Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion The Water Cooler Speaking of Music DVD's

And, while I am on the Music DVD's thing, here are a couple more that I picked up recently.


Joni Mitchell - Shadows and Light. Great Sound, Great Band.


Drive By Truckers - The Dirty South, Live at the 40 Watt. I've just been turned on to these guys, and am quickly grabbing everything I can find. Hard Rockin' Southern flavored stuff. They really burn it up on this one.

The Pretenders - Live in LA. A Great sounding DVD, but for some reason the performance seems a little sterile. Not sure why. It seems to be in a smallish studio sort of space, and not a real Concert Hall or Club. More viewing required.

Finally got the SRV DVD from Austin. It is terrific. Will have to get the others. We also discovered that The Sweetheart is a SRV fan! It had never come up, and somehow I had never put any on while she was around. Odd.

Rust Never Sleeps - Needs no plug what-so-ever.

With the new system, I am finding that my jones for live music can be sated somewhat with these Live Concert DVDs, since I simply do not seem to be able to come up with the time to go out to see as much live music as I used to. Which is a shame, because quite a few good bands come through and play C-Ville.

Here's two to avoid:

ELO at Wembley. Absolutely atrocious. I picked up this one in a fit of nostalgia at Tower one day. The price was cheap and I thought it might put a grin on my face. The video is horrible, the sound is horrible (insert jokes about the band here), and the editing cuts are a bunch of godawful Don Kirshner-type disco looking swipes. To be avoided at all costs.

Cheap Trick - Silver. Ugh. What a disappointment. Lousy sound, lousy video. The performances aren't bad, but it looks like it was filmed on Super 8 and it sounds worse. And this is only a few years old!

********************************************************

A few recommendations:

David Gray at The Point. Very nicely done. A little trippy-dreamy at times, but a great document of one of his shows. The documentary in the extras section is definitely worth a look.

Richard Thompson -- Live in Providence. Boy, oh boy...if this won't convert you, nothing will. There were only four cameras, but the picture quality is great and the sound is terrific. And there is some savage guitar work here. Buy it for his workout on "Can't Win" alone.

Cyndi Lauper -- Live... At Last. DON'T LAUGH. This was another one of those $9.99 discs, and I thought my girlfriend would like it. As it turns out, this is a stunning performance. I would have shelled out $9.99 just for the version of "Money Changes Everything".

In reply to:

---

Cyndi Lauper

---

i have always liked her.. there is a very honest and humble quality to her voice. she is no great singer, but she can convey a lot of emotion and feeling in every word.

i always thought her song 'time after time' from the 80's was an extremely well written song. and then willie nelson did a cover of it a few years ago on one of his albums. i thought that was a great tribute of him to give to her. even if you dont like his voice, there is no question he is one of the greatest song writers of his time. so, for him to cover someone elses songs, thats a great compliment.

bigjohn

In reply to:

---

she is no great singer, but she can convey a lot of emotion and feeling in every word

---

Amen to that. Sort of. I know what you mean -- she's not great in the sense of a (insert your diva here), but man, has she got a set of lungs on her. She is on her game in a big way in this DVD. She's not the goofy, multi-colored, garish Cyndi from the 80s. This is a lady who has evolved into an amazing performer -- but her energy level is still the same as it was 20 years ago. Good stuff.

it think it would be more fair to say that she has a unique 'texture' to her voice. it is distinctly her own.. like a macy gray or bjork. i would limit myself to call them great singers, but definitely very unique.

and i have seen cyndi perform on a few TV programs, and i was impressed. i might see if i can find that one to rent.

and i guess since we are on the subject, and it is slow around here today.. might i suggest the new Los Lonely Boys DVD called Texican Style.

i know i have a special place in my heart for these guys cause they are from my hometown, but this really is a great DVD. the concert was recorded live in austin on the final night of the SXSW festival in 2004. it a super hot set of music, and does a great job of capturing their lively and energetic stage show.

bigjohn

I saw Cyndi on a show or something not too long ago and was very impressed, of course even though I never bought any of her music I've always like listening to her.

Los Lonely Boys...I heard that was an awesome DVD, thanks for the reminder!

i think with you being an SRV fan, you would like this DVD very much. it really highlights the superb guitar techinques of henry garza. he really knocks out some awesome fret work, and makes it look effortless.

a definite must DVD for any true guitar aficionado.

bigjohn

Thanks john, this DVD is definately on the hit list for tomorrow...or maybe even tonight!

Actually I was listening to their cd a day or so ago and they sounded truely awesome on the 60s.

This past weekend, I openned up my system to a friend that wanted to try his speakers on my system, he was thinking about buying a new amp. He had been to my place before to listen to the system over a year ago. He owns Polk RTi's....he brought over four RTi-38's, the matching center, and some stands.

He has a very nice collection of hi-res music, and our tastes in music are similar. We spent about 3.5 hours just listening to music and chatting...I gave him full control to do what he wanted with his speakers and the music..I just kicked back.

Great music, in fact, I ordered he following discs while he was here:

Natalie Merchant-Tigerlily DVD-A
Peter White-Glow SACD
The Eagles-Hotel California DVD-A
Mickey Hart-Over The Edge and Back--he Best of Mickey Hart DVD-A

He went home and ordered his amp.

A win, win situation.

>>Natalie Merchant-Tigerlily DVD-A

Ahh, didn't know that was on DVD. I hate it when I already have the CD Now what ...

>>Peter White-Glow SACD
>>The Eagles-Hotel California DVD-A

Yeah that one's awesome.

>>Mickey Hart-Over The Edge and Back--he Best of Mickey Hart DVD-A

Check out Pink Floyd-Dark Side of the Moon -- It's on every list of best SACDs I've seen! (and yes I agree with that opinion)

Also recently got Rolling Stones-Let It Bleed

I believe it's a stereo SACD but great sound and -- as always -- begs to pump up the volume

Is that Pretenders DVD the one titled "Loose in LA?" It's recorded at a place called Wilthern Theatre. I had a similar reaction to it. It's a good DVD; it's in DTS, but it didn't excite me as I expected it would, not sure why. Maybe a lack of chemistry among the band (I do miss their original guitarist) or between me and the band. Not a great DVD but still a good one.

Thanks for the tip on Joni Mitchell, I've been eyeing that one.

Most of my DVDs are music DVDs. My favorite is Roy Orbison's "Black and White Night." The sound is exceptional. It's in DTS. Roy Orbison displays his remarkable voice and is backed by an all star band. This also is a great showcase for James Burton, who really shines on guitar and shows why he's in the rock and roll hall of fame.

I also enjoy Paul Simon's "Your the One." I do find the blue lighting irritating, but the sound is very good.

I'd recommend "Live from the Bonnaroo Music Festival 2002." Most of the music is very good. The sound is excellent. I could have done without all the stuff in between the music (such as statements from festival goers and citizens of the town).

I have a few music DVDs that feature more legendary musicians: Stephane Grappelli - "In New Orleans," Chapion Jack Dupree -- in the Blues Legends series, "Legends of Flatpicking Guitar" with Doc Watson, Tony Rice and Norman Blake (this one is not in 5.1), and Rockin' Dopsie and the Zydeco Twisters -- also, from the Blues Legends Series). I'd recommend all of those.

I would like to find some very good classical music DVDs. I have Beethoven's Symphonies 4 & 7 by the Berlin Philharmonic under the direction of Claudio Abbado. I guess I was hoping this would come closer to duplicating the excitement of live symphony music -- maybe an unreasonable expectation.

>>I would like to find some very good classical music DVDs.

Have you checked out www.acousticsounds.com

""Legends of Flatpicking Guitar" with Doc Watson, Tony Rice and Norman Blake "

Oh, that one has me written all over it. I'll have to search that one out. Thanks!

Is that Paul Simon the one where he looks like he just got out of prison? I saw one a couple of years ago where he just looked terrible. In a small studio with a small audience?

And I've had that LL Boys in my hand a couple of times, but passsed for other stuff. Don't know why since I love the new live disc. I'll have to get it.
Tom

In reply to:

---

My favorite is Roy Orbison's "Black and White Night." The sound is exceptional. It's in DTS. Roy Orbison displays his remarkable voice and is backed by an all star band. This also is a great showcase for James Burton, who really shines on guitar and shows why he's in the rock and roll hall of fame.

---

I happened to catch a little of this on INHD last night, and was amazed at the quality of the audio. Since it was being broadcast, it was the DD track. I actually have the DVD but haven't listened/watched it yet. I look forward to hearing the DTS version.

So, I'm listening to this thing while cleaning up for bed, and I take a peek at the screen. Cool, he's got the obligatory 3 chick group of backup singers. WAITAMINUTE! Those 3 "chicks" are Bonnie Raitt, Jennifer Warnes, and K. D. Lang. Now THAT'S a backup group. I gotta be honest with you. The thought of having those 3 singing backup behind me gives me goosebumps, and sends chills up and down my spine. OY!

And isn't that Bruce Springsteen singing harmony? And, Tom Waits is on the keyboard. That guitar player looks like that guy that used to play for Ricky Nelson, and Elvis (thanks for the name - James Burton) SURE! Isn't That Elvis Costello sittin' over there with the guitar. And I know that's J. D. Souther singing backup now. When I was a D.J. at WNCR in Cleveland, I interviewed him for an hour long show we used to run on Sunday nights. Really nice guy.

Pretty impressive group. And, I'm actually diggin' the tunes. Didn't realize how much I enjoyed all these Roy Orbison songs. I didn't get the chance to listen/watch much more last night. Duty called. But, I think I gotta sit down and give this DVD a GOOD listening.

Seabear, I don't know your taste's in music but I loved Diana Krall's Live in Paris. And though I'm not a huge country fan, I was VERY impressed by Faith Hill's When The Lights Go Down.

I haven't seen these, but I ran across them yesterday while surfing and I've added them to my gotta-have list:

Lucinda Williams on Austin City Limits. This is from the Car Wheels on a Gravel Road tour -- I caught two of the shows on this tour, and she's in peak form. Scheduled for release May 10th.

Townes Van Zandt -- take a minute to read the description of this one. Wow, wow, wow, wow. I want it right this minute.

Richard Thompson on Austin City Limits. Also scheduled for release on May 10th. Looks like they're gearing up for a long list of ACL releases.

"I'd recommend "Live from the Bonnaroo Music Festival 2002." Most of the music is very good. The sound is excellent. I could have done without all the stuff in between the music (such as statements from festival goers and citizens of the town). "

Yeah, there is some fun stuff there as well.
That is where I first came across String Cheese.
And did you know that you can opt out of all of the junk in between and just play the songs? Makes it easier to watch.
TjB

In reply to:

---

""Legends of Flatpicking Guitar" with Doc Watson, Tony Rice and Norman Blake " Oh, that one has me written all over it. I'll have to search that one out. Thanks!

---

You should be able to find that one listed here http://guitarvideos.com/dvd/00dvd.htm along with a long list of others. Many of these DVDs came out originally on VHS, and the recordings may be in stereo only, but you should find lots of stuff worthy of adding to your collection. I have a few of these on VHS.

In reply to:

---

Is that Paul Simon the one where he looks like he just got out of prison? I saw one a couple of years ago where he just looked terrible. In a small studio with a small audience?

---

I don't believe so. This one was recorded at a theatre in Paris.

Bill, I have about a thousand classical CDs, but I'm really not very enthusiastic about seeing it on DVD. One exception, if you haven't considered it, is an area of the classical genre that has a more significant visual component: ballet. Arkiv and other sites have the usual lists of classical music DVDs which you can check. Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake are notable, of course, along with Prokofiev's Cinderella and Romeo and Juliet. Swan Lake is a real favorite and you might consider this one .

In reply to:

---

Poster: bigjohn
Subject: Re: Speaking of Music DVD's

i think with you being an SRV fan, you would like this DVD very much. it really highlights the superb guitar techinques of henry garza. he really knocks out some awesome fret work, and makes it look effortless.

a definite must DVD for any true guitar aficionado.

bigjohn

---

Hey Bigjohn, I bought the Los Lonely Boys Live from Austin DVD over the weekend and had a chance to watch it. You were right, I really like it. Good stuff!

Eric Clapton's Guitarfest with B.B. King, JJ Cale and a host of other notables...has anyone seen it? I believe it was recorded live somewhere in Texas if I am not mistaking.

In reply to:

---

Eric Clapton's Guitarfest with B.B. King, JJ Cale and a host of other notables...has anyone seen it? I believe it was recorded live somewhere in Texas if I am not mistaking

---

yes, that is corect.. it was held at the cotton bowl in dallas.. i think it was in the summer of last year. i havent seen the DVD, but i remember the artist list was a who's who of guitar players. definitely one worth looking into.

bigjohn

Welp, I think I'll stop in and pick it up (ECs guitarfest) on the way home from work tomorrow. I'd never heard of it before and was somewhat leary of making the purchase today, I'm thinking the price for the 2 disc dvd set was right at 30 bucks.

Actually I probably would have bought it today but I just got off the cell phone from ordering the M80s and a couple of interconnects while driving home from work and left my wallet in the truck...too lazy to walk back outside and retrieve it!

i aint sure what songs made the DVD, but here is alink with the artists that performed.. pretty good list if you ask me..

Crossroads Festival

let me know what you think of it.

bigjohn

In reply to:

---

Crossroads Festival

let me know what you think of it.

bigjohn

---

Bigjohn.....it's a KEEPER! I picked it up today and listened to the first 7 or 8 tracks on the first disc and I really like it, the only bad thing is that I'm supposed to be outside replacing a couple of broken sprinkler heads and I'm having a very difficult time getting my very glued a$$ out of this chair!

I believe if you like the artist listed, you'll certainly enjoy the DVDs.

now, did you get just the cd, or the DVD collection?

either way, i did like the artist list, so i need to think about picking that up!

bigjohn

John, I got the DVD set, 18 songs on the first DVD with 16 on the second disc. Actually, after *still* not being able to unglue my butt from the chair I'm on the last track on the first disc, John Mayer's 'City Love'. I never realized how well he played the guitar.
I'd certainly recommend the DVD set, 'Six Strings Down' with Jimmy Vaughn, Eric Clapton, Robert Cray, Buddy Guy and Hubert Sumlin along with Robert Randolph is really good. But then again so is each and every track I've watched so far....I'm thinking I have an idea of what your music taste is so given that, I'd say you'll really enjoy either the DVD or CD set. I am!