Truth About De-Evolution
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Leave it to Rhino Home Video to get their hands on great material, and somehow manage to put out a lousy dvd.
Annoying, cheap menu items pop up between each video. Some of the videos are cut short (WHY?) freeze framing or adding a cheap video effect a moment or two before they're supposed to end. They are not presented chonologically. The flow is further disrupted by inserted snips of DEVO's ad's for pioneer laser disc players. Intro's to some of the videos which originally appeared in "We're all Devo" are hacked off, and buried in a hard to navigate "extra features" section, while others are not (WHY?). The video transfers appear in many places to be from grainy VHS, complete with drop outs, and bad sound.
Further, it is not "complete". Where are the skits from "Men Who Make the Music"? Where is "Dr. Detroit" and "Are You Experienced"? Huh?
This is the third Rhino DVD I've bought each time I've been amazed how an otherwise quality company falls down so hard when it comes to video.
On the plus side, unless you already most of the stuff here, and don't want to hunt around on ebay for "We're All Devo" and "The Men Who Make the Music", and you're a Devo fan, you'll want to buy this DVD. And even if you have those, there are several interesting bonus items that justify the meager price.
But why Rhino does such a horrible job putting it all together is beyond me.

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Studio: Wea-des Moines VideoRelease Date: 10/28/2003

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Friday, January 20, 2012

Elvis on Tour (1972) Review

Elvis on Tour (1972)
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Director Robert Abel and producer Pierre Adidge present a marvelous look at Elvis in this documentary, using concert, rehearsal and backstage footage, as well as clips from the early days of his career, and a montage of him kissing his co-stars while "Love Me Tender" is performed. Excellent use of split-screen techniques are used, and the cinematography is always interesting.
Elvis looks in great shape from the neck down, quite trim and with the athletic flexibility to do deep leg lunges, and delivering each song with enormous emotional and physical energy. His face shows much dissipation however, and tells another story; the feeling one gets from this film is of a desperately sad man, a hurting soul, putting a brave mask on for the world. There is also not even a flicker of ego...we see only a hard-working guy, with not a shred of arrogance. He wears his flashy clothes with grace, style and humility, and sings his heart out, and it's a beautiful thing to see.
His voice is occasionally wobbly (and the sound quality also has its variables), but for the most part he shines, particularly in the songs with a spiritual theme. "Bosom of Abraham," "I John," and especially "American Trilogy" and "You Gave Me a Mountain" are very moving, and terrific listening.
His band is wonderful, and his back-up singers, The Sweet Inspirations and J.D.Sumner and the Stamps Quartet, an added delight.
Song list:
"Johnny B. Goode" (film titles)
"See See Rider"
"Polk Salad Annie"
"Separate Ways" (recording studio)
"Proud Mary"
"Never Been to Spain"
"Burning Love"
"Don't be Cruel" (over early stills and clips)
"Ready Teddy" (Ed Sullivan Show)
"That's All Right"
"Lead Me, Guide Me" (rehearsal)
"Bosom of Abraham" (rehearsal)
"Love Me Tender"
"Until it's Time for You to Go"
"I John" (rehearsal)
"Bridge Over Troubled Water"
"Funny How Time Slips Away"
"An American Trilogy"
"Mystery Train" (at an airport)
"Suspicious Minds"
"I Got a Woman"
"Amen"
"A Big Hunk of Love"
"You Gave Me a Mountain"
"Sweet, Sweet Spirit" (exquisitely sung by J.D. Sumner and the Stamps)
"Lawdy Miss Clawdy"
"Can't Help Falling in Love"
"Memories" (final credits)
You don't have to be an Elvis fan to enjoy this film, but you're guaranteed to have a deeper appreciation of his talent, and understand why he was "The King" after seeing it.
This is one of the best music documentaries I've seen, up there with Martin Scorsese's "The Last Waltz," who incidentally, is listed as Montage Supervisor in the credits of this film.
Total running time is 93 minutes.

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15 cities. 15 nights. Catch him if you can!The show is over but the fans cry out for what every Elvis Presley fan wants. More! Then, an announcer speaks the words the packed house doesn’t want to hear: "Elvis has left the building." But what an incredible show lingers in minds and hearts. Elvis on Tour is the Golden Globe-winning Best Documentary chronicle of Presley's whirlwind 15-cities/15-nights 1972 tour. They are nights to remember, paced here with more than 25 numbers that embrace the rocker Elvis, the gospel Elvis, the ballad Elvis, even the kung-fu Elvis. In between tour stops come more moments to treasure--montage sequences (supervised by Martin Scorsese) showcasing Presley's early career and movies. More!

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Friday, December 9, 2011

Neil Young & Crazy Horse - Rust Never Sleeps - The Concert Film (1978) Review

Neil Young and Crazy Horse - Rust Never Sleeps - The Concert Film (1978)
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This is Neil at the top of his game. The decade preceding this release saw Young put out all the strongest material that would carry his reputation for the next 25 years. Sure, he would return to form in the late 80's for another strong run, but this is where he and the Horse hit their stride. Crazy Horse is a one trick pony, but that trick is something else when they have it all together, and they have it all together all the way through this DVD.
The stage show is a bit silly in retrospect, the kind of grandstanding he must have done, tongue in cheek, but the music is undeniably powerful. In many cases, these are the definitive versions of these songs, and Young clearly revels in their glories. You'll not find a better version of "Cinnamon Girl" or "Powderfinger" anywhere, and the proof is how well these renditions in particular have stood up.
Of course, it would all go south almost immediately after this tour. Becoming a father to two severely handicapped sons, dealing with failed relationships and a new marraige and trying to keep his private life out of the public eye and out of the manipulating hands of David Geffen would result in some truly awful, often bewildering, constantly changing directions that would span the 80's. Not until the Bluenotes Cd and then FREEDOM would Neil find his groove and court passionately his muse again, but at least at this point, it is as though he is that kid on the dock in "Powderfinger" who is just about to see his face flash in the sky.
This is a landmark concert, well worth watching over and over again. The sound transfer is great.

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RUST NEVER SLEEPS - DVD Movie

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Monday, November 7, 2011

Pink: Funhouse Tour - Live in Australia (2009) Review

Pink: Funhouse Tour - Live in Australia  (2009)
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Let me start this off by making it clear that I'm not like most others that would be reviewing a Pink cd or concert video.
I am a middle-aged man in my 50s. I'm not exactly her demographic and I'm not a dirty old man either. I'm a retired musician and still make a buck or two as a writer and I wrote Pink off as another of the cookie cutter pop princesses that have littered the music business ever since Madonna first got watered down by Brittany Spears. Then I heard/saw the video for "Don't Let Me Get Me" and realized that she was anything but cookie-cutter. It was her Declaration of Independence from what the music industry wanted her to be. I bought the cd the next day and heard "Family Portrait." From that point on I was a fan. Good music is hard to find and Pink makes some VERY good music.
Now, on to the Blu-Ray concert. It doesn't look like Pink knows what she wants to be when she grows up. The first handful of songs she performs are in the standard diva mode we've seen from hundreds of others from Cher on down. With a big flashy stage and a heavily choreographed dance troupe she bounces and bops through some pretty generic modern dance music. In the midst of this is "Don't Let Me Get Me" and another of her big hits, "Just Like a Pill." Although the original rock arrangement sneaks in here and there the songs are designed to get her target audience of teenaged girls jumping and happy. There isn't anything wrong with any of this section if you're in the age group that likes that sort of thing. Understand, it's just not the sort of thing I'm into. It's also the sole reason I docked the video the 1/2 point in my subject header.
BUT!
No matter how old you are - even if you're an old coot "enduring" this video with your kids or grandkids, DO NOT LEAVE THE ROOM. There is an absolutely gorgeous extended piano movement that is placed to allow Pink time for a costume change. When she re-emerges the pianist (who is also the musical conductor) and the violinist join Pink for a slightly altered and riveting version of "Family Portrait." From this point forward you are in for a rare feast to the ears and eyes. There is a very personal acoustic mini-set in which Pink plays several songs dealing with the heartache of the failure of her first marriage. They are sprinkled with some lengthy banter with the audience that is just a touch too long in parts, but the songs themselves are nothing short of gorgeous. The fact that her voice isn't pure and perfectly pitched makes the emotional tone of them all the more vital and real. As a performer myself, I wondered how she was going to be able to transition back into giving her audience more of what they came to see. She does it by a lesser-known Led Zeppelin song that interweaves gentle vocals with sudden explosions of the heavy metal that made the Zep legendary. She handles the very difficult transitions in vocals extremely well, doing Robert Plant proud, disappearing during the final extended solo for another costume change. From that point forward she and the band kick into high gear. As others have mentioned, she does indeed perform "Bohemian Rhapsody" in its entirety only unlike Queen, she and the band remain on stage and sing through the very difficult operatic central section. The song is subtly enhanced with some of Queen's original vocal tracks but the live singers MORE than hold their own. Just when you begin to wonder if Pink isn't human at all, her voice breaks for a brief moment toward the end. She smiles over at the drummer with a brief, "what can you do" look and then finishes the song perfectly. Almost any other performer would have been finished at that point, knowing they'd taken it as far as they could. Pink is literally still getting warmed up.
In addition to kicking up the energy even further, you should keep in mind that Pink also (well harnessed because of insurance requirements) executes a fairly intricate single trapeze act some 25 feet above the floor WHILE SINGING. Although lip synching is rampant amongst female vocalists nowadays, Pink does NONE of it. You can hear her gasping for breath as the songs and athletics progress. She even tosses off a joking threat that she's going to start lip synching so she can do 9 shows a week with matinees.
The lady performs for almost 2 solid hours and never once lets up. Her voice only falters once or twice during the entire night and more than once she performs lengthy acrobatics high above the stage and audience. This is a woman at the absolute peak of her performance capacity and she is one of the few people I've ever seen that could pull a show like this off once, let alone for an entire world tour.
The extra features range from being valuable glimpses behind the scenes to a somewhat silly explanation of the history of "shredding the nar." (Pinkspeak for playing face-melting guitar) Make no mistake. This lady is an artist at a time when most of her contemporaries are either complete studio-enhanced frauds or so self-obsessed with their own talents that they become intolerable. Pink is the real deal and (despite some four-letter language in her lyrics that might make you a little careful viewing the show around small children) this concert video is worth three times what you will pay for it. I don't care if you're a young teen lion or one of the tame and toothless tabby-cat baby boomers, this blu ray concert joins Stop Making Sense and The Last Waltz as one of the three absolute best concert videos on the market. It is a MUST see.
So is Pink a teeny-bop pop icon or a hard-edged rock queen that will help bring back the rock sound that has been dead for well over a decade? I don't think she knows. She shows both personalities at various points in the show.
I'm convinced that she doesn't know what she'll be when she grows up.
After watching her talent, athleticism and musical diversity in this concert I deeply hope she never finds out.

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1. Just Like A Pill (PCM Stereo)2. Don't Let Me Get Me (PCM Stereo)3. Leave Me Alone (I'm Lonely) (PCM Stereo) 4. So What (PCM Stereo)5. Babe I'm Gonna Leave You Medley; Babe I'm Gonna Leave You\ Sober Interlude (PCM Stereo)6. Sober (PCM Stereo)7. Crazy (PCM Stereo) 8. Glitter In The Air (PCM Stereo)9. It's All Your Fault (PCM Stereo)10. One Foot Wrong (PCM Stereo)11. Concert Intro (5.1 Surround Sound) 12. Bad Influence (5.1 Surround)13. Who Knew (5.1 Surround)14. Ave Mary A (5.1 Surround) 15. I Touch Myself (PCM Stereo)16. Please Don't Leave Me (5.1 Surround)17. U + UR Hand (5.1 Surround)18. Family Portrait Medley; Family Portrait\ Piano Solo for Family Portrait (PCM Stereo) 19. I Don't Believe You (5.1 Surround) 20. Crystal Ball (5.1 Surround)21. Trouble (PCM Stereo)22. Bohemian Rhapsody (5.1 Surround)23. Funhouse (5.1 Surround)24. Get The Party Started (PCM Stereo) 25. On Tour With P!nk (PCM Stereo)26. How To "Shred The Gnar" (PCM Stereo) 27. Bloopers (5.1 Surround Sound)

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Friday, October 7, 2011

The Flower Kings: Instant Delivery (2006) Review

The Flower Kings: Instant Delivery (2006)
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Having grown up on Genesis and Rush (with a healthy helping of Kansas / Jethro Tull) during the late 70's and early 80's, Marillion (ably supported in my collection by Simple Minds, Big Country, Waterboys and U2) in the Mid 80's and King's X / Dream Theater in the 90's, the mid to late 90's were a time of "resurgence of "Prog Rock" with Spock's Beard and these guys, The Flower Kings.
This is the Double Live DVD / CD Set from their Tilburg/Holland show on April 19th, 2006 in support of the "Paradox Hotel" Double CD.
The band ... Roine Stolt (Vocals, Guitar), Hasse Froberg, (Guitar, Vocals, Percussion), Marcus Liliequist (Drums), Jonas Reingold (bass, guitar, bass pedals), Tomas Bodin (keyboards), put on a tremendous show. It is clear that they are confident in support of one of their best studio CD's ever (9 of the 17 tracks come from "Paradox"). I think whenever a band is super confident of their latest album (think Genesis "Duke", Rush "Moving Pictures") the show is superb and contains a bulk load of material from that album.
The band, have, to me, never sounded so passionate and energized. The opening track, "Paradox Hotel" absolutely rocks and the next three tracks effortlessly weave into one another and are stunning performances ("Hit me with a hit" (also from Paradox"), "Last minute on Earth" (from "Rainmaker" (`01)) is a stellar version, much better than the studio version, "Eyes of the World" (from "Stardust We are" ('97)) picks up midway thru the song and is brilliantly performed. Next up is "Jealousy" (from "Paradox"), a great version of "If God is all alone" (from "Paradox"), a tremendous instrumental (the drums and Bass are fantastic) "Pioneers of Aviation" (from "Paradox"), a well played 10 minute version of "Love Supreme" ("Adam and Eve" ('04)) with Disc (CD and DVD) One closing out with a tremendous 20 minute version of "Truth will set you free" ("Behold the future" ('02)).
Disc Two starts with the brilliant guitar workout "Touch my heaven", the Pink Floydish "Mommy leave the light on" (think "Mother" from "The Wall"), "End on a high note" (this version is 10 out of 10 - stunning a real classic and "Life will kill you" (all from "Paradox" ('06)). The set closer is a ripping version of "I am the sun" ("Space Revolver" ('00)). The first of three encores follows "Blade of Cain" ("Adam and Eve" ('04), and "King's Prayer" ("Space Revolver" ('00)including the "Hey Jude" sing a long with the crowd) and 10 minute version of "Stardust we are" ("Stardust we are" ('97).
2 ½ hours of great music and so many highlights with the band's overall approach (having a great time and letting go more than I've ever heard them before), there's a real chemistry on stage and it comes thru in the music.
The "Wow, that really blew me away" moments for me were ...
Paradox Hotel / Hit me with a hit / Last Minute on Earth / Eyes of the World (These opening four really rock) / Pioneers of Aviation (for Drums / percussion / bass work - brilliant) / Love Supreme / Truth will set you free / Touch my heaven / End on a high note / I am the sun / King's Prayer / Stardust we are... including the "We want more" cries from the crowd together with the pleas for "Stardust" where Roine says.... "You're right, Stardust you are... and ... Stardust you'll get!" and the crowd go crazy! The crowd even get to sing a couple of versus of Stardust with the FK's as backing band!
Oh yes the picture / sound of the DVD. Superb. It's not spectacular it's just very clear and crisp, superbly produced.
The Music though is the key here (If I could find a way to rip DVD audio tracks onto a CD / MP3 player and play them in my car, I'd just buy the DVD only, until then it's both formats and it's the car where I do most of my listening. These CD's have been on high rotation since I got them, the performance is just so good).
All `n' all totally exceeded my expectations. A very passionate, highly energized performance with superb song selection (only "Eyes of the World", "Stardust we are" and "Truth will set you free" have appeared on previous live releases ("Eyes" and "Stardust" (10 minute version) on "Alive from Planet Earth" ('99) and "Stardust" (full 26 minute version) and "Truth will set you free" (full 31 minute version) on "Live Recordings - Epics" (CD), "Meet the Flower Kings" (DVD) ('03).
This music as with much of Flower Kings output over the years is right up there with .... (to think of a few) ...
- Caravan, "For Richard" (live Version from "New Symphonia" 1974) (original 1970).
- Emerson Lake and Palmer, "Tarkus" (title track from "Tarkus" 1971)
- Yes, "Close to the Edge" - (title track from "Close to the Edge" 1972).
- Jethro Tull, "Thick as a Brick" (Live version from "Bursting Out" 1978) (Original 1972).
- Genesis, "Suppers Ready" (Live version from "Seconds Out" 1977) (Original 1972).
- Gentle Giant "Octopus" (Live version from "Playing the fool" 1976) (Original 1972).
- Mike Oldfield, "Tubular Bells", (Live Version on "Exposed" 1979) (Original 1973).
- Pink Floyd, "Darkside of the moon" (1973)
- Elton John, "Funeral for a friend / Love lies bleeding" (from "Goodbye Yellow brick road" 1973)
- Lynyrd Skynrd, "Free Bird" (Live version from "One more from the Road" 1976). (Original 1973).
- Rush "2112" (from 2112, 1976).
- ELO, "Concerto for a rainy day" (Side three of "Out of the Blue" (1977).
- Supertramp , "Fools Overture" (1977).
- Rush, "Cygnus X-1" from "Hemispheres" (1978).
- Tangerine Dream, "Tangram Part 1" (Title track from "Tangram" 1980).
- Alan Parsons Project, "Turn of a friendly Card" (Title track, all of side two (1980).
- Frankie goes to Hollywood, "Welcome to the pleasuredome"
(title track from "Welcome to the pleasuredome" 1984).
- Marillion, "Misplaced Childhood" from (1985).
- Queensryche "Operation Mindcrime" (Live version from 1991). (Original 1988).
- Jane's Addiction, "Three Days" from "Ritual de Habitual" (1991).
- Dream Theater "Learning to Live" from "Images and Words" (1992)
- Dream Theater, "Scenes from a Memory" from (1999).
- Spock Beard, "At the end of the day" from "V" (2000).
- Spock's Beard, "The Great Nothing" from "V" (2000).
- Tool, "The Grudge" from "Lateralus" (2001).
- Transatlantic, "All of the above" (Live version from 2001 in Europe). (Original 2000).
- Transatlantic, "Stranger in your soul" (Live version from 2001 in Europe). (Original 2001).
- Transatlantic, "Duel with the devil" (Live version from 2001 in Europe). (Original 2001).
- Flower Kings "The Truth will set you free" from "Behold the Future" (2002).
- Neal Morse "Testimony" from (2003).
- Green Day "Jesus of Suburbia" from "American Idiot (2004).
Further thought would no doubt reveal more than these classics. Music, that to me, pushes the musical boundaries in terms of complexity yet still rocks with an abundance of melody and harmony, a difficult thing to accomplish without 100% dedication to create something new, endless practice and commitment.
For me "Alive from Planet Earth" was a great snapshot of their pre-millennium period of music, a lot of fun and high energy. "Live Recordings - Epics... Meet the Flower Kings" ('03) was just that "The Epics", classics with extreme technical skills on show with a "jazz" undertone, stunningly brilliant and perhaps a more "serious" Live album.
With this latest one there is a real sense of pride of their latest studio album "Paradox Hotel" (certainly 4 of my favorite tracks here ("Hit", "Pioneers", "Heaven", and "High Note" are from "Instant Delivery" alone). There is an energy / passion and sense of fun that accompanies this release all the way thru.
In recent years newer bands such as Flower Kings, Spock's Beard, Muse, Gomez, Mercury Rev, Elbow, Coldplay, Evermore, and The Flaming Lips (from "Soft Bulletin" (1999) onwards) have held my interest, together with any new releases from Dream Theater, Marillion and Rush. This Flower Kings release is a classic.
If this sounds remotely like your sort of music, then go for it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did, it's really a great show.
Certainly one of my favourite live albums over the last 35 years (here are some of my other favourites)...
*** Some of my favourite Live albums over the past 35 years ...
- "How the West was won" from Led Zeppelin (1972)
- "Made in Japan" from Deep Purple (1972)
- "Yessongs" from Yes (1973)
- "Welcome back my friends" from ELP (1973)
- "Too late to stop now" from Van Morrison (1974)
- "On your feet or on your knees" from Blue Oyster Cult (1975)
- "Live in London" from Bruce Springsteen (1975)
- "One more from the Road" from Lynyrd Skynrd (1976)
- "Frampton comes alive" from Peter Frampton (1976)
- "Live Bullet" from Bob Seger (1976)
- "Seconds Out" from Genesis (1977)
- "A Live Record" from Camel (1978)
- "Bursting Out Live" from Jethro Tull (1978)
- "Two for the Show" from Kansas (1978)
- "Playing the fool" Gentle Giant (1978)
- "Waiting fro Columbus" from Little Feat (1978)
- "Strangers in the Night" from UFO (1979)
- "Live Rust" from Neil Young (1979).
- "Paris" from Supertramp (1980).
- "Exit...Stage left" from Rush (1981)
- "Under a blood red sky" from U2 (1983)
- "Stop making sense" from Talking Heads (1984)
- "Live in the city of Light" from Simple Minds (1986)
- "Live adventures of the Waterboys" from the Waterboys (1986)
- "Operation Livecrime" from Queensryche (1991)
- "Without a safety Net" from Big Country...Read more›

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The Flower Kings, the band around mastermind Roine Stolt,prove live to be a musical adventure in a class of their own. There ishardly a band that celebrates classic progressive rock as they do, as theyclearly rejoice in their own playfulness and technical refinement. Theirlatest entry, the double DVD Instant Delivery, gives a full taste of theirgrandeur, recorded live in Tilburg/Holland on April 19th, 2006.

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Thursday, July 14, 2011

It Might Get Loud (2008) Review

It Might Get Loud (2008)
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Caught this film yesterday and all I can say is wow. If you like music, guitars or any combination of the two catch this one on the big screen. Then you can easily decide if you need to add this dvd to your music archives. The progression of stories and how they are told is excellent, as well as the music presented. [...]
I came here yesterday after getting home from the matinee to see if there might be a "soundtrack" available to accompany this movie. There's probably enough material here (Link Wray, Son House etc.) to make a sweet multi-disc collection. It may seem like an odd combination of guitar players, but all three are well represented and there are too many highlights to mention. Seeing these guys playing bottleneck slide guitar together on "In My Time Of Dying" is worth the price of admission by itself. Seeing this film was a joyful experience for me and my heart does a little happy dance just thinking about it.

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A documentary on the electric guitar from the point of view of three significant rock musicians: The Edge, Jimmy Page, and Jack White. Starring: Jimmy Page, The Edge, Jack White

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Saturday, July 9, 2011

Lemmy: 49% Motherf**ker, 51% Son Of A Bitch Review

Lemmy: 49% Motherf**ker, 51% Son Of A Bitch
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'Icon, noun: a very famous person or thing considered as representing a set of beliefs or a way of life.'
The dictionary definition above perfectly describes Lemmy. His single-minded tenacity in pursuit of the Motörhead cause has led to him becoming, rightfully, a heavy-metal icon. The only other rock stars who rival him as icons are dead ones. And they cheated. Lemmy, on the other hand, earned his iconic status the hard way: by living and staying true to himself at all times. He is a walking, talking, drinking, pill-swallowing, smoking, war-obsessed, bass-rumbling, gravel-throated monster. So that's Lemmy the man...what about Lemmy the movie?
I hoped this documentary would offer fresh insights into Lemmy the human being, perhaps exploring his softer side and showing facets of his personality that haven't been publicised. (What do you mean he doesn't have a soft side? We all have one...in some people, though, it's deeper down and better hidden.) Rush's 'Beyond the Lighted Stage' and Anvil's 'The Story of Anvil' are spellbinding due to the undiluted emotion they capture, which allows viewers to connect with the artists on a deeply emotional level. With Lemmy, however, displays of emotion don't happen. Some moments in the film approach poignancy, such as when Lem talks about finding the only woman he ever truly loved dead in a bathtub, the victim of a heroin overdose. He dishes out sage advice not to do heroin, but the viewer can sense that there are undercurrents of emotion beneath Lem's heavy-metal-robot shell. If I were the film-maker, I'd have explored that avenue more. During scenes where Lemmy and his son are together the awkwardness is palpable, as if neither father nor son is fully comfortable around the other. I felt uncomfortable watching some of these interplays, and found myself wishing they'd give each other a hug as an expression of love. There is one genuinely touching moment involving father and son, but I won't disclose it in this review, as that would ruin the surprise for those who haven't yet watched the movie. Better to experience it for yourself.
We see Lemmy's apartment, his enormous collection of war paraphernalia, his favourite haunt (The Rainbow in LA), his routine, and meet several other big-name metal musicians (Dave Grohl, James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich and Scott Ian, to name a few) who have been influenced by Mr Kilmister. The inventor of space rock, Hawkwind's Dave Brock (a surprisingly lucid man, considering the amount of psychedelic and hallucinatory drugs he has ingested), discusses Lemmy's time in Hawkwind and the reasons for their parting of ways. This isn't new information to seasoned Motörheadbangers, but the camera likes both Brock and Lemmy, and it's entertaining to hear these legendary stories straight from the horses' mouths.
The bottom line is that Lemmy - even though he doesn't bare the deepest, darkest parts of his soul - is magnetically watchable. The man, the facial hair, the boots, the tight-black-jeaned swagger, the perpetual cigarette, the Jack 'n' Coke, the Rickenbacker bass and, of course, that growl. If you're a longtime fan of Lem and his music you won't learn anything new watching this film. You won't see any gushed outpourings of emotion and tears. You will, however, be entertained.
As a footnote, I've been a Motörhead fan since I was in primary school. I own all their albums, have seen them live countless times, and was lucky enough to meet Lemmy backstage at Glasgow Barrowlands after a gig. He was a consummate gentleman, and I came to understand why people - even critics - generally have nothing bad to say about the man. What you see is what you get. There's no contrived rock 'n' roll debauchery. While he may keep his rawest emotions hidden behind a protective shell, Lemmy is friendly, honest, and walks it like he talks it. In short, he's one of the good guys.

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Motörhead singer and bassist Lemmy Kilmister has spent the better part of the past four decades as the living embodiment of the rock and roll lifestyle. Four years in the making, the critically acclaimed documentary 'Lemmy: 49% Motherf**ker, 51% Son Of A Bitch' gives fans an unprecedented and completely surprising look into his world. Directed by Greg Olliver and Wes Orshoski, the film reveals Lemmy as never before and has already taken critics by storm, premiering to raves earlier this year at SXSW and screening at film festivals worldwide.Boasting a star-studded lineup including Metallica, Dave Grohl, Ozzy Osbourne, Alice Cooper, Jarvis Cocker, Joan Jett, Billy Bob Thornton, Slash, pro wrestler Triple H, and members of The Clash, Guns N Roses, Jane's Addiction, and more, the film offers a rare and revealing look at Lemmy's life with candid at-home interviews, studio sessions, and priceless live concert footage. 'Lemmy rocks,' raves Variety, while Mojo calls the film 'an unflinching and deeply humanizing portrait of one of modern music s truly iconic figures.'The DVD, a-two disc set with 4 hours of bonus features, will be available on regular DVD and as a BluRay release. The American version of the film will include more bonus material than the versions in every other country in the world. The extras include outtakes from everyone from Dave Grohl and Metallica to Alice Cooper and Slash (as well as all the other famous musicians featured in the film).

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Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Bat Out of Hell The Original Tour UK/US (2009) Review

Bat Out of Hell The Original Tour UK/US (2009)
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From June of 1978 comes this German television special that captures one of the original Bat Out of Hell tour concerts. The album was just exploding into its cult status at the time and everyone's very young and energetic.
THE GOOD: Well, it's a good view of a period of live Meat Loaf that hasn't been widely seen before. This is the tour where he started to destroy his voice, but he hasn't done it quite yet (though he does struggle with the high notes due to his reckless vocals). The result is a young, powerful voice that hits a lot of good notes. During his performance of "Heaven Can Wait," Meat pulls a Patti Labelle and finishes the song without a microphone emphasizing the size of his voice. Karla DeVito is gloriously fun as Meat's first rock chick. Rory Dodd doesn't really stand out, but it's great to see and hear him performing live. And of course, seeing Jim Steinman live and on stage is a tickle. The German TV interview offers an interesting look at Jim and Meat's early relationship (especially in contrast to what it later became).
THE BAD: The video isn't atrocious, but it sure isn't great. It's about as good as it can be considering its 1-inch videotape roots I suppose, but that isn't saying much. The audio mixing is a complete mess. The drums are trebled, forward, and really quite grinding. Everything else just mushes together into a poorly defined single-layer mess that's entirely too thin for the type of music. The camerawork and lighting are uniformly horrid. This band cannot hold a candle to the Neverland Express that Meat constructed years later. The German interviewer doesn't speak much English and seems absolutely clueless as to what he's doing.
THE CONFUSING: Amazon seems to be fixing how this product is advertised compared to what you actually get, but it was (at least originally) posted as including "River Deep, Mountain High" and "Johnny B. Goode" which are certainly not on the North American disc. Amazon listed this as containing a DTS audio track which is not true; there is only a Dolby Stereo track. And Amazon listed the run-time as 105 minutes, but it is actually only 74 minutes of concert. Amazon's mistakes don't affect my rating but are here just as an FYI.
THE VERDICT: This one's very middle-of-the-road for me. As a historical record, it's interesting. As an opportunity to hear Meat's voice pre-destruction, it's a valuable point of interest for die-hard fans. As a concert video, there's no way you'd reach for this audio mess when you could pop in Meat's "3 Bats" DVD. For the fan, the DVD is dirt cheap and probably a decent buy. For the curious onlooker, I'd advise looking at the more sonically and visually stunning Meat concerts. Ultimately, 2½ stars out of 5 for me.

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BAT OUT OF HELL:ORIGINAL TOUR - DVD Movie

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