Jewel: The Essential Live Songbook (2007) Review

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(More customer reviews)I have been a jewel fan from the beginning but still haven't been able to make any of her live shows. After watching this DVD, it makes me even more motivated to see her live. I love the acoustic performance and I think this is where Jewel really shines. It beats listening to her CDs hands down. She has such a great singing voice, she doesn't need all the background noise. Just her singing playing her guitar is what separates her from so many artists. Both DVD's were good but I enjoyed the Rialto Theater performance more, and when she sang Violet Eyes, it brought me to tears. That is the first time I have ever heard that song. I'm glad I bought this DVD and it will be one I plan to listen to regularly.

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Riot (1990) Review

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(More customer reviews)Without a doubt, this DVD contains an excellent playlist of Bad Religion songs. Unfortunately, the audio is disappointing. The vocals are often drowned out by the instruments. When I first watched it, I was slightly disgruntled; however, during my second viewing, I turned up the volume and found myself enjoying the experience.
The riot material is pathetic. The camera wasn't inside for the actual riot. You saw the tentative beginnings of one, then the camera footage immediately cut to outside the theater for the aftermath. I felt very misled by the promise of riot material.
I would only recommend this DVD to Bad Religion fans or someone who wants to build upon their collection of punk performances.
Undoubtedly, Bad Religion is an amazing band, but the audio quality on this DVD sells them short.

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Rick Springfield: Live in Rockford (2006) Review

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(More customer reviews)This Rick Springfield project would have been better off released as
a music CD rather then a film Dvd. I found the performance / stage
presence of Rick and The Band to be exceptional; but, was very
dis-appointed with the way it was captured / edited for dvd release.
I understand that the camera crew / film editers were trying to give the
project an MTV fast paced fever-pitch quality by constantly changing
camera views; but, they just didn't seem to have a sense of timing in
allowing the cameras to linquer on Springfield for longer periods of
time to capture the visual intensity and emotion that he put into each
song. Camera angles kept changing every other minute giving the
performance a very ragged unprofessional look. I kept wondering if
this was the first time this camera crew had ever gotten together....had
ever shot anything before this concert.
To be fair.... by the end of the concert ( the encore) - it seemed that the
camera crew got tired - allowed the cameras to stay focus'd entirely on
Springfield. I was totally mesmerized - caught up in those songs - !
The back stage interviews with Springfield were done well ! Fun to watch .
Brought back a lot of memories about the way the music scene use to be
in the seventies and eighties. It was a back stage pass to hang out with
a very likable man who just happens to also be a pop star Icon.
- would I advice someone to buy this Cd ? sure . absolutely ! -
-soooo many great songs on this dvd-
you take what you can get if you're a devoted Springfield fan !


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Over the past 3 decades, Grammy Award winning artist, RickSpringfield has continually brought his vivacity and charisma to centerstage for millions of fans spanning across the globe.Success has indeednot spoiled him yet as he continues full-throttle balancing his acting andmusic career with the support of 17-top 40 hits and 19 million recordssold.Filmed live as part of the HDNet Concert Series at the CoronadoTheatre in Rockford, Illinois, Rick showcases his talent and everlastingenergy in this special release DVD.With a 17 song set list plus bonusmaterial, this DVD pumps out all the greatest hits as well as new classicsto prove that Rick Springfield has the staying power of a legendary popicon of his time. Track Listing: 1. I'll Make You Happy 2. Will I 3. Affair of the Heart 4. I've Done Everything for You 5. Rock of Life 5. Red House 6. Don't Talk to Strangers 7. I Get Excited 8. Baker Street 9. Broken Wings 10. Beautiful You 11. Living In Oz 12. Love Somebody 13. Jesus Saves 14. Kristina 15. Human Touch 16. Jessie's Girl

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Sting - Inside - The Songs of Sacred Love (Jewel Case) (2003) Review

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(More customer reviews)If you're a Sting fan or just a fan of great music, this DVD is for you. I've seen Sting in concert 3 times. This tops anything I've ever heard. Crystal clear picture and sound, insightful interviews (not too long), and priceless music. This DVD has 17 songs on it. And if I had to pick a favorite, I could not. Although, the rendition of Dead Man's Rope almost made me cry (and I'm a grown man) lol. There are also 3 songs I've never heard on this... That Sinking Feeling, All Would Envy, and Like a Beautiful Smile. All good, but the latter being awesome. This is a no brainer... just buy it. Enjoy!

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The Complete Master Works 2 (2008) Review

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(More customer reviews)I should say...I'm a 50 plus year old...who loves the Sound of Music and Singin in The Rain.....this is NOT your dad's or grandads musical comedy...Jack Black drops F bombs as often as he plays the simple cowboy C chord on his Gibson acoustic but it is FUN!!
This 2 DVD set contains a fully produced concert which is loaded with fun songs..excellent musicianship and an actual story line! It is a first rate production. The second disc has a hilarious documentary (and if you purchase at BEST BUY an additional 30 minutes of out takes)...there are also some cool appearances on SNL, Conan etc..
Its a very worthwhile bit of fun and music....which I'm having a pretty hard time describing because I can't think of anybody crazy enough to have done anything like it. They are mistakenly linked to Spinal Tap but other than a rock and comedy element I don't see it....Tap was a parody all the way and this ....well it stands on its own. It isn't even garage band stuff for the most part...its more like the kind of music a couple of 16 year olds would do in their bedrooms and perhaps that has a certain appeal to me as a kid who played guitar with his buddy and wrote equally horrible songs in High School. Several hours of fun for not a lot of scratch..
I'm happy to give the D 5 stars!


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Airborne Toxic Event: All I Ever Wanted - Live from The Walt Disney Concert Hall (2010) Review

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(More customer reviews)Let me provide a little context. I am an old guy, in my early 60s. I grew up with rock and have never lost my passion for it. For decades my favorite band was Yes. A number of years ago they were deposed by Mike Scott and the Waterboys. The Flower Kings had some time in the spotlight and there were probably others, like Brian Wilson and eels that hovered at or near the top. Earlier this year however I became completely besotted by Matt Bellamy and Muse. Their live CDs were incredible. I thought there would be some stability at the top of my list, but it was not to be.
I have been a big fan of Airborne since their first CD came out. I happen to regard Sometime Around Midnight as one of the top five or so songs ever put together.
Then along came this DVD. The first thing that jumps out at me about it is that the title song, All I Ever Wanted, is fully the equal of Midnight, something I never considered possible. It is poetic, gargantuan, fragile and has perhaps the greatest buildup of grandeur and passion from start to finish that I have ever heard in my life.
This DVD left me crying. It is so extraordinary, not just for the wonderful music played absolutely perfectly, but for the insight into the folks in the band. The more I learn about Mikell Jollett, the more I regard him as one of the most brilliant folks on earth. Have you ever read any of his writing? He's a magnificent writer who kind of reminds me of David Foster Wallace. He was well along writing his first novel, aided by a healthy advance from a major publishing house, when his personal life just collapsed and he decided to switch to music. In a way, their first CD can be viewed as a soundtrack for a novel, which would be a first. Mikell is very new to music, which is hard to believe. He brings a brilliant melodic sense, a great gift for lyrics, a magnificent and powerful voice, an incredibly emotional presentation and one of the greatest smiles on earth. Check out the moment when the grade school choir gets their first ovation from the audience and Mikell turns back to look at them with this amazing smile. They all seem like marvelous people and their musicianship is breathtaking, especially if you consider the Calder Quartet to be a real part of the group, which I do.
To my ears and eyes this is the most powerful and wonderful music DVD I have ever seen. It would serve as a perfect introduction to the band, which is now, I must admit, my favorite in all the world. I beg everyone reading this to check this out. YouTube has a clip up from the DVD of the band doing All I Ever Wanted. If you can resist that overwhelming piece of music, you should watch it again.
I will stop now. Enjoy.

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Barrage - The World on Stage Review

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(More customer reviews)In the lineage of "Stomp", "Blue Man Group" and "Blast", this group of talented violinists, guitarist, percussionists, and bassist are breaking new ground with the use of the violin. The music is stunning, and their personalities are enchanting. It is really wonderful to see excellent musicians having a great time making music. I use this as a teaching tool for my elementary music classes, and the students love it!!!! The guitarist is phenomenal and the selection of music is perfect. Own this, you won't be sorry!

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It Might Get Loud (2008) Review

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(More customer reviews)Caught this film yesterday and all I can say is wow. If you like music, guitars or any combination of the two catch this one on the big screen. Then you can easily decide if you need to add this dvd to your music archives. The progression of stories and how they are told is excellent, as well as the music presented. [...]
I came here yesterday after getting home from the matinee to see if there might be a "soundtrack" available to accompany this movie. There's probably enough material here (Link Wray, Son House etc.) to make a sweet multi-disc collection. It may seem like an odd combination of guitar players, but all three are well represented and there are too many highlights to mention. Seeing these guys playing bottleneck slide guitar together on "In My Time Of Dying" is worth the price of admission by itself. Seeing this film was a joyful experience for me and my heart does a little happy dance just thinking about it.

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A documentary on the electric guitar from the point of view of three significant rock musicians: The Edge, Jimmy Page, and Jack White. Starring: Jimmy Page, The Edge, Jack White

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Shakespeare Behind Bars (2006) Review

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(More customer reviews)Although I am not in this documentery, I was a prisoner at Luther Luckett Correctional Complex in LaGrange, Kentucky during filming. It's almost hard for me to praise the film because I have a biased opinion. I know every one of the guys in this film personally and have experienced much of what they have. This film is about searching yourself, searching for the truth of who you really are inside. No other prison program helped me more than Shakespeare Behind Bars because for the first time in my life, I took a look at the real me. As the men in this film allow you to take a look at who they are, I challenge you to face your own personal truth just as I did while I was a member of Shakespeare Behind Bars. In the words of William Shakespeare, "To thine own self be true"!!!

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Shakespeare Behind Bars is a film that follows an all-male Shakespearean theater company composed of convicted felons. For one year, while incarcerated at Kentucky's Luther Luckett prison, the cast rehearse and perform a full production of Shakespeare's great last play, The Tempest.The prisoners cast themselves in roles reflecting their life experiences, including the crimes for which they were convicted. As they struggle to understand the characters they are playing, they uncover startling and moving truths about themselves.The Tempest's underlying theme of forgiveness is at the heart of this incredible documentary. Through their creative journey, these "murderers, fugitives and thieves" reveal kindness, generosity and faith. And we are left wrestling with the notions of transformation and redemption.• Official Selection - Sundance Film Festival 2005 • Official Selection - Edinburgh Int'l Film Festival 2005 • Special Jury Prize - Independent Film Festival of Boston 2005 • Best In Show - Bendfilm Festival 2005 • Crystal Heart Award - Heartland Film Festival 2005Special Features• Prisoner Commentaries • Filmmaker Commentary • Deleted Scenes • Bonus Performance Footage • Troupe Update

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Blue Man Group - The Complex Rock Tour Live (2003) Review

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(More customer reviews)I love everything about Blue Man Group: the concept; the music; the humor; and, of course, the weirdness. This DVD is NOT of one of the typical BMG shows from New York, Boston, Chicago, or Las Vegas, rather, it is a concert from their recent 'Complex Rock Tour', which is totally different materiel. The DVD was actually taken from two shows, one in Dallas, and one in Minneapolis. I was fortunate enough to be at the Minneapolis show that this DVD is partially taken from, and watching this is almost as good as being there.
The musical performances, showmanship, sound quality, and cinematography on the DVD are breathtaking, and make me want to go see BMG again as soon as possible. There are standout performances by guest vocalists Tracy Bonham and Venus Hum (in the greatest dress I have ever seen anywhere on anyone.) I would have liked to see the Bonham opening set (especially the Led Zeppelin violin recital), but unfortunately the producers didn't accommodate my desires. Here both vocalists are used to excellent effect.
The music itself is potently addictive (I have the soundtrack CD in my car) and intriguing. Of course BMG is known for percussion (which I adore), and that is spotlighted to excellent effect on the DVD. The whole band is wonderful, and provides an excellent, and often whimsical, backdrop for the antics of the three Blue Men. Particular standouts for me are "Above", "Time to Start", "Up On The Roof", and the beautiful, haunting tribute to September 11 victims, "Exhibit 13." Also of note are the comedic links used in which an offstage recorded voice gives instructions in 'Rock Star Movements' which the Blue Men then teach the audience (my personal favorites are Numbers 4 and 237.)
The DVD has a couple of extras, including the music videos for "Sing Along" (featuring a dazed looking Dave Matthews), "The Current", and the magnificently minimalist "Exhibit 13." Be sure to watch these, as they give a totally different perspective on the songs. You also want to catch the DVD credits. I won't say why, but trust me on this one.
All told, this is an excellent introduction to the eccentricity that is Blue Man Group, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in music, comedy, or general oddity.

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James Taylor Live at the Beacon Theatre (1998) Review

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(More customer reviews)The performance is incredible, the sound fantastic and the picture quality is great. James Taylor - Live at the Beacon Theater has all the elements to make it one of the more outstanding musical events released on DVD. However it falls short, not because of the performer or the sound quality but because of the video editing.
Producer Carol Donovan and director Beth McCarthy subject us not to a video of a James Taylor concert but to a "music video" produced in MTV's ADD editing style. Filled with 2 and 3 second cuts and shots from moving cameras we are never given the opportunity to concentrate on James Taylor's performance. Apparently Donovan and McCarthy didn't take into account the audience that would be watching this video nor the performer. James Taylor is a man of enough talent that videos of his performances don't need to be packaged in the MTV style of quick cuts and constant motion. I don't think his fans want to watch him that way either.
The way things are edited in this DVD actually detracts from the experience. You won't see Taylor long enough in any one shot to visually appreciate his guitar playing nor will you see the expressions on his face long enough in a shot to truly convey the "soul" of this concert. Many times the camera isn't even on him or the shot is so long (far away) that you can't see him singing. What you will be treated to lots of "slick" shots. Shots from boom cameras moving from side to side, wide shots of the theater where you can't see Taylor (but you can see the folks walking down the aisle), useless audience shots and "artistic" shots through the drum kit or from behind the piano. If you ever wondered what the back of Taylor's head looks like you'll get the chance to find out - several times. You're never allowed to concentrate on Taylor and enjoy all the nuances of his performance, instead your eye is constantly being pulled in different directions. This producer / director team is the same one that brought us the Eagles - Hell Freezes Over concert DVD and I have to say they did a better job on that one simply by slowing everything down. ( Watch both and you recognize the camera angles and shots - it's put together using the same formula) If you're looking for something that's an intimate James Taylor performance you won't find it on this DVD. More likely you'll feel like you've just watched the MTV Video Awards. More isn't always better. I hope they re-edit this DVD one of these days.
Should you buy it? Yes, if your a JT fan it truly is a fantastic sounding DVD of a wonderful concert. If you can get past some of the visual things it's not bad to look at. Or do what I ended up doing - turning up the stereo and turning off the television. I think I'll look for that HBO special he did....
Some stats... One 3 minute song - 46 separate shots. Average shot length 3.9 seconds. 15 shots are from moving cameras. In 27 of them you can't see James Taylor's face. Only in 19 shots (41%) can you see him singing.

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LIVE AT THE BEACON THEATER - DVD Movie

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Il Divo - Live at the Greek (2006) Review

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(More customer reviews)Crossing the borders of language and speaking the heart of the matter, these guys are somewhat enchanting to watch - their sets, their faces, their voices... It's an exquisite show. It makes you well up as you return to yourself and the feelings you sometimes hush up.
I don't know how they do it but their voices are so strong and admirable that they can conjure feelings that still don't have adjectives to describe them. They are the voices inside your heart as it breaks, as you love, as you feel the world around you.
I'm hardly one to run off to every concert or event but I really found watching this one quite classy and so I'm saying something small. It's a great production, and for their talent, some credit must also be given to the cameramen and producers who did such a good job of capturing this surreal show.
When I was little it was the Narnian wardrobe that transported me away but today watching this show was like the adult getaway from the concrete jungle and rat race that I sometimes let consume me. It's not cheesy or mushy. For those not afraid to be human, it's just right. However, before I get ahead of myself, it really is an aquired taste and not for everyone. Be selective about the place and time to watch it or else it might be all wrong.
As a side note, I can may be see this being great at dinner parties and Christmas gatherings.
Season's Greetings!

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Unbreak My Heart (Regresa A Mi) All By Myself (Solo Otra Vez) Passera Isabel Nella Fantasia Rejoice Pour Que Tu M'aimes Encore I Believe In You (Je Crois En Toi) Unchained Melody (Senza Catene) Si Tu Me Amas Feelings MamaSomewhere Heroe My Way (A Mi Manera Bonus DVD Material: In Conversation with Il Divo "The Time of Our Lives" Il Divo with Tony Braxton

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