Artist: Sheryl CrowTitle: Miles From Memphis : Live at the Pantages Theatre
Worth buying: Yes
You might be interested in this DVD if you like: Bonnie Raitt, Delaney and Bonnie, Al Green, Dusty Springfield
Tell Me More: Crow took an organic approach on latest album 100 Miles From Memphis , delving into the R&B and southern soul-styled music that served as formative influences. The groove-based material translated well to the concert stage, as this DVD - filmed at the vaunted Hollywood venue last year - attests. Together with a large band consisting of guitarist/frequent collaborator Doyle Bramhall II (Eric Clapton), horn players, female backing vocalists and others, they succeed in creating a soulful sound.
Shot in crisp-looking high definition, with digital 5.1 and DTS surround sound options, the 18-song DVD finds Crow and company getting into a funky groove on old faves like “Soak Up the Sun,” giving “Strong Enough” a starkly beautiful treatment and unveiling some surprising covers: “Sideways” (Citizen Cope), “Got to Give it Up" (Marvin Gaye) and “I Want You Back” (Jackson 5). The 20-minute Behind the Scenes segment comprises soundcheck rehearsals of “Eye to Eye” and “Stop,” plus Crow candidly talking about what the band and the venue meant to her. It’s almost worth the DVD price alone.
What about the packaging? Crow writes about the album/tour in the booklet, which is adorned with a few large concert photos
Get Miles From Memphis : Live at the Pantages Theatre here!
Artist: Primal Scream
Title: Screamadelica Live
Worth buying: Yes
You might be interested in this DVD if you like: Stone Roses, Happy Mondays, Kasabian, UNKLE
Tell Me More: Released in 1991, Screamadelica was among the more prominent and influential albums to emerge amidst England's acid house/rave music scene. Using psychedelic and classic rock as touchstones, Scottish frontman Bobby Gillespie and his cohorts deftly used film samples, gospel and more to create a unique atmosphere. At London ’s Olympia Theatre in 2010, the band performed the album front-to-back for the first time with a choir and brass section in tow.
Divided into two sets – one for the full album and another for rock material, the DVD/CD package (a separate Blu-ray edition adds the “Classic Albums” series episode seen on VH1 Classic and elsewhere) is best suited for diehard enthusiasts. Gillespie has never been a riveting presence onstage; ample crowd shots, “no frills” lighting and camera work and the druggy music itself, don’t help matters. The second set, with such high energy songs as the bluesy “Jailbird,” “Accelerator” and the menacing “Swastika Eyes,” almost makes up for the listlessness.
What about the packaging? Minimal; no booklet
Artist: David ByrneTitle: Ride, Rise, Roar: A Live Concert Film
Worth buying: Yes
You might be interested in this DVD if you like: Peter Gabriel, Brian Eno, Talking Heads
Tell Me More: Byrne has always been a trailblazer of the visual medium, dating back to his days with Talking Heads (particularly the seminal concert film “Stop Making Sense”) and many memorable music videos. “Ride, Rise, Roar” is a hybrid performance and documentary. Behind the scenes details about 2008-09 tour preparations for his exceptional Everything That Happens Will Happen Today album with Eno are interspersed with dancers interpreting songs that Byrne and his band perform. The dance rehearsal and choreographer interview footage is moderately interesting; the chats with Byrne and Eno about the album and band practices, much more so. Through 90 minutes, Byrne mixes spirited Heads songs (“Once in a Lifetime,” I Zimbra,” “Road to Nowhere,” “Burning Down the House”) with Everything That Happens tracks – all intriguingly staged.
What about the packaging? Minimal; no booklet
George Paul
Read more of writer George Paul's reviews, feature articles and posts on his Music Minded site!
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