Artist: Peter GabrielTitle: New Blood: Live in London
Worth buying: Yes
For fans of: Sting’s orchestral work, David Byrne, Christopher O’Reilly, early Genesis
Tell Me More: On 2010 album Scratch My Back, Gabriel covered Neil Young, David Bowie, Arcade Fire and others with just orchestral backing. Then the prog rock legend gave his own work the classical-music-plus-vocals treatment for the follow up, New Blood. This intriguing companion concert DVD from Eagle Vision/Real World was shot at London ’s HMV Hammersmith Apollo last March.
Gabriel and the New Blood Orchestra’s compelling 22-song show runs nearly 2 ½ hours. In Gabriel’s hands, Scratch selections like “Boy in the Bubble” (Paul Simon) and “Book of Love” (Stephen Merritt) are graceful and his introductions are filled with self-deprecating humor. Highlights include a gorgeous “Washing of the Water” – one of several tunes featuring sweet backing vocals from his daughter Melanie, highly dramatic “Biko,” totally revamped “San Jacinto” (where Gabriel flashes a light into the audience), frantic “Red Rain” (precipitation is projected over the DVD image) and exultant performances of “Solsbury Hill” and “In Your Eyes.” The sound is rich throughout.
“Blood Donors,” the 20-minute bonus documentary, is comprised of behind the scenes segments, interviews with the singer and conductors about putting the show and arrangements together. Also available in Blu-ray.
What about the packaging? The plastic DVD case slips into an outer cardboard covering, while the 7-page booklet has detailed tour/production credits and multiple color photos of Gabriel and the musicians.
Artist: PlaceboTitle: We Come in Pieces
Worth buying: Yes
For fans of: Manic Street Preachers, Garbage, Nirvana, Ziggy Stardust-era David Bowie
Tell Me More: Placebo undertook a mammoth world tour behind 2009’s Battle for the Sun, but it failed to reach America . The DVD We Come in Pieces (Eagle Vision) - taken from a tour ending concert in September ’10 at London’s Brixton Academy – should placate Stateside fans who missed seeing the androgynous U.K. alt-rock trio live. There’s definitely a fuller-than-usual sound, with two auxiliary musicians onstage. New drummer Steve Forrest provides beefier rhythms on ‘90s British hit “Nancy Boy” and U.S. charter “Infra-Red.”
The director makes everything visually vibrant, thanks to superimposed images. Among the standouts: a hard-hitting take on Nirvana’s “All Apologies,” the bristling “Meds” and harrowing violin-accented rocker “The Bitter End.” The bonus feature has six performances at various ’09-’10 outdoor festivals in various countries. The 2-DVD deluxe edition contains an hour long documentary and short film. Also available in Blu-ray.
What about the packaging? Housed in a simple book-style cardboard casing, the DVD comes with a minimal booklet and nine artsy band images.
Artist: The B-52’sTitle: With the Wild Crowd!
Worth buying: Yes
For fans of: Devo, Sparks , Oingo Boingo, early new wave in general
Tell Me More: I’m not sure which is harder to believe: that the B-52’s have been together more than three decades or With the Wild Crowd! (Eagle Records) marks the Athens , Ga. dance-pop act’s first official full-length concert CD. Having attended many B-52’s shows over the years, I can attest that no other band makes party music quite like these four do. The 76-minute, 18-track album, recorded at their hometown Classic Center back in February, retains the old zany spirit. Co-lead vocalists Fred Schneider, Cindy Wilson and Kate Pierson reminisce a bit and the gals can basically still hit most of those high trills (“Roam,” “Private Idaho”). Four new songs from 2008 comeback album Funplex mix well with the late ‘70s new wave staples (“Rock Lobster,” “Planet Claire”), ’80s modern rock hits (“Love Shack,” “Cosmic Thing”) and a rare nugget (“Wig”). A DVD of the show is expected next year.
What about the packaging? Bright color pics of the band and crowd galore, plus credits in a standard sized booklet.
- George A. Paul Dec. 21011
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