Showing posts with label live recordings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label live recordings. Show all posts

Saturday, April 27, 2013

The Return of Spinal Tap (1992) Review

The Return of Spinal Tap (1992)
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While nothing, absolutely nothing, can compete with the original "This is Spinal Tap" for comedic genius, this DVD is a brilliant work in it's own right. While it is true that the majority (maybe 75 percent or so) of the film is a live show shot in the Royal Albert Hall in 1992, there are numerous interludes and links to keep the satire quotient pegged.
All in all the music is performed well, but some of the newer materiel falls a bit flat compared to the "Smell the Glove" set. Songs like "Cash on Delivery" and "Clam Caravan", while vaguely amusing are not up to the normal Tap standards (although Nigel playing the clarinet is quite a sight), and the Rap version of "Sex Farm" was just plain annoying. Having said that, there are moments of inspired brilliance here. During "Stonehenge" they have the opposite problem they had in the original...the monument is too huge to get in the theatre. During "Big Bottom" all three play basses, which is not only funny to think about, but very funny to actually hear. The guitar pyrotechnics and way over the top soloing of Nigel Tufnel continue in "Diva Fever", a forgettable song without the solo. During this particular solo (during which Derek takes a cab and gets a huge meal at a restaurant, while David has a cucumber facial and pedicure) Nigel plays his guitars by throwing horseshoes at them, juggling while playing with his feet, etc.
Interspersed with the concert footage are numerous links, most of which are utterly brilliant. We learn that Nigel has invented a folding wine glass (he still needs the rubber hinges), and has founded 'Travel for Animals', an organization that allows animals (in this case his ferret, Trevor) to travel with their own passport. We learn that Derek goes on his father's telephone sanitizing service ('Sani Phone') business calls with him to help make ends meet, and has invested in not one, but two unbuilt London apartments, the net result of which is that he has to stay in a hotel while in London. David and his wife now work part time at a summer soccer camp in California and she runs 'Potato Republic', a store specializing in itchy Irish clothing. Additionally, David and Nigel visit their boyhood home of Squatney, and reminisce. All of these bits are inspired as are the guest spots featuring things like Mel Torme singing "Big Bottom" and a member of Primus with a picture of Derek tattooed on his bicep.
My only irritant with this DVD is that some of the songs are incorrectly named in the liner notes for some reason; for instance, "Big Bottom" is called "Bum Cakes" in the credits. All in all, I think this is a wonderful DVD, and is well worth the money. If you are a true Tap fan, you must own this!

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Sunday, March 17, 2013

Jimi Hendrix - Live at Woodstock (1999) Review

Jimi Hendrix - Live at Woodstock (1999)
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Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock is disputabily the greatest concert ever given. I am an avid Hendrix fan and was elated to see this DVD. This is by far the best DVD I have and shows Hendrix at his greatest. Izabella is revolutionary, Fire is rock solid, Red House is great (Jimi broke his high E string), his Woodstock Improvisation is incredible and his Star Spangled Banner is priceless. That being considered, it deserves 5+ stars.
Although Expericnce Hendrix has done a great job releasing material since they won Jimi's legacy a few years ago, this DVD, contrary to the CD version, was disappointing in its length. There are many songs missing. I owned the CDs first and will list my disappointments: (1) I desperately wanted to hear and see all of Message to Love and Hear my Train a Comin', two of Jimi's new songs as he broke away from the Experience. (2) I also wanted to see Spanish Castle Magic, Foxy Lady, Hey Joe and Lover Man, all not included on the DVD. (3) The order of the songs was jumbled on the DVD and I wanted to see the actual chronological order of the songs. (4) Many of Jimi's comments, some pretty interesting (a la those before Izabella for those who own the CDs), were totally cut out. (5) If it replaced another of the aformentioned left-out songs, I really did not need to hear Larry Lee being backed up be Jimi on Jam Back at the House. Considering they cut out Larry Lee's other songs from the CD I was amazed that this one even made it.
I guess I wanted a DVD identical to the CDs, which is not what this is. However, this is a must for any fan of rock music in general, but I felt I had to voice my completist complaints. Without a doubt, a must have.

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Friday, March 8, 2013

Queen + Paul Rodgers - Return of the Champions (2005) Review

Queen + Paul Rodgers - Return of the Champions (2005)
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I might never have even looked at this video if not for my older daughter, who wasn't even born when Queen was at their height. She watched some of my old videos that I recorded in the '80s and was fascinated (as are others of her generation, it seems) by some of Queen's videos and each of the band members. So when Queen+Paul Rodgers came to the Jersey Meadowlands just this last Sunday I took her to her first Rock Concert! It wasn't something I was anxious to do. I watched Queen's rise and was frankly bummed out when Freddie died of AIDS. As talented as the other band members are, what would Queen be without Freddie?
Well, I figured this might be her last chance to see what was left of Queen live so we went. Was I ever surprised. To answer the most obvious question, Paul Rodgers is not Freddie Mercury, but to his credit, he IS a major talent and he doesn't try to be a substitute Freddie. His performance recalls how the master did it, but doesn't overdo it.
In fairness this should have been called "Half of Queen and Paul Rodgers," but the production (the Concert I saw AND this DVD) is masterfully conceived and arranged. It is a fine touch that they don't try to give us a sentimental retrospective but a lively performance strengthened by long time backup performers. Brian and Roger sing lead on several songs and give us a good dose of what they do best on drum and guitar. Paul Rodgers performs some of his '60s hits, including "All Right Now" which was fabulous with Queen as the band backing it up.
Of special note was the performance of "Hammer to Fall." If you ever doubted what the song was really about (no, it's not nuclear war) the way Brian May (who wrote it) performs the first half, as a slow ballad on acoustic guitar, brings the message home in a very affecting manner. Then Paul Rodgers comes in as lead, and the band breaks into the power of the hard rock version we are more familiar with. A powerful performance.
So, if you buy this as nostalgia, so be it. But a lot of the audience was too young to be nostalgic about Queen; they were there for the music, the performance, the energy. This is not Memory Lane; it is the work of a band that is full of life and talent. The production values of the live performance are well reflected in this video. A must MUST-have for Queen fans ... and those who will be.

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It was prescient that Queen picked a phoenix for their logo all those years ago… their unique ability to adapt and recharge continues to make their music as popular with new audiences as with their original fans. Again and again they and their audience rise as one, caught up in the emotion of their anthems – We Are The Champions, Fat Bottomed Girls, Killer Queen, Tie Your Mother Down, Stone Cold Crazy, Who Wants To Live Forever, Under Pressure and on and on…. Now you can re-capture that experience on DVD in full surround sound with the complete ultimate Queen + Paul Rodgers concert.This year Queen have pulled off the impossible – taking in rock legend Paul Rodgers as singer and selling out across Europe and in America, gaining the best reviews they have had in their entire career. This DVD features hits from both the Queen and Paul Rodgers catalogues and also new, never before available performances.Selections Include: 1. Reaching Out (1.06) 2. Tie Your Mother Down (4.33) 3. I Want To Break Free (3.55) 4. Fat Bottomed Girls (5.50) 5. Wishing Well (4.34) 6. Another One Bites The Dust (3.53) 7. Crazy Little Thing Called Love (4.45) 8. Say It’s Not True (4.16) 9. ‘39 (4.37) 10. Love Of My Life (5.00) 11. Hammer To Fall (6.44) 12. Feel Like Making Love (6.27) 13. Let There Be Gene (3.44) 14. I’m In Love With My Car (3.35) 15. Guitar Solo (7.00) 16. Last Horizon (4.35) 17. These Are The Days Of Our Lives (4.36) 18. Radio Ga Ga (6.00) 19. Can’t Get Enough (4.21) 20. A Kind Of Magic (6.07) 21. I Want It All (5.00) 22. Bohemian Rhapsody (6.23) 23. The Show Must Go On (4.36) 24. All Right Now (6.54) 25. We Will Rock You (2.34) 26. We Are The Champions (4.34) 27. God Save The Queen (1.21)

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Friday, March 1, 2013

Don Henley Live - Inside Job (2000) Review

Don Henley Live - Inside Job (2000)
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You all know Henley so I'll spare the career retrospective. This DVD was taped May 25, 2000 at Fair Park Music Hall in Dallas. From the opener of Dirty Laundry through the entire set and closing with Hotel California, this is a great show by a fantastic song writer. Don's voice sounds great on this night and his back-up band is very sharp. Not a lot of talk between songs, but one great tune after another. The other songs include Sunset Grill, Workin' It, Taking You Home, The Boys of Summer, Lilah, Everything is Different Now, The End of the Innocence, All She Wants to Do is Dance, New York Minute, Talking to the Moon, They're Not Here (They're Not Coming), The Heart of the Matter, Desperado, The Long Run, and My Thanksgiving.
That covers the show, now on to the DVD features... well, there really aren't any. The sound quality is excellent and the production is flawless, but no multiple camera angles, no extras, no videos, just a short intro then on to the show. I'm not complaining as the show is fantastic, but if you like whistles and bells look elsewhere. If you love Henley, the Eagles or just great music then you'll still love it.

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Grammy Award winner Don Henley helped define the '70s as a member of the fabulously successful rock band The Eagles before launching an impressive solo career. On May 25, 2000, he returned to his Texas roots for a remarkable concert, recorded before an enthusiastic audience at Fair Park Music Hall in Dallas. This rock legend's live performance captures all the passion, satire and originality that fans around the world most treasure in his influential music. Songs: Dirty Laundry, Sunset Grill, Workin' It, Takin' You Home, The Boys of Summer, Lilah, Everything is Different Now, The End of the Innocence, All She Wants to Do is Dance, New York Minute, Talking to the Moon, They're Not Here They're Not Coming, The Heart of the Matter, Desperado, The Long Run, My Thanksgiving, Hotel California.

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Thursday, February 21, 2013

CROSSROADS GUITAR FESTIVAL 2010 (2010) Review

CROSSROADS GUITAR FESTIVAL 2010 (2010)
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I was at the Crossroads 2010 show and eagerly awaited the theatrical release. The first thing you have to realize is that nothing, not a 2 hour movie or a 4 hour DVD will capture what it was like to have actually seen some of the brilliant performances of that day. The editing was shaky at best but the sound was quite good (I'm sure the sound varied greatly depending on the theater). Although I was dissapointed in the movie, I'd see it again and here's why. The movie missed a lot of the high points of the 11 hour show, but it caught enough to remind me of how great the entire experience had been, and that's all I asked for. I was pleasently surprised at the applause in the theater after some of the better performances. The most dissapointing thing about the movie was the performances that weren't included. John Mayer, Buddy Guy, and Jeff Beck all played sets that deserved complete coverage (and I would pay money to buy a DVD). "Going Down", "Killing Floor", "La Grange", "Mystery Train", and "Comin' Home" were all songs I was sad didn't make the cut. And although he didn't add a whole lot musically, Bill Murray's intro's were hysterical. Addressing a negative critism: I don't know what a "I-IV-V progression in G with a capo" is, but I could watch Robert Randolph, Jimmie Vaughn, and Hubert Sumlin play it all day!(I've seen a lot of pictures of Muddy Waters with a capo and I heard he's pretty good!). I'm quite sure the DVD will capture more of the esscence of the complete concert, but, as we all know, that's impossible.

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Sunday, February 10, 2013

Paul Simon - Graceland (The African Concert) (1986) Review

Paul Simon - Graceland (The African Concert) (1986)
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This is one of the most amazing concerts ever! Not only is the music amazing, but the players are royalty. It is a powerful example of the potential music has to speak the truth and move the soul. Somebody complained about the quality of the sound or whatever -- but I don't understand how that can even be an issue you'd want discuss in the review of such a powerful piece of musical history.
This concert is a celebration of freedom, and the music is a celebration of truth. It is a joy to watch, and even if you're not a Paul Simon fan, you probably still won't be able to keep yourself from being moved -- either figuratively or literally: my friend (who's not a big Paul fan) said she couldn't stop dancing. Miriam Makeba -- who had been in exile from her homeland for 27 years because of her political beliefs -- has an inspired presence, as does Hugh Masakela -- also a political exile. Ladysmith Black Mambazo is both a force to be reckoned with and a perfect example of gentle humility. All the "back-up" players are astounding, and Paul is as full of love and humility and sincerity as he could possibly be.
I have watched this concert a dozen times, and look forward to the next dozen. It is a rare gem that I enjoy sharing with the people in my life I love the most.
To sum it up? GET THIS CONCERT.

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Studio: Wea-des Moines VideoRelease Date: 03/23/1999Run time: 90 minutesRating: Nr

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Monday, January 7, 2013

AC/DC: Plug Me In (3 disc Limited Edition) (2007) Review

AC/DC: Plug Me In (3 disc Limited Edition) (2007)
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OK, just pop in disc 1, look at the hilarious arcade computer game menu, and you know it's gonna be fun. Because AC/DC was and is always in for a bit of fun. Have a good time, while rockin' out. Judged from the content on this boxset, that is very obvious. Select "Hell Ain't A Bad Place To Be" and you just can't not bang your head a little bit to the electrifying sound, which, on this track, sounds absolutely brilliant, beautifully remastered for this release. The really old clips before that sound a bit muffled, probably because of age. Further on the sound is varying between spectacular and a bit cranky.
I understand that the restoration people only can do so much, but I'm very satisfied with their clean-up work.
At last, with this release, we get to see Bon Scott's funny stage persona in full, making funny faces and winking at the cameras. In "Rocker" you can't stop laughing when Angus goes into the frozen (from shock?) audience and gets in their hair. More jokes from the band as they cut off Pete Drummond's intro speech on camera, and just kick off with "Problem Child".
The selection of songs is very good, although I suspect that some fans will miss their personal favorites.
Rounding out disc 1 are some cool vintage interview clips with the band and one long interview with a very laid back Bon Scott.
Disc 2 contains live material with singer Brian Johnson. As there are several live dvd releases out there featuring Brian, most fans are familiar with Brian's showmanship. It's nice to see some of his most early footage with the band, from 1981, including some interview clips, where he admitted that he didn't realise what he was in for or how big the band already had become.
Especially cool is the VH-1 clip where we see the band in a very small studio space as opposed to the large stages we have seen them up until now, but with a good sense of being a tight unit and comfortable with each other and just enjoying playing rock n' roll together. Rehearsal footage made during the soundcheck for this session is presented as a bonus, also very cool. We see Angus playing with a cigarette in his mouth and just jamming along. The sound starts out a bit crap, because it's a soundcheck, but later on we get to hear the instruments getting into the mix and Brian's dancing along.
The other cool extra on this disc is live footage taken from the Rolling Stones 40 Licks tour, where AC/DC probably shared the bill on that day in 2003.
Angus and Malcolm join the Stones on stage to play "Rock Me Baby", an old B.B. King blues track. Keith and Ron Wood and Angus doing his usual funny thing, just a pleasure to watch. You can tell by the look on all of their faces that The Stones and the Young brothers really had some fun there.
Disc 3 contains first of all some tracks that have been cut from disc 1 and 2. Why not put it there in the first place? I don't know. Maybe to ensure picture and sound quality with a high bitrate on those discs. Maybe to give the fans some extra stuff for buying the Collector's Edition. Among the highlights is a clip with band rehearsal footage from 1983, where we see the band playing facing each other, a set up anyone who's playing in a band will recognise. Great stuff.
Also featuring on this disc is a big part of a concert filmed in 1983 in Houston, with 9 songs in a row. A bit of a shame that they didn't put the entire gig on here.
All in all, I had a great time going through all this stuff, and I'm very pleased that live material from the Bon Scott era has been made available. I still can't believe the energy Angus has when I see him play (I myself saw AC/DC play in 1988 and 2000). The way he moves like he's on full tilt and bangs his head, as if he's the greatest fan of the band, and then play so effortlessly, amazing. Especially the old stuff is great where he looks just like a kid (and probably was).
Apart from the great dvd's you get a nice booklet, and some facsimiles from old concert tickets and backstage passes, and a concert poster from 1979.
A spectacular set for a great price. Highly recommended! And Amazon, please, don't list this as a Rolling Stones release, they're on 1 bloody track for pete's sake. This is AC/DC, man.

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Witness every stage of the world's most electrifying rock band!Plug Me In - the new 3DVD Collector's Edition set contains over 7 hours of rare and unreleased LIVE video from AC/DC.DVD 1 goes all the way back to 1975 and original singer Bon Scott with the band's first appearance on TV, quickly followed by two never-before-seen performances from the 1976 show at Sydney's St. Alban's High School.Also on DVD 1 are live clips from Melbourne, London, Glasgow, Holland, and Munich - including the very first public performance of the song "Highway To Hell"!DVD 2 picks up in Tokyo, with Brian Johnson at the mic.Tearing through new songs and old, the band clearly doesn't miss a beat and goes on straight through 2003 - performing with childhood heroes The Rolling Stones.Also included are rare interviews, tour promo films and alternate live versions.DVD 3 is a 2 hour collection called "Between The Cracks" - stuff too good to leave out!Included are both Bon and Brian eras, featuring the never-before-seen 1983 show from the Houston Summit.Total Running Time: approx. 7 hours DVD 1(1975-1979) High Voltage [King Of Pop Awards, Australia, October 1975] It's A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock `N' Roll) [Bandstand, Australia, February 1976] School Days [St. Albans High School, Australia, March 1976] T.N.T. [St. Albans High School, Australia, March 1976] Live Wire [Super Pop/Rollin' Bolan, London, July 1976] Can I Sit Next To You Girl [Super Pop/Rollin' Bolan, London, July 1976] Baby Please Don't Go [Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne, December 1976] Hell Ain't A Bad Place To Be [Sight & Sound In Concert, London, October 1977] Rocker [Sight & Sound In Concert, London, October 1977] Rock 'N' Roll Damnation [Apollo Theatre, Glasgow, April 1978] Dog Eat Dog [Apollo Theatre, Glasgow, April 1978] Let There Be Rock [Apollo Theatre, Glasgow, April 1978] Problem Child [Rock Goes To College, Colchester, October 1978] Sin City [Rock Goes To College, Colchester, October 1978] Bad Boy Boogie [Rock Goes To College, Colchester, October 1978] Highway To Hell [Countdown, Arnhem, August 1979] The Jack [Countdown, Arnhem, August 1979] Whole Lotta Rosie [Countdown, Arnhem, August 1979]Bonus Features Interview at Sydney airport, April 1976 Interview in Covent Garden, London, July 1976 Baby Please Don't Go [Szene 77, Munich, September 1976] Problem Child [Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne, December 1976] Interview/Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap [Promo film for Melbourne Radio, December 1976] Bon Scott Interview [Countdown, Australia, November 1977] Rock 'N' Roll Damnation [Top Of The Pops, London, June 1978] Live and Interview [Australian Music To The World, Atlanta GA, August 1978] Live Super 8 Bootleg Film [Théatre De Verdure, Nice, December 1979] DVD 2 (1981-2003) Shot Down In Flames [Nihon Seinenkan, Tokyo, February 1981] What Do You Do For Money Honey [Nihon Seinenkan, Tokyo, February 1981] You Shook Me All Night Long [Nihon Seinenkan, Tokyo, February 1981] T.N.T./Let There Be Rock [Nihon Seinenkan, Tokyo, February 1981] Back In Black [Capital Center, Landover MD, December 1981] T.N.T. [Capital Center, Landover MD, December 1981] Shoot To Thrill [The Summit, Houston TX, October 1983] Guns For Hire [Joe Louis Arena, Detroit MI, November 1983] Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap [Joe Louis Arena, Detroit MI, November 1983] Flick Of The Switch [Capital Center, Landover MD, December 1983] Bedlam In Belgium [Capital Center, Landover MD, December 1983] Back In Black [Tushino Airfield, Moscow, September 1991] Highway To Hell [Tushino Airfield, Moscow, September 1991] Whole Lotta Rosie [Tushino Airfield, Moscow, September 1991] For Those About To Rock (We Salute You) [Tushino Airfield, Moscow, September 1991] Gone Shootin' [VH1 Studios, London, July 1996] Hail Caesar [Entertainment Center, Sydney, November 1996] Ballbreaker [Entertainment Center, Sydney, November 1996] Rock And Roll Ain't Noise Pollution [Entertainment Center, Sydney, November 1996] Hard As A Rock [Stade De France, Paris, June 2001] Hells Bells [Stade De France, Paris, June 2001] Ride On [Stade De France, Paris, June 2001] Stiff Upper Lip [Circus Krone, Munich, June 2003] Thunderstruck [Circus Krone, Munich, June 2003] If You Want Blood (You've Got It) [Downsview Park Toronto Rocks, July 2003] The Jack [Downsview Park Toronto Rocks, July 2003] You Shook Me All Night Long [Downsview Park Toronto Rocks, July 2003] Bonus Features Beavis and Butt-Head "Ballbreaker Tour" intro film, 1996 Hells Bells - Interview and Live [Countdown, Brussels, January 1981] Interview [Monsters Of Rock, Castle Donington Park, August 1984] Gone Shootin' [Rehearsal, VH1 Studios, London, July 1996] Rock Me Baby (The Rolling Stones with Angus and Malcolm Young) [Festwiese, Leipzig, June 2003] DVD 3 ("Between The Cracks") She's Got Balls [St. Albans High School, Australia, March 1976] It's A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock 'N' Roll) [St. Albans High School, Australia, March 1976] Let There Be Rock [Sight & Sound In Concert, London, October 1977] Bad Boy Boogie [Apollo Theatre, Glasgow, April 1978] Girls Got Rhythm [Top Pop, Holland, November 1979] Guns For Hire [Band rehearsals, Los Angeles, October 1983] This House Is On Fire [Joe Louis Arena, Detroit MI, November 1983] Highway To Hell [RDS, Dublin, June 1996] Girl's Got Rhythm [Entertainment Center, Sydney, November 1996] Let There Be Rock [Schleyerhalle, Stuttgart, October 2000] Angus Statue Intro [Stiff Upper Lip Tour Film, June 2001] AC/DC Live at Houston Summit, October 1983: Guns For Hire Shoot To Thrill Sin City This House Is On Fire Back In Black Bad Boy Boogie Rock And Roll Ain't Noise Pollution Flick Of The Switch Hells Bells

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Monday, December 17, 2012

The Who - Tommy and Quadrophenia Live (2005) Review

The Who - Tommy and Quadrophenia Live (2005)
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In my lifetime - hell, probably in ALL time - no band has come out of retirement more often than the Who. After Keith Moon's death, it appeared to be over, until Kenny Jones filled the drum slot for a few years. Bandleader songwriter/guitarist Pete Townshend had developing doubts that the Who were still the proper outlet for his songwriting, and in the late `80s, the band announced its dissolution, punctuated with a `farewell tour'. Anyone who attended any of those shows believing that it would be the band's last hurrah - as advertised - might be somewhat bitter about the experience now. Since then, the Who have been revived more often than patients in a cardiac ward.
Both performances featured on this DVD set are taken from tours posthumous to the band's breakup, so it is understandable if more than a few fans are cynical about this package, but the truth is that it is better than they might expect. Granted, this isn't the classic Who (they ceased to exist with the death of Keith Moon in 1978), but it is classic Who material, and most of it is performed quite brilliantly here. The performance of `Tommy' takes place in Los Angeles in 1989 and at the time, it was quite a special event. A star-studded affair, with guests ranging from Billy Idol, Phil Collins, Patti LaBelle, Steve Winwood and Elton John, the entire performance was televised live. At the time I was ready, and I taped the entire performance on my Sony Betamax (which was dated even then!). I thought the performance was absolutely excellent, and I still have that copy today, although this well-produced DVD makes it even more obsolete than it already has been. The band (which is aided by a plethora of additional musicians, with special praise due to drummer Simon Phillips) is nearly flawless, with the only `unfortunate' thing being the `80s fashion sense (Townshend with a pony-tail?), but who really cares about that now anyway?
The `Quadrophenia' disk is from a later date, compiled from the "Quadrophenia' tour of 1996-97. Coincidentally, I was also familiar with this piece of history, having seen the show at New York's Madison Square Garden. At the time, I was a bit disappointed. "Quadrophenia' is my favorite Who album, and the band performed more than admirably enough (special credit to drummer Zak Starkey), but the film footage that allegedly `connected' the songs did more to damage the rock and roll energy than to aid the story. Furthermore, the special guests detracted from the performance, with Billy Idol and PJ Proby making somewhat embarrassing cameo appearances. On DVD, though, the clever editing resolves the problem as I remembered it, and the pace is consistent.
Perhaps the best feature of this DVD is the special commentary from Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey. By choosing a second `camera angle', they both appear onscreen, hovering over the concert footage like disembodied spirits. They speak candidly about the details of each event, and getting their insight and perspective while watching the concert is priceless. A third disk contains all of the `encore' footage from both shows, making this a well-rounded package of the band's latter-day performances, as well as an excellent documentary on one of the world's most important rock and roll bands.A-Tom Ryan

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Rhino Records is proud to present a 3-DVD boxed set showcasing one of the greatest live bands ever-The Who. Disc one features a live rendition of their full-blown rock opera about a deaf, dumb, and blind boy. Tommy was performed live in 1989 at The Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles, with special guests Elton John, Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Patti LaBelle, and Steve Winwood. Disc two contains the band's second rock opus, this time built around the story of a young mod's struggle to come of age in the mid-60s. This live version of Quadrophenia, from the 1996/1997 U.S. Tour was the first time it was performed as Townshend and Daltrey had visualized it, with live action and featuring a then-unknown Alex Langdon in a spellbinding performance as Jimmy, the disillusioned Mod.

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Tuesday, October 30, 2012

U2 Go Home - Live From Slane Castle (Limited Edition Packaging) (2002) Review

U2 Go Home - Live From Slane Castle (Limited Edition Packaging) (2002)
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The Packaging
The first surprise is that the DVD is available in two different kinds of packaging. One version comes in the usual digipack-cover as we know it from the Boston DVD. Inside you find the booklet in the usual DVD upsize format. The second version, in contrast, comes in a suprising format: its a standard cd jewel case with a booklet in the same format. A pretty unusual format for a DVD and day-to-day customers might easily mix up this version with a normal audio CD.

The Content
The DVD contains the entire slane castle concert from September 1st. 'Mysterious Ways' is not part of the concert, but listed as a 'bonus track'. The reasons for this are still unknown. The concert without Mysterious Ways lasts 1:38h, the bonus track is 6:26 min long. Furthermore the DVD contains a remastered version of the 'Unforgettable Fire' Documentary, which has been available before on the 'The Unforgettable Fire Collection' VHS from 1985. Bonus-Features include the already mentioned Mysterious Ways track, a DVD-ROM section with screensavers, desktop wallpapers, an elevation tour calendar and weblinks, plus - for the the first time ever - the possibility to view 3 songs from the show in a 360° perspective.

The Concert
The most noticeable fact about this concert is the perfect mood the band was in on this evening. What seemed somewhat artificial and nervous in the Boston show, you can see much better here - the band enjoyed playing a second time in front of such a crowd at Slane Castle. Maybe it's the fact that it was not planned to release this concert for sale. Some incidents before the shows made both Slane concerts very emotional. The huge crowd brings a terrific spirit to the homes of all U2 fans, and the interaction with fans is much better here than in Boston.

Between songs Bono tells stories, plays games with fans and makes other kinds of jokes, all this makes the recording and U2 on this evening so likable. We pass on a song by song review, as we think that each viewer has to make up his own mind about this concert. We just want to point out that U2's mood and musical performance is outstanding. In comparision with all the other live videos this is the one which transports the feeling of a live concert best. All other videos tend to be stiff in some way or too well prepared. U2 at Slane Castle 2001 is the band U2 we want to see, they act with their hearts and have fun.
The Picture
The concert was recorded with many camera perspectives although Ned O'Hanlon said in an @U2.com interview that the expenses on that show were just a small fraction compared to the expenses for recording the Boston show. The spirit of the entire show is captured very well, shots from and of the audience are used very often and reflect its enthusiasm. The video format is 16:9, the pictures are sometimes very coarse, sometimes due to special effects, but this may have to do something with the light conditions during the shooting.
The Sound
This is the first time a U2 DVD is released with DTS sound, in addition to the PCM stereo format and DolbyDigital 5.1. But we think that for a normal user there is no relevant notable difference. Bonos voice is transferred very clearly via the centre speaker. The instruments are mixed to the front speakers, from the rear speakers you can notice quiet echoes, which are sometimes irritating. The audience is well mixed into the rear-speakers. There is no crystal clear mixing as can be found on DVDs like 'Eagles - Hell Freezes Over', where each instrument can be heard on a different channel. But maybe it's not comparable, because the Eagles show was a club-gig especially prepared for this, U2 in Slane was an open-air show which was, at the time of recording, not scheduled for a release.
The Extras
'The Unforgettable Fire' documentary
As mentioned before this is a remastered version of the 'Unforgettable Fire' documentary which follows the recordings of the album of the same name at Slane Castle in 1984. The video format is 4:3 and the documentary is 28 min long. The Documentary also includes the "Pride (In The Name of Love)" video. The picture quality is not the best, it's far away from DVD-quality.
Bonus-Track 'Mysterious Ways'
Once the track list of the DVD became public, many fans were shocked as the same song which was already missing on the Boston DVD was once again cut out. For still unknown reasons the song was taken out of the usual running order of the DVD and instead placed as a bonus track. It is not as was rumoured (and feared) a so called "easter egg", but a normal track which can easily be accessed via the main menu. (Remark: Producer Ned O'Hanlon said in a recent interview that the song just didn`t really fit into the show).
DVD-Rom Bonus Tracks
The most anticipated special, the 360° view of the concert, ends up being a Quicktime video of the three songs Elevation, Beautiful Day and Where The Streets Have No Name. Users have the possibility to spin around 360° degrees in real time at the touch of their mouse. A real high-end-special-feature feeling unfortunately doesn't come across due to the lack of quality which reminds one of a cheap webcam.
The second special feature is the 'Elevation tour diary calendar and clock'.
Furthermore two screensavers in red and blue are available - their style matching the artwork of the DVD. Nice, but not really exciting.
Four desktop motives are available to polish up your Windows system. They are available in 1024x768 and 800x600 resolution.
Finally the obligatory links to U2.com and NGOs that are supported by U2 are featured. Exclusive weblinks are unfortunately missing.
You can read the entire review with screenshots also in english at .....,..

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U2 GO HOME:LIVE FROM SLANE CASTLE - DVD Movie

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Wednesday, October 24, 2012

The Allman Brothers Band - Live at the Beacon Theatre (2003) Review

The Allman Brothers Band - Live at the Beacon Theatre (2003)
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An excellent live concert release from one of the original jam bands. Here The Allman Brothers Band present an uncut 2 Hour and 48 minute concert recorded in March 2003 at The Beacon Theater in New York. Although a few Allman Brothers classics like Ramblin Man, Jessica, In Memory of Elizabeth Reed, and Revival are not here they are included on other video releases and what is included here is excellent and worthy of 5 stars. The 5.1 sound and video quality are excellent and the band is as tight as they have ever been. This version of the Allman Brothers Band (Founding members Gregg Allman, Jaimoe, and Butch Trucks, along with longtime band members Warren Haynes, Marc Quinones, and Oteil Burbridge, and more recent addition Derek Trucks doing a good job filling Dickie Betts' shoes) seem to be really enjoying themselves on stage and it comes through in the quality of the music.
Besides the concert, the double DVD release also includes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes of interviews and behind the scenes footage. There is a also a very good dressing room performance of Old Friend by Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks along with a photo gallery and discography.
Here is the Track Listing:
1. Ain't Wastin' Time No More
2. Black Hearted Woman
3. Statesboro Blues
4. Woman Across The River
5. A Change Is Gonna Come
6. Maydell
7. Come & Go Blues
8. Rockin' Horse
9. Desdemona
10. Don't Keep Me Wondering
11. Midnight Rider
12. Soulshine
13. High Cost Of Low Living
14. Leave My Blues At Home
15. Old Before My Time
16. The Same Thing
17. Melissa
18. Instrumental Illness
19. Worried Down With The Blues
20. Dreams
21. Whippin' Post
22. One Way Out

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Sunday, September 16, 2012

Best of Both Worlds Concert: The 3-D Movie: Extended Edition Review

Best of Both Worlds Concert: The 3-D Movie: Extended Edition
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As a 16 year old male, I recieved far more than several strange looks upon entering the theatre to see this movie. There was one girl in particular who sat in front of me and managed to turn around and look at me with a rather pathetic lack of comprehension somewhere between 10 to 20 times before the movie started. I could just see in her eyes that she, like many of the other close-minded immature tweens whom surrounded me, was thoroughly considering either my sanity or my sexual orientation. It really is incredibly unsettling that our society is as bigoted and incapable as it is. Target demographic, shmarget demographic; Miley/Hannah's music is incredibly entertaining, well composed, and, at times, moving, regardless of age or gender.
BUT anyway, on with the review...
Miley's voice is amazing. It's even better live than on her CD's, and this film presents absolutely no exception. Her control and range are darn impressive, while at the same time her voice maintains an innocence and untapped potential that makes it satisfyingly difficult to stop listenting to her. I have to say that I love the unique controlled vocal crack that seems to be her signature during extended segments of vocal influctuation. She's also absolutely fearless; how many 15 year olds could keep their composure in front of 15,000+ people nearly every night with the comfort and facility that she does?
And on top off all her talent, she is, to put it incredibly frankly, pretty darn hott.
The instrumentation throughout the concert was superb. Her lead guitarist and drummer especially were outstanding in my opinion. One thing that I love about concert experiences is that the music itself is always far better than it is on the recording, since record companies and such can't put restrictions on spantaneous improvisations by the musicians. It was also a treat to listen to Miley play an acoustic guitar during "I Miss You."
Perhaps the best part of the film was the 3D effect. The glasses, thank God, weren't the blue and red sort that leave your color perception ruined and your head aching for hours, but were much better quality plastic ones.
I happen to be an aspiring filmmaker, so coming from a cinematographic point of view, this movie left nothing to be desired. Sweeping camera shots, pleasantly unexpected close ups, and creatively fun visual tricks in post production made the absolute best use of the 3D effect possible. At one point during viewing, I almost subconsciously convinced myself that I actually WAS right there, front row at her performance. You literally feel like you could reach out and touch her at any time.
The vibrant use/balance of color was in no way distorted by the glasses [if anything, the 3D effect enhanced them] and the very well designed stage setup and enormous venue could've made even the smallest theatre seem wonderfully spacious.
One of my personal favorite moments of the experience was the period of time in which the incomparable Jonas Brothers played a few songs while Miley changed. Their dramatic music, rich instrumentation, and dependably deep and passionate performances/vocals alone were worth the $15, and one can only hope that they will release a filmed concert as well... Haha, but I digress.
My only complaint would have to be that the entire concert is not included. There were numerous songs that I was looking forward to, but that didn't make it past the cutting room floor. I suppose they had to pick and choose between performances though since they had to fit behind-the-scenes action as well.
All in all, this movie is incontrovertably entertaining and simply bursting with refreshing talent. People can tell me I'm "not supposed" to enjoy what Miley has to offer all they want, but the fact of the matter is that she is a quality entertainer and to refuse fandom based merely on social expectation is ridiculous and pathetic. I cannot wait until this DVD comes out, and you can bet that it'll be in my DVD player before the day it becomes available is through.

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The sold-out concert event that rocked the nation is bursting onto Disney DVD for a limited time only in a two-disc extended edition with a 3-D concert experience so real it's like having a backstage pass! Make Some Noise and get ready for the year's most eye-popping dance-in-your-seat music experience with HANNAH MONTANA & MILEY CYRUS BEST OF BOTH WORLDS CONCERT MOVIE! For the first time ever Miley performs as herself and Hannah in the same epic show! With a special appearance by the Jonas Brothers and exclusive bonus features including a sing-along mode additional songs and a rare inside look into the rock star lives of Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers this movie sensation is as close as you'll come to achieving the best of both worlds; (Elizabeth Weitzman New York Daily News). With additional songs and footage not seen in theatres including the songs: Right Here, SOS, Good & Broken, and Pumpin Up the Party. Comes with 2D and 3D versions plus 4 pairs of 3 D glasses!System Requirements:Running Time: 90 minutesFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: CHILDREN/FAMILY UPC: 786936767179 Manufacturer No: 05763200

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Thursday, September 13, 2012

The Rolling Stones - Four Flicks (2003) Review

The Rolling Stones - Four Flicks (2003)
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the four flicks dvd is simply great. it takes you in the back stage, in the studio where the stones rehearsed, it takes on stage for three very different concerts in New York, London and Paris.
It gives a good sense of how good the band is: the Stones are just excellent: very energetic and very inspired.
It's very hard to tell which of the three concert is the best. I should probably say the concert at the Madison Square Garden (first dvd) or the one in London's Twickenham Stadium. In both concerts the Stones performed some of their most solid rock: Jumpin'Jack Flash, Satisfaction, Honky Tonk Women and so on.
But the concert in Paris is interesting for other reasons: Charlie Watts saying to the public that he wanted to sing a song but Mick Jagger would not let him (a joke that made everybody laugh) and Keith Richards singing Hoagy Carmicheal's Nearness of You (a song that Keith had recorded many years before, that can be heard in the soundtrack of the movie Basquiat).
It's a wonderful wonderful dvd set. It's a great document of the Stones for the ages.

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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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Thursday, May 3, 2012

Concert for Bangladesh (2005) Review

Concert for Bangladesh (2005)
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The George Harrison-led "Concert for Bangladesh" will make its DVD debut Oct. 25 via Rhino, the same day Capitol releases a remixed, remastered CD of the project. Rhino is also creating a deluxe edition set with a reproduction of Harrison's handwritten lyrics for the then-new song "Bangla Desh," a postcard set, a sticker and a print of the original show poster.
Staged on Aug. 1, 1971, at New York's Madison Square Garden, the show raised funds via UNICEF for Bangladeshi refugees caught in the middle of the country's battle for independence from Pakistan.
It featured Harrison performing alongside Bob Dylan (making a rare public appearance in the wake of a serious motorcycle accident), Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, Ravi Shankar, Billy Preston, Badfinger and Leon Russell. The event was chronicled the following year on a triple-LP set and a feature film.
Rhino's DVD restores the original 99-minute movie in 5.1 sound and tacks on a wealth of extras, including a rehearsal performance of "If Not for You" with Harrison and Dylan and a soundcheck take on "Come on in My Kitchen" with Harrison, Clapton and Russell, plus Dylan performing "Love Minus Zero/No Limit," an outtake from the theatrical release.
The DVD will also include a 45-minute documentary, "The Concert for Bangladesh Revisited 2005," which features interviews with Bob Geldof and United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan.
Here is the track list for "The Concert for Bangladesh":
"Bangla Dhun"
"Wah-Wah"
"My Sweet Lord"
"Awaiting on You All"
"That's the Way God Planned It"
"It Don't Come Easy"
"Beware of Darkness"
Band Introduction
"While My Guitar Gently Weeps"
"Jumpin' Jack Flash"
"Youngblood"
"Here Comes the Sun"
"A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall"
"It Takes a Lot To Laugh, It Takes a Train To Cry"
"Blowin' in the Wind"
"Just Like a Woman"
"Something"
"Bangla Desh"

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The Concert for Bangladesh was the first benefit concert of its kind in that it brought together an extraordinary assemblage of major artists collaborating for a common humanitarian cause-setting the precedent that music could be used to serve a higher purpose. The concert sold out Madison Square Garden and has helped to generate millions for UNICEF and raised awareness for the organization around the world, as well as among other musicians and their fans. It is acknowledged as the inspiration and the forerunner to the major global fundraising events of recent years. To quote the United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, "George and his friends were pioneers." All artists' royalties from the sales of the DVD will go to UNICEF.

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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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Saturday, March 17, 2012

Van Halen - Live Without a Net (1986) Review

Van Halen - Live Without a Net (1986)
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This DVD features the complete New Haven concert from the tour to support the bands first album with Sammy Hagar. Live Without a Net takes you back in time to 1986 when the second incarnation of Van Halen was still green; A time when the band was full of energy, fun and love for one another. A time when the music was the most important thing for all of them. Indeed, this is a different band than what we see five years later on the Van Halen Live: Right Here, Right Now DVD from 1991. Here we see Sammy Hagar even picking up lead guitar duty on the keyboard ballads Love Walks In and Why Can't This Be Love. In addition to that two Hagar solo tracks: There's Only One Way To Rock and I Can't Drive 55 are incorporated into the bands set as if they were Van Halen songs. In the not too distant future egos would inflate and each band member would exist as a island on stage, but for the time being it's 1986 and this is Van Halen in their prime.
Only three stars because there's nothing special here. No special features and the new DTS and DD 5.1 audio mixes could have been better.

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Item Name: Van Halen - Live Without a Net; Studio:Warner Strat. Mkt.

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Thursday, March 8, 2012

The Beyoncé Experience - Live (2007) Review

The Beyoncé Experience - Live (2007)
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Once you have seen Beyonce' Knowles live in concert, you will have a new respect for her. I had the pleasure of attending "The Beyonce' Experience" when it came to Washington, DC, and since then, I have adored her even more. When Destiny's Child released their first single, "No, No, No", it was crystal clear that Beyonce' was not only the star of the group, but also the hardest working one and the one with the most potential. With this concert on DVD, she proves my stated point. Throughout the duration of the show, Beyonce' didn't miss a beat, nor did she forget a lyric, nor did I see much sweat! She made it look so easy, and that impressed me a great deal.
When she first steps onto the stage, she asks the crowd if they are ready to be entertained. She, without a doubt, entertains for each minute of the two hours that she is performing! It's not easy to keep 20,000 people entertained for two hours, but somehow Beyonce' manages to accomplish this task.
Beyonce' performs all of her biggest hits and also gives us many doses of Destiny's Child's music. "Get Me Bodied" stands out in my mind as one of the best performances because there was non-stop choreography, very creative outfits (she had on black and yellow, hence, her nickname is Bee), and it was simply an energetic performance. "Crazy in Love", "Me, Myself and I", and "Speechless" are other highlights. I loved the simplicity of the "Flaws and All" performance. She sounded great, but she incorporated so many emotions with just one song, and it was very touching to watch (how can she make herself cry on cue, on stage??) "Irreplaceable" is another highlight. Not because she did anything fancy or gaudy, because she didn't, but I love the crowd participation she included, and I liked how she pointed random individuals out from the audience (I.E., she said, "I see you over there with that Beyonce' poster!")
In all honesty, I could go on and on boasting about this DVD, but to really bring into fruition what I am saying, you will have to see it. This concert is recommended by me, no questions. "Are you ready to be entertained?"

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Movie DVD

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