Showing posts with label concert. Show all posts
Showing posts with label concert. Show all posts

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

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

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Supernatural Live: Santana (2000) Review

Supernatural Live: Santana (2000)
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Supernatural Live: Santana (2000) Review"Supernatural Live" is one of the great recent concerts I've seen. And on DVD it looks fabulous. This is a great work of art that showcases what good music really is. Carlos Santana remains like Jimi Hendrix one of the enduring guitar gods of our time. Here he performs along with some great artists timeless music. And the concert technically is superb. The sets are beautiful (especially the illusion of stars in the background) and lighting absolutely stunning as well as the editing (I loved the wink to "Woodstock" with the three screen separation when the band performs "Gypsy Queen" and "Oye Como Va"). Santana has obviously come along way from his days in the late 60s and 70s as one of the revolutionary artists in rock. He shows here that age does not matter, it's the ART that counts. His guitar playing is in fact, superior to his previous work now more than ever. The songs here are wonderful too, especially "Love Of My Life" with Dave Matthews, which is a hypnotic love song that sets off atmosphere and mood into the listener. "Smooth" of course, remains the main attraction here and it remains a brilliant and exhilarating blend of rock, salsa and blues, the medley that goes with it, "Dame Tu Amor" is also fun. "Maria Maria" sounds like great street poetry and "Put Your Lights On" is a deep, dark meditation. I loved the duet with Sarah McLachlan of "Angel," which is a beautiful, absolutely moving song. Then there are the independent Santana band performances which are also excellent like "Africa Bamba," which is a great samba and "Migra" which is comic but also has something to say. All in all, "Supernatural Live" is a great experience. The best deal is with the DVD because these visuals look excellent on digital disc, not to mention you get the music videos for "Smooth," "Maria Maria," "Put Your Lights On" and "Corazon Espinado." A magnificent showcasing of musical talent.Supernatural Live: Santana (2000) OverviewA stage performance by Santana and guests with behind-the-scenes footage, music videos, a mini documentary and more.No Track Information AvailableMedia Type: DVDArtist: SANTANATitle: SUPERNATURAL LIVEStreet Release Date: 09/12/2000

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Traffic - The Last Great Traffic Jam (with Bonus CD) (2005) Review

Traffic - The Last Great Traffic Jam (with Bonus CD) (2005)
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Traffic - The Last Great Traffic Jam (with Bonus CD) (2005) ReviewWhere to start? As a long-time Steve Winwood fan, I've grabbed everything I could get by Spencer Davis Group, Traffic, Blind Faith, solo material and side projects. Among these include several live concerts, such as Traffic Live in Santa Monica (released on laserdisc), a live 1987 concert for the German RockPalast, and the Austin City Limits performance for PBS. I've also seen Traffic twice, in 1973 and in 1994 (from which tour this was filmed).
The 1994 concert tour, promoting `Far from Home', was one of the best concerts I'd ever seen, and I've seen many. I was hoping the energy and musicianship I saw then had been captured for this DVD, and I'm happy to confirm it was.
Before commenting on the music itself, it should be noted that this is more than just a concert DVD. Woven into the film is footage of the band as they traveled the U.S., just being normal people (well, famous rock star normal), with such images as Winwood shining his shoes, or Bramlett and Winwood playing air guitar to the drone of a livestock auction show on TV. It's clear that the band enjoyed good rapport and had fun doing the tour.
With Winwood and Capaldi of the original band (more on that later), joined by Roscoe Gee (from `When the Eagle Flies'), Randall Bramlett, Mike McEvoy and long-time Winwood collaborator Walfredo Reyes, Jr. (who played on the live RockPalast, the Austin City Limits show and the About Time CD), these guys cook!
Concentrating their set on mainly Winwood/Capaldi compositions, they kick off in fine form with `Pearly Queen' and `Medicated Goo', giving freshness to these classic tunes with tastefully extended jams, Winwood blazing on guitar. ` Mozambique', from Far From Home, offers a glimpse as to the direction Winwood would take on About Time. An instrumental, it has a world-music type feel with fiery guitar work. The classic song `40,000 Headmen' has Winwood switching to organ, and the band pure perfection. Bramlett's flute work was true to the original, but was not merely derivative. Exquisite!
Another favorite, the instrumental `Glad', moves Winwood to piano for a rousing version, with an extended piano solo. The band offers a letter-perfect take on `Walking in the Wind' from the 1974 release `When the Eagle Flies), a song rarely done live.
The crowd was enthralled to silence as the opening chords to `Low Spark' began. I've heard this song countless times over the years, but this is the definitive version. It has never sounded better! With energy to spare, they kick into `Light Up' (they use abbreviated names instead of the full song title), with the late Jim Capaldi on lead vocals. To be honest, this is one Traffic song that I never really cared for, usually skipping it when I played `Low Spark'. While it's the same song, what a difference this performance makes! Capaldi's exuberant stage persona created an almost intimate atmosphere in the large auditorium, and the song segues into a long, rhythmic boogie jam with each band member giving a brief solo, followed by a mind-numbing Winwood guitar solo. No guitar player has anything on this guy! Amazing.
The version of `Dear Mr. Fantasy' found here is notable for two reasons. First, it was captured at an outdoor daytime concert in California; the other footage was from night performances in concert halls. Secondly, it had Jerry Garcia playing guitar with the band. Now, Deadheads will probably like that, but for me, it was no great shakes. Garcia looked really bad physically (as another reviewer noted), and frankly, I didn't think he added anything. His countrified slide noodlings didn't really fit the song, and when Winwood played his guitar solo, he virtually blew poor Jerry out of the water.
Closing the disc are two crowd-pleasers. First, the lovely `John Barleycorn', with only Winwood on acoustic guitar, Bramlett on flute and Capaldi on tambourine, presenting yet another textbook offering of superb musical craftsmanship. The final song, which must end every concert Winwood performs, was the obligatory `Gimme Some Lovin'. This version was reminiscent of the performance captured on `Welcome to the Canteen', with an extended, polyrhythmic arrangement, with lots of percussion.
To those that think Dave Mason's absence was a big loss, I disagree. Although he was an original member, his song contributions were weak, apart from the classic `Feelin' Alright'. And, while he was a gifted guitarist, he wasn't particularly distinquished. Moreover, he wouldn't collaborate with the other band members on songs, which was a source of tension throughout their relationship. It's no musical loss that he's absent.
While this release was under the Traffic name, it really is more of a Steve Winwood/Traffic hybrid performance. Winwood is much more energized and in command here than in any other live performance mentioned earlier. He has great musicians who work flawlessly together, and this DVD captures that dynamic perfectly.
I paid less than $14.00 for this, and it included an excellent bonus CD with acoustic versions of '40,000 Headmen', `John Barleycorn' and `Low Spark'. I cannot recommend `The Last Great Traffic Jam' highly enough. It's a joy to have.Traffic - The Last Great Traffic Jam (with Bonus CD) (2005) OverviewLAST GREAT TRAFFIC JAM - DVD Movie

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Metallica/Slayer/Megadeth/Anthrax: The Big 4 - Live from Sofia, Bulgaria (2010) Review

Metallica/Slayer/Megadeth/Anthrax: The Big 4 - Live from Sofia, Bulgaria  (2010)
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Metallica/Slayer/Megadeth/Anthrax: The Big 4 - Live from Sofia, Bulgaria (2010) ReviewThis is a review for the blu-ray 2 disc set. On the first disc you get Anthrax, followed by Megadeth and then Slayer's set. On the second disc you get the Metallica set and the bonus features. I will break down the setlists at the bottom of the review.
First the sound is amazing in my opinion, as is the picture. I thought the overall mix on all four sets was really good. I've read the one review about Mustaine's vocals, I didn't notice it, so can't really comment on whether it has or hasn't been remixed. It wasn't a concern for me personally.
The bonus features include a behind the sccenes documentary which includes interviews and a peak at the Am I Evil? rehearsal backstage which is just good fun. I like back stage stuff and interviews so I dig that extra feature.
So for the bulk features of this "product" I give it five stars, good picture, good sound, bonus features are nice added touch. I couldnt really find a reason to deduct any stars based on the product. The camera shots are typical concert fodder, close stage center, back stage left, over the crowd, close up floating over crowd and behind the band looks. I appreciate the traditional camera shots, I am not really a fan of the waving, roving camera techniques where you flashy, quick looks and can't follow anything. I like to get long shots of the guitar when there are solos etc. So , I was happy with the way this was shot.
Now for my personal opinions. I was very happy with the setlists for Megadeth and Metallica. Megadeth didn't waste time chatting, they went from song to song and really delivered. I've seen Megadeth live many times and they are always incredible, this is no exception, what really got me going for the Megadeth set was the guitar, those riffs are just so amazing, and Chris Broderick is an amazing addition to this lineup. His live performances with Nevermore were astounding and when he joined Megadeth I wondered if it would be enough for a guitarist of his caliber. Clearly it is, he is having a blast.
I was unhappy with Slayer's setlist. I have seen Slayer live and they are really worth seeing. Songs like World Painted Blood, Jihad, Hate Worldwide, Beauty Through Order would have been better replaced with Dead Skin Mask (I can't believe they didn't play this one), Expendable Youth, Die by the Sword. Too bad, but again, this is just my preference. I really recommend the double live CD Decade of Aggression. It's an amazing set of songs.Metallica setlist mirrors their previous blu-ray release. I think it's a solid set of songs and they sounded very good, the mix is great. This is when you see all the guys coming together and perform together and that is alot of fun. I've seen Metallica live every tour since 1986 and I can say this past tour has had some great setlists. I could have done without N.E.M., but hey the crowd loved it. If you have any questions I'll try to answer them.
((***Side ponder*** I wondered who decided what order the bands should perform in? I found it curious to have Megadeth perform before Slayer as they are more widely known.))
If you dig all four, or one or two of these bands, this is worth owning and was alot of fun to watch.
Anthrax
Caught in a Mosh
Got the Time
Madhouse
Be All, End All
Antisocial
Indians/Heaven and Hell
Medusa
Only
Metal Thrashing Mad
I Am The Law
Megadeth
Holy Wars
Hangar 18
Wake Up Dead
Head Crusher
In My Darkest Hour
Skin O My Teeth
A Tout Le Monde
Hook in Mouth
Trust
Sweating Bullets
Symphony of Destruction
Peace Sells/Holy Wars Reprise
Slayer
World Painted Blood
Jihad
War Ensemble
Hate Worldwide
Seasons in the Abyss
Angel of Death
Beauty Through Order
Disciple
Mandatory Suicide
Chemical Warfare
South of Heaven
Raining Blood
Metallica
Creeping Death
For Whom the Bell Tolls
Fuel
Harvester of Sorrow
Fade to Black
That Was Just Your Life
Cyanide
Sad But True
Welcome Home
All Nightmare Long
One
Master of Puppets
Blackened
Nothing Else Matters
Enter Sandman
Am I Evil?
Hit the Lights
Seek and DestroyMetallica/Slayer/Megadeth/Anthrax: The Big 4 - Live from Sofia, Bulgaria (2010) Overview

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The Moody Blues: Lovely to See You - Live (2008) Review

The Moody Blues: Lovely to See You - Live  (2008)
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The Moody Blues: Lovely to See You - Live (2008) ReviewAlongside The Rolling Stones, The Moody Blues are one of the other great British bands to still be going strong after being together for over 40 years. The band's latest live release "Lovely To See You" captures The Moodies in a stunning live performance at Los Angeles' Greek Theatre in June 2005 and is proof that they haven't lost their magic touch at all during their long existance.
This 2-disc set includes many songs that have become immortal classics and fan favorites over the years. Staples such as "Tuesday Afternoon", "The Voice", "Isn't Life Strange", "The Story In Your Eyes", "I'm Just A Singer (In A Rock and Roll Band)" and of course, "Nights In White Satin" are all included here alongside more obscure tracks such as "Steppin' In A Slide Zone", "Talking Out Of Turn", "Higher and Higher" and "The Actor". In fact, the music performed here spans the band's entire career excluding the very early period with Denny Laine.
As for the performance itself, the band was definitely on a musical high during this particular night. Despite the absence of a full symphonic orchestra which has become the norm for The Moodies in recent years, the band still maintains their trademark orchestral sound while letting loose with some raw energy that isn't always apparent on their studio albums. Also of interest is the fact that this is the first live release from The Moody Blues not to feature founding member/flautist/singer Ray Thomas (who retired from the band in 2003). In his place is the brilliant flautist Norda Mullen who despite not being an official band member, still delivers an outstanding performance and effortlessly fills some big shoes left by her predecessor.
Indeed, the rest of the band delivers an equally stellar performance as well.
Besides containing great music, the CD booklet is also fascinating as it includes a track-by-track breakdown as to who played and sang what on each song. There's even a list of each members equipment listed on the back of the CD booklet as well as brief commentary from The Moody Blues themselves on the inside.
With this said, "Lovely To See You" is an outstanding document of The Moody Blues as elder statesmen of classic Rock. The music as well as the concert heard on this album is timeless and even though most of these songs have been released in live form before, it's still highly recommended especially if you're a Moody Blues fan.The Moody Blues: Lovely to See You - Live (2008) Overview

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Jimi Hendrix - Live at Woodstock (1999) Review

Jimi Hendrix - Live at Woodstock (1999)
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Jimi Hendrix - Live at Woodstock (1999) ReviewIn 1999, when Experience Hendrix (the family company that now controls Jimi's legacy) released the DVD entitled 'Jimi Hendrix Live at Woodstock,' they claimed that the contents of that DVD was all that remained of one of the most important musical historical documents of all time. Woodstock was a cultural moment, and Jimi Hendrix played the most important role of that moment. EH claimed that the unused footage was thrown out. I said at the time that it was untrue, as that wasn't the type of thing that anyone would have thrown out.
Happily, about that I was correct, because in the 2-DVD set entitled 'JImi Hendrix Live at Woodstock,' all of the remaining unused footage has now been released, and incorporated into the pre-existing footage.
This 2-DVD set contains the MOST of the performance that Jimi played as the headliner of the Woodstock festival, as compared to the double CD released, the only song missing on this DVD is Hear My Train A Comin'. This is because the complete song was never filmed, but it can be found on DVD 2, where the song has been augmented with backstage and audience footage taken of portions of the performance.
The reason why the entire performance was not filmed is further explained in the booklet included in the DVD package, which was once again designed by the wonderful and talented Smay Vision graphic design firm, who oversees all of the packaging design for all Experience Hendrix releases.
The BEST PART about this new 2-DVD release is the second disc. Entitled 'A Second Look,' this incorporates black-and-white video footage shot by then 22 year-old Albert Goodman, who had used one of the very first SONY CV open-reel 1/2-inch videotape units. This 'Second Look' incorporates Goodman's footage, which provides further insight into how the audience was influenced by the music of Hendrix's new group 'Gypsy Sun & Rainbows.'
The booklet features a new essay by Hendrix historian John McDermott, and also features reproductions of the three-day Woodstock ticket, Jimi's handwritten set list, as well as Jimi's 'unfinished rough-sketch of Woodstock festival,' the evocative 500,000 Halos poem, which can also be found in the hardcover book 'Jimi Hendrix: The Lyrics.'
I give this DVD my highest recommendation, as it was an incredibly important moment in all of music history, now expanded and given the respect it has always deserved.Jimi Hendrix - Live at Woodstock (1999) OverviewDVD ONE: Jimi Hendrix: Live At Woodstock 1. Message To Love 2. Spanish Castle Magic 3. Red House 4. Lover Man 5. Foxey Lady 6. Jam Back At The House 7. Izabella 8. Fire 9. Voodoo Child (Slight Return) 10. Star Spangled Banner 11. Purple Haze 12. Woodstock Improvisation 13. Villanova Junction 14. Hey Joe 15. The Road To Woodstock: New documentary directed by Bob Smeaton featuring new interviews with Hendrix band members Mitch Mitchell, Billy Cox, Juma Sultan, and Larry Lee, engineer Eddie Kramer, and Woodstock promoter Michael Lang among others. DISC TWO: Jimi Hendrix: Live At Woodstock: A Second Look 1. Message To Love 2. Hear My Train A Comin' 3. Spanish Castle Magic 4. Red House 5. Lover Man 6. Foxey Lady 7. Jam Back At The House 8. Izabella 9. Fire 10. Voodoo Child (Slight Return) 11. Star Spangled Banner 12. Purple Haze 13. Woodstock Improvisation 14. Villanova Junction 15. Hey Joe 16. Jimi Hendrix Press Conference:Color film footage of never before seen Jimi Hendrix press conference held September 3, 1969 at Frank's Restaurant in Harlem. Hendrix answers questions about his Woodstock festival performance, his rendition of the "Star Spangled Banner" and the festival's cultural impact.

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Eric Clapton - Unplugged (1992) Review

Eric Clapton - Unplugged (1992)
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Eric Clapton - Unplugged (1992) ReviewWhat does it mean to be a musician? I love music of many kinds but unfortunately for me I don't understand its structure, and so I can't seem to figure out how to play. I am a person who constantly has a song running through his head, I breathe in time to music, so music is very much a part of me. That's why it's fortunate for all of us who don't play that there are musicians like Eric Clapton.
Ever since this disc was recorded not too long after the death of his son, Clapton has done some work that is "uneven" as the critics would say. It's like the Monty Python Contractual Obligation Album - I did it because I had to. He cranks out a lot of albums so it's natural - given that volume - that some will not be stellar quality.
Not the case here. In these songs, you see Clapton's heart laid bare. There's "Tears in Heaven" - the song dedicated to his son who was killed in a tragic fall from a terrace in a high rise apartment building, an acoustic version of "Layla" that will surprise you with its appeal given the difference from the famous one you're already familiar with, there are several Robert Johnson tunes - from Clapton's idol and major influence, and some other songs that all just blend together like threads in a colorful fabric. Nothing seems out of place: the choice of songs, their sequence, the backup musicians... This overall character gives this DVD a certain listenable quality that makes you drag it out and throw it in fairly often. I can't seem to tire of it.
At the time it came out, I was designing and selling high end Home Theatre and Music systems, and after hearing and seeing this disc at a Custom Electronic Design And Installation (CEDIA) convention, I picked up a copy to use in demonstrations for my clients. Every time I played it, the people stopped kind of "going through the motions" in the demo and were grabbed by what they were hearing ...and seeing.
The whole MTV Unplugged is an intimate series where you're closer to the music (as it's all acoustic) and closer to the musicians, too. Here you get it all - the Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack is clean and tight with a rich undertone throughout. The instruments sound warm. The camera angles and the choice of shots allow you to really feel and appreciate the talent you're witnessing here not only in Eric Clapton but in the carefully chosen musicians for this session. Chuck Lovell on piano is a standout among them. Remember the "Clapton is God" era back in England? Well, Mr. Clapton may not be God exactly but his playing is divine... always.
That's what makes this disc special out of all the others similar to it that you might own. While Clapton is always extraordinary in his technique and in display of his technical skills, on this disc he seems to be most comfortable with the venue, the style of play, the song list, and with his motivation. It's like he's trying to reach us and show us what this kind of music is all about, show us its heart and soul.
Isn't that what a musician is supposed to do?Eric Clapton - Unplugged (1992) OverviewEric Clapton-Unplugged was recorded at Bray Studios in London and features Clapton on acoustic guitar performing fourteen songs including "Signe," "Before You Accuse Me," "Hey Hey," "Tears in Heaven," Lonely Stranger," "Nobody Knows You When Youre Down & Out," "Layla," "Running on Faith," "Walkin Blues," "Alberta," "San Francisco Bay Blues," "Malted Milk," "Old Love" and "Rollin &Tumblin."Video Format: Standard 1.33:1 (4.3)English: Dolby Digital SurroundClosed Captioning: No# Discs: 1Running time of 70 minutes; Closed Captioned. Copyright: 1992, Warner Bros. Records

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Stevie Nicks: Live in Chicago (2008) Review

Stevie Nicks: Live in Chicago (2008)
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Stevie Nicks: Live in Chicago (2008) ReviewThis is Stevie Nicks and her band at their best!!!! This is one super outstanding concert dvd. Everything is first class!!! The atmosphere is great and the audience is really into it, making this one special concert!!! You get 17 great songs, plus a bonus track. Stevie does an excellent job of explaining the background or "story" behind the songs she performs. Her lead guitar player is simply outstanding, and the background singers are great.
The songs are as follows:
Stand Back
Enchanted
If Anyone Falls in Love
Rhiannon
Crash Into Me - the Dave Matthews Song, and Stevie does an excellent job performing it.
Dreams
Sorcerer
The One
Gold Dust Woman
I Need to Know - The Tom Petty Song, Again, an outstanding performance by Stevie.
Circle Dance
Landside - This one she dedicates to her late father. During the Song there are pictures of him on the big screens. Stevie does an excellent tribute to him. You can feel Steve's sencerity. "This one's for you Daddy" and again, Stevie does an excellcent perfomance.
Sara
Fall From Grace
How Still My Love
Edge of Seventeen (Simply Outstanding!!!!)
Rock & Roll
The total running time is approximately 119 minutes. You get a bonus track of "Landslide" (Orchestra Version), and it is very good also. Overall, this is Stevie Nicks at her best!!! If you like Stevie, you'd better buy this one, because it doesn't get any better than this. You'll love it, I know I do!!!! Thanks!!!!Stevie Nicks: Live in Chicago (2008) Overview

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Metallica / Slayer / Megadeth / Anthrax: The Big Four - Live From Sofia Bulgaria (2010) Review

Metallica / Slayer / Megadeth / Anthrax: The Big Four - Live From Sofia Bulgaria (2010)
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Metallica / Slayer / Megadeth / Anthrax: The Big Four - Live From Sofia Bulgaria (2010) ReviewI was never a big fan of Anthrax, mostly because I never really listened to them back then but this performance has made me want to go back and take a better listen.
Anthrax:
In my opinion, Anthrax steals the show that night from watching this DVD. It's supposed to be a celebration of "The Big Four" but it left me wanting to watch more Anthrax. Mainly because they sound incredible and you know for a fact your getting the live feed without any trickery. Everything sounded like you were sitting right in front as it should. All the guys are having a blast and are on top of their game. What a shame they didn't get more time and at night but this is good enough because they schooled everyone else. Every song sounded great and it was a good even surprising mix of what I apparently never heard with the exception of I am the Law, Indians etc.. It was a good sounded diverse set with a hint of Punk from the bass player and a nice thoughtful and brilliantly played Heaven An Hell. I've watched their performance 4 times now and still love it.
Megadeth:
My favorite band out of the four put on a brilliantly played musical set. You can instantly tell from the Anthrax performance and sound quality that Megadeth had a totally different sound going on. More "tinny" Musically and sonically it sounded GREAT but Dave Mustains vocals RUINED the performance. I have seen a lot of Megadeth performances and he usually can pull it off.. sometimes he sounds great, sometimes not but this performance was AWFUL. He usually overdubs the official releases but apparently he didn't have much control over this one. I've read others who say the overdubs suck but unfortunate this is an overdub issue.. This is a vocal issue with Dave.
He needs to seek medical attention or do different songs because this falsetto he's doing sounds silly and embarrassing to sit here and watch it. He seems to really struggle with the higher register.. almost as if he's lost the back of his vocal chords.. I think the rain during their set was a message to the band to get Dave some help or hang it up. Watch it once and it's so embarrassing to see much less hear you will shrink back into your couch. the boys in the back must have been like wtf???
Slayer:
Couldn't hear them.. too damn muddy and the guitars are WAY in the back of the mix.. maybe these guys should get some better gear so we can really hear them? but they looked cool...
Metallica:
Same ole... What are you going to say? It sounded good but I heard Lars screw up a couple times but no biggie..It was Metallica and it's the same songs we've heard over and over..
So in the end I have to say it's worth it from a historical perspective and the added bonus of Anthrax schooling all the pro's that night.. well doneMetallica / Slayer / Megadeth / Anthrax: The Big Four - Live From Sofia Bulgaria (2010) Overview

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