100 DVD Reviews in 100 Days

[gamrrpol]

EDIT: All right....due to personal issues I abandoned this a while back and decided to take it up again. Entering new posts as of today (July 11, 2012).

Okay, I've become a big live music DVD fan and the collection is starting to get substantial. I've been meaning to add reviews to Amazon and figure this post will give me some incentive to get going. I'll try to post one each day, but if I miss one here or there I'll try to make up for it. Each review will be a new post and I'll list them, as I add them, on the OP.

1. Rush - Rush in Rio
2. Queensryche - Mindcrime at the Moore
3. Queens of the Stone Age - Over the Years and Through the Woods
4. Lucinda Williams - Austin City Limits
5. Judas Priest - Live Vengeance '82
6. Alice in Chains - Unplugged
7. Coheed & Cambria - Neverender
8. Gorillaz - Demon Days Live
9. Deep Purple - Live in Concert 72/73
10. Roger Waters - In The Flesh
11. Rush - R30
12. Styx - Return To Paradise
13. Queensryche - The Art of Live
14. Queensryche - Operation: LiveCrime
15. Queensrcyhe - Live Evolution
16. Dio - We Rock
17. Led Zeppelin - untitled
18. Iron Maiden - Flight 666
19. Iron Maiden - Live After Death
20. Iron Maiden - The History of Iron Maiden - Pt. 1: The Early Years
21. Metallica - Live Sh*t - Binge & Purge
22. Blue Oyster Cult - Some Enchanted Evening
23. Porcupine Tree - Arriving Somewhere
24. Judas Priest - British Steel - 30th Anniversary Edition
25. Voivod - Tatsumaki
26. Smashing Pumpkins - If All Goes Wrong
27. Tori Amos - Live at Montreaux '91/'92
28. Joe Bonnamassa - Live From the Royal Albert Hall
29. The Cars - Musikladen - Live 1979
30. The Cult - Live Cult (Music Without Fear)
31. Pink Floyd - Pulse
32. Muse - H.A.A.R.P.
33. Marillion - Recital of the Script
34. Dream Theater - Metropolis 2000
35. Dream Theater - Live at Budokan
36. Dream Theater - Score - 20th Anniversary
37. Dream Theater - Chaos in Motion
38. Dream Theater - Images & Words Live in Tokyo / 5 Years in a LiveTime
39. Triumph - Live at the Us Festival
40. The Who - The Kids Are Alright
41. The Who - Live at the Isle of Wight Festival - 1970
42. U2 - Go Home - Live from Slane Castle
43. U2 - Zoo TV - Live from Sydney
44. U2 - Under A Blood Red Sky
45. Yes - Symphonic Live
46. Black Country Communion - Live Over Europe
47. Cheap Trick - Budokan
48. Dream Theater - When Dream and Day Reunite
49. Dream Theater - Santiago, Chile
50. Coldplay - Live 2003
51. Fantomas / Melvins - The Fantomas Melvins Big Band
52. Faith No More - Fat Bastards

[gamrrpol]

Artist: Rush
DVD: Rush in Rio
Year: 2003
Extras: 4

Visual: 5
Editing: 5
Audio: 3.5
Performance: 4
Set-list: 5
Overall: 4

I have such mixed feelings about this DVD. On the one hand, you have just about everything you could possibly want: a complete concert, an amazingly energetic crowd singing along with every song (including the instrumental YYZ - something you MUST see), outstanding video production.

So what's the problem? Mostly the sound. The documentary DVD explains how the band could not do a soundcheck for the show and, as a result, the sound is muddy and flat. Worse, this is clearly not one of Alex Lifeson's best nights as he is pretty sloppy throughout. Those two elements drop the grade down to 4 stars and mar what would otherwise be a certain 5-star rating.

The real star of this show is the 40,000 crazy Brazilians. Singing, waving, screaming and just going NUTS throughout the show, they clearly energize the band members (who, despite a 30 year history, admit having never seen such a thing before). And yes, they sing the melody to YYZ to amazing effect. The audience literally seems ready to explode when the band kicks into 2112.

The setlist is also topnotch, with hits (Tom Sawyer, YYZ, Closer to the Heart), good later songs (Distant early Warning, The Pass, Bravado, Dreamline), classic obscurities (Natural Science, La Villa), the obligatory Peart solo and a solid closing medley. All gloriously displayed in eye-popping visuals. A complete 2 1/2 hour concert captured in entirety.

The second disc is also interesting. It includes a one hour documentary (interesting but not really compelling) as well as multi-angles views of three songs.

Again.....a sure-fire 5-star rating except for the bad sound.

YYZ

[gamrrpol]

Artist: Queensryche
DVD: Mindcrime at the Moore
Year: 2007

Visual: 5
Editing: 5
Audio: 4.5
Performance: 4.5
Set-list: 4.5
Overall: 5

Frankly, this DVD is done about as well as one can be. If you're a QR fan, it's an absolute must-have. If you're not, it's not a bad way to capture some of their very best material presented in high quality. Successfully captures the entirety of the Operation Mindcrime opus, both parts I and II.

Similar to Operation Livecrime and Live Evolution, Mindcrime at the Moore has outstanding DVD production values. The sound is truly amazing for a live show, as is the video production. Luckily, bands have learned that the fast-edit, MTV-style production isn't appropriate for live DVDs (or anyone with an attention span, for that matter) and you get a more nuanced video production here.

Truthfully, part I is not as exciting as part II. Probably b/c part I is almost 20 years old while part II is contemporary. This is evident in the presentation, which has more theatrics presented with part II. In fact, it is this theater-like element that makes this DVD. The OM storys is completely fleshed out with a the revelation of how Mary was killed (we won't get into the fact this version is inconsistent with the lyrics and a previous video presentation), and the fate of Dr. X. Marching bands, a jury, and other actors along with stage sets make this more like a play than any other concert I've seen.

And it all works very well. Tate has lost much of his range but sounds better here than expected. And the band sounds exceptional. In fact, in watching this I realize this band ALWAYS sounds great live, a testament to their musicianship. And new-comer Mike Stone is a revelation. While original DeGarmo replacement Kelly Gray was an embarrassment (recognized by the band when they dismissed him after one album) Stone brings amazing chops and some new energy.

If you're unfamiliar with OM:2, this is the best way to experience it. A quality live DVD that provides a simple, yet high-quality standard for others to meet.

I'm American

[gamrrpol]

Artist: Lucinda Williams
DVD: Austin City Limits
Year: 1998

Visuals: 4
Editing: 4
Audio: 4
Performance: 4
Set-list: 4
Overall: 4

Car Wheels and a Gravel Road had just been released and, for the first time in years, Lucinda's career was back on a steady coarse. Surrounded by a competent group of musicians and playing in the perfect city for her sparse, unnervingly honest country approach, this is a great video document of Lucinda and her band playing right as her career and creative energies peaked.

Obviously, Lucinda's words and voice are the main attraction here and neither disappoint. Her haunting remembrances resonate with poignant emotion. Virtually every song is a winner, but opener Pineola will literally bring a tear to your eye. Luckily, band members are allowed to stretch out some songs and show off their chops, which are very solid; Kenny Vaughn and John Jackson, on electric guitars, impress the most.

The understated visual presentation is the perfect demonstration that less is more when it comes to live music video editing: simple, direct and highly effective. The sound is solid if unremarkable.

Lastly, if you've ever visited or spent time enjoying the Austin music scene this is also a good document. The mix of country and rock and the no-frills, here's-what-we-do presentation aptly illustrates what you'll find in the Live Music Capital of the World on any given Saturday night. Only the usual two-steppers are missing.

Drunken Angel

[gamrrpol]

Artist: Queens of the Stone Age
DVD: Over the Years and Through The Woods (CD/DVD combo)
Year: 2005

Visual: 2
Editing: 1
Audio: 4.5
Performance: 4
Set-list: 4
Overall: 2.5

This DVD is the poster-child for overzealous videographers with delusions of grandeur ruining an otherwise outstanding DVD. The seizure-inducing editing is a travesty: hyper-fast edits, out-of-focus shots, super-fast zoom-in / zoom-outs, random black and white images, senseless shots from the studio or other shows....all the usual culprits are here on vivid display throughout the vast majority of this DVD.

Which is a terrible shame because all the makings for a terrific DVD are there: a band playing a professional, competent show; outstanding sound; a career-spanning setlist with numerous highlights; Josh Homme's obviously inflated ego making for semi-uncomfortable yet very interesting moments.

All ruined because some video editor thinks a band playing music simply isn't interesting enough and require a new camera angle every 2.2 seconds.

Still a reasonable purchase as both the DVD and the CD are a great listen, with highlight including a frantic Go With the Flow, enigmatic Monsters in the Parasol, chrning Little Sister and a fantastic closing trio in Songs for the Deaf, No One Knows and Long Slow Goodbye.

Seriously, give me the raw materials and I could put together a much-more compelling version of this DVD, which is basically unwatchable IMO. I sometimes wonder if the artists themselves actually watch some of these over-edited DVDs as they minimize the musician for the some fancy tricks that detract substantially from the viewing experience.

Covered in Punk's Blood

[gamrrpol]

Artist: Judas Priest
DVD: Live Vengeance '82
Year: 1982

Visuals: 3
Editing: 4
Audio: 4
Performance: 3.5
Set-list: 4
Overall: 3.5

Visually and sound-wise, this nearly 30-year old document doesn't match the superior recording capabilities of modern live DVD releases.....but more importantly, it captures Judas Priest at the zenith of their power and popularity. Touring in support of their Screaming for Vengeance release, the band breaks out all the standard heavy metal props of the day: leather and studs all around, waist-deep fog, lasers and the appearance of a fully decked-out Harley all make their appearances. And of course you have the Priest pounding out fist-pumping metal anthems.

Frankly, I expected to rate this higher. But something is missing, and it's hard to figure out what exactly. But both band and audience kinda seem to be going through the motions. I saw Priest on this tour and the show I remembered....while almost identical to this show in terms of set-list....was nothing like the one I attended. The show I attended featured a band that ROCKED and a frenzied audience. The Priest on this disc seems to be on autoplay.

Yes, they play the songs competently, but don't really seem to be enjoying themselves that much. I'm guessing it was night 45 (or 68 or 94) of 200+ touring days that year and it's understandable if, to them, it was "just another show".

Still, if you're a Priest fan this is pretty much a must-have as it's the best document of the band in their prime. You get all the expected fare (Breakin' the Law, You've Got Another Thing Coming, Living After Midnight), the metal anthems (Electric Eye, Riding on the Wind, Hell Bent for Leather) and a sampling of the classics (Sinner, Ripper, Diamonds and Rust, Victim of Changes). Rob Halford is in fine voice (if a bit boring as a front-man) and Tipton and Downing trade guitar licks as they have for nearly 40 years.

All-in-all a good DVD, just doesn't quite capture what Priest delivered on a great night in their prime.

Hellion / Electric Eye

[Rocket2Russia]

:|

[gamrrpol]

Artist: Alice in Chains
DVD: Unplugged
Year: 1996

Visuals: 4
Editing: 5
Audio: 5
Performance: 4
Set-list: 5
Overall: 4.5

An emotional, haunting performance captured in glorious detail. Alice in Chains had ceased touring 3 years prior and were barely a functioning band due to Layne Staley's severe heroine addiction. Layne's appearance on stage (frail, pale, skinny, shadows under the eyes, long sleeves and gloves covering needle marks?) did nothing to inspire confidence in a quality performance.

But once the music starts and Layne begins singing a tight, powerful, cohesive band unleashes a memorable performance. Despite needing printed lyrics to help him out, Layne nails (virtually) every phrase of every song utilizing his unrestrained, unique high-pitched wail to great effect. His frequent harmonies with Jerry Cantrell were one of the secret ingredients of their success and they are well-done throughout the 13-song set-list.

As befitting an unplugged show, the players are seated and surrounded by candles. The relaxed presentation is captured perfectly with soft camera angles and subtle transitions and effects. The sound is outstanding, so much so that I prefer many of these live versions to the studio versions.

The set-list is near perfect, covering all the songs you'd expect (No Excuses, Rooster, Down in A Hole, Would?), some deeper cuts (Angry Chair, Sludge Factory) as well as some more obscure gems (Brother, and the amazing opener Nutshell). Penultimate closer Over Now is a stand-out and even the previously unheard song Killer is Me hits the mark.

All this would be more than enough for virtually any DVD but adding the heart-breaking reality of watching a then-barely-sober Layne, and knowing he was headed for further drug abuse and his inevitable ending makes this one of the most powerful live DVDs you can purchase.

If you're a fan of AIC, the Seattle grunge scene, acoustic music or the "alt" fad of the early 90's, this is a must-have DVD.

Down in a Hole

[Cubecubed]

You should review Neverender,dude. if you haven't already,that is.

[gamrrpol]

Artist: Coheed & Cambria
DVD: Neverender
Year: 2009

Visuals: 4
Editing: 4
Audio: 5
Performance: 5
Set-list: 5
Overall: 4.5

It's hard to imagine a better-value than this DVD set. Recorded during the band's legendary Neverender-series of concerts, the 2 DVD set includes the first four of the band's releases in their entirety, over 5 hours of music in total.

The band is absolutely amazing from beginning to end, with Claudio Sanchez being the obvious star and center of attention. It is the fans, however, who steal the show. From the first notes of night one opener Time Consumer to the final echoes of night 4 closer Welcome Home the entire audience seems to joyously sing every note while swaying, jumping, moshing and generally going crazy. The obviously loyalty and deep connection between band and audience is undeniable and gives the entire proceedings a potent shot of adrenaline. The DVD was recorded in NYC's Terminal 5 club and it is the absolute perfect venue for this event.

The band itself seems to feed off the audience. Claudio is a better guitarist than I had realized and despite his awkwardness when not playing on stage is a stellar front man. The tight musicianship among the sea of insanity that is the audience must be seen to be believed.

The video and audio are spectacular. While the stage production is relatively low-budget the images and sound seemed to have been captured with stunning clarity. The only negative is a bit of ADD-type fast editing; not horrible but at times I really wish I could just watch Claudio rip off a solo without having to re-adjust to a new angle every 4 seconds.

In summary, you really couldn't ask for more of a live DVD: four entire albums presented in their entirety (plus some encores), an outstanding performance by the band, a maniacal, thoroughly engrossed audience, top-notch video and audio quality. If you're a fan of C&C, you probably already own this. If you're not, it is the perfect (and very affordable - only $16.49 from Amazon) way to familiarize yourself with this high quality band.

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