Hard Vision |
October 2006Bruce Dickenson | Society 1 | Body Count | Sounds of the Underground | Eric Adams & Chester Moore | Anathema | SBB | Dissection | Imperial Crowns | The Korgis | Queen | Bad Brains | Stream of Passion | Ian Gillian Band | Bob Dylan | Rock Fresh Bruce Dickinson Nothing I...or any other writer for that matter...would say about this release will ever do it justice. "Anthology" is the ultimate visual document of Bruce Dickinson's solo career. We all know that everything he does, with or without Iron Maiden, is big. But, this release is fuckin' huge. Simply holdin' this three disc collection in your hand will prove that there's some weight to this material. I mean...even the package is heavy. For the Bruce Dickinson fan, this is a must have release. There's no question about it. Don't call yourself a fan unless you have "Anthology" in your collection. My personal taste has changed over the past year or so and I tend to shy away from watching live performances. If it's a good show, I'd rather listen to it instead of watching it. I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that my attention span is somewhat short. However, Bruce Dickinson is such an amazing performer...you can't help but watch him and, with disc one, you get more than two hours worth of concert footage. You get two shows. The first being "Dive Dive Live," which was recorded during the Tattooed Millionaire Tour back in 1990. The second show, "Skunkworks Live," was filmed during the Skunkworks Tour, 1996. A 70 minute show and a 60 minute show...that's what you get to sink your teeth into here. Disc two features another 60 minute show "Scream For Me Brazil," which is, according to the press material, rare footage of Bruce performing in San Paulo during the Chemical Wedding Tour in 1999. It also represents Bruce last outing as a true solo artist as he re-joined Iron Maiden a short time later. Disc three is my personal favorite. Besides the fact that it features every solo video he's ever made, you also have the option of watching them with Bruce giving an introduction to each one and this was a feature that I really enjoyed. Bruce is taking a trip down memory lane and he seems to be having a lot of fun talking about each video, giving you a little...or in some cases, a lot...of insight as to why he did certain things, what the concept behind the video was...the whole nine yards. It was very informative. The extra features on the disc include the "Tyranny Of Souls" EPK, which was kind of cool. But, the highlight here...and possibly the highlight of the whole collection...is a 15 minute Samson featurette called "Biceps Of Steel," which was filmed and directed by Julien Temple, who also gave the world "The Great Rock 'N' Roll Swindle." This little known concept video plays on the story of Samson & Delilah. In this version, a Samson roadie kicks some security guard ass only to be defeated...by way of a haircut...by a woman and, in the end...well...why don't you just watch it. Bruce also introduces this clip and he gives you a more informative story. Even though I said it in the first paragraph, I'm gonna end this review by saying it again. For the Bruce Dickinson fan, this is a MUST HAVE release. Don't call yourself a fan unless you have "Anthology" in your collection because this is the ULTIMATE visual document of Bruce Dickinson's solo career...and it's a pretty goddamn good release. http://www.screamforme.com SOCIETY 1 30 tracks of some cool death metal is the ticket here. Thick, chunky riffs and some nice playing and non generic death metal singing too. This has got some previously released stuff (I have never heard them before this) and some cover tunes. The DVD is over 2 hours and features some crazy stuff like people setting themselves on fire, interviews and girls nude. Now with that, how can you live without this. Info: http://www.crashmusicinc.com Body Count I don't know if it's my DVD player or the fact that the copy I have is a promotional copy...but...there was supposed to be an interview and a photo gallery with highlights from the concert. I didn't see either one. Just thought I would mention that before I got into the rest of the release which is, according to the liner notes, an uncensored performance from the legendary Troubadour in Los Angeles. It was a one off Memorial Concert for the three Body Count members who are no longer with us. It's an explosive concert experience that's full of energy from start to finish. One of the best I've ever seen. It's almost like you're there...front row center...headbangin' with the rest of the crowd. If you're an Ice T/Body Count fan, "Live In L.A." is a must have release and I say that not only because it's a killer release...I say that because Ice T is one of the coolest motherfuckers on the planet and watching him in action...you can't help but be a fan. Best track here, besides the legendary "Cop Killer," is "Bring The Pain," where Ice T has a big breasted, topless blonde come out on the stage to act out some seriously rough sex. That was worth the price of admission alone. But, then again...I just like seeing a nice set of tits and I've gotta thank Ice T for bringin' 'em into my livingroom. "Live In L.A." also comes with a bonus CD that features two tracks, "Dirty Bombs" and "Passion." Can't complain about that. Pick this one up if you know what's good for you. http://www.bodycount.com SOUNDS OF THE UNDERGROUND This was a 5 track sampler as this label is putting out a full length DVD of 16 of out of the 17 bands. I am not into all this groove crap so bands like Clutch, Lamb of God, Unearth, etc did nothing for me except that the bands are great live, but not so hot on record. Gwar is on here and their stage show must be seen. Info: http://www.soundsoftheundergroundtour.com Eric Adams & Chester Moore The only thing I hunt on a regular basis is the cash I need to pay for my pack a day cigarette habit and my outdoor experience is nothing more than going out on my front porch and chuckin' a rock or two at the squirrels who wander around in the bushes across the street from my house. It's a 20 minute walk to the post office...and I do that everyday. That's more than enough adventure for me. With that in mind, I didn't think I'd be too interested in watchin' this DVD and, to be honest with you, it's not exactly something I got off on. As a learning experience...for the most part...I found it quite boring. I found the rattlesnake roundup to be rather interesting. My only complaint was that it was a short segment. It could've been a bit longer. The wild boar segment was a fun watch. The segment on bowfishing really held my attention even though it's something I know I'll never do. I used to go fishing when I was younger. But, I never used a bow and arrow and I must say...I was rather fascinated by the concept. Looks like a lot of fun. It's certainly better than sittin' in a boat and waiting for the fish to suck down your hook. I assume that the audience for this type of release would be the people who would actually go out and do some of the stuff and since that's a scene that I know nothing about...I can't really say if you'd be interested in this or not. I guess if you're an experienced outdoor type person, you probably won't find a whole hell of a lot of stuff on here that you don't already know. The other audience would be the hardcore Manowar fan who has to have everything even remotely related to the band and, if that's the case...you'll probably end up adding this one to your collection because it does feature some music from Eric Adams, which you can hear during the program...or you can go to the bonus section to have a listen. Speaking of the bonus section, there's a blooper reel which is good for a quick laugh. Bottom line...it's a good quality hunting/outdoor video if you're into that sort of thing. Ted Nugent would probably dig this one. http://www.magiccirclemusic.com SBB This was too mellow for me and while I like jazz and other forms of music, the songs here didn't click for me. They just dragged on with little impact on my ears. They just went on and on with no melody, no nothing. You might like this and they also have a CD out too, but this just did not work for me. Info: http://www.mvdb2.com ANATHEMA This will take you on one motherfuckin rollercoaster ride let me tell you. The band have a like a 6 piece orchestra with them and they blast and sludge their way through 14 tunes that will have you smiling. The band sound great, create a mood and just suck you in that you won't be able to turn off this until it is done. 14 tracks and they quality of the production and camera angles is top notch as is the lighting. You also get 4 tunes from another show and also an interview with the band. Over 2 hours of stuff you will find here and this was an awesome DVD! Info: http://www.mvdb2.com DISSECTION It is kind of ironic watching this as the lead singer, Jon Nodtveidt just blew is brains out a few months ago (August 16, 2006). The band sound tight as fuck during this 90 minute concert set. The picture quality is great as well. The material from the bands newest release wasn't well received when it came out and I admit does sound out of place to a point when played alongside material from the classic "Storm Of The Light's Bane", which is in my opinion is one of the greatest underground releases period. This also includes a rare interview with Jon done shortly before his death and a promo as well. You get 240 minutes worth of material and that in my mind ia heck of a value for a DVD. Info: http://www.escapimusic.com IMPERIAL CROWNS 12 tracks of rock based blues. This reminded me of a band like the Stray Cats mixed in with some Foghat. The camera quality is very good and you can see the sweat pouring off the singer as this played on. The band are totally into what they are playing and for a rock/blues band this was pretty good. Also includes an interview and some backstage stuff too. Info: http://www.rufrecords.de The Korgis This release is for the hardcore fan and/or people who simply appreciate watching good music being performed. I'm very much into the singer/songwriter scene and, in a live setting, at least there's some excitement. However, watchin' three guys sit on a stool and perform in an unplugged setting is just plain boring. I might have enjoyed it more if I was able to listen to this performance in a CD player. But, to sit there and watch it...I just couldn't do it. It might be good for backround music. If you're off doing something else late one evening and you don't want to sit in total silence, sure, throw this on to fill the void. If you can sit and watch all fourteen songs and get some enjoyment out of it...you must be a hardcore fan. There's some archive videos that were more entertaining. Only four of 'em though. There's a new single, "Something About The Beatles," which was pretty good. The best feature on this release, however, was the 40 minute documentary, which was called "Off The Leash." While I don't really have an interest in the band, the documentary was at least worth the time to watch. I dig that whole VH1 "Behind The Music" kind of vibe regardless of who the band is. I watched it once...I doubt I'll ever watch it again. That's pretty much all there is to it. http://www.thekorgis.co.uk QUEEN This is like a unauthorized look at the band from 1980 to 1991. The band were huge, but when The Game came out, the band were mega huge. There is several interviews with writers overseas, where Queen continued to be a huge band until Freddie's death. I prefer the earlier Queen stuff, but listending to some of the interviews was very interesting. You also get some concert footage and at almost 80 minutes it isn't a bad DVD. Queen fans will want this. Info: http://www.chromedreams.co.uk BAD BRAINS Oh holy shit does this bring back memories. Now this is real hardcore. Try listening to what they say is hardcore and then pop this in and feel the intensity, passion and anger. Over 20 songs and a interview with the band. The quality isn't that bad considering the time it was taped and with CBGB'S closing soon this is a perfect tribute. This is pure raw hardcore by one of the greatest hardcore bands ever. Pop it in and see what I mean. Info: http://www.mvdb2b.com STREAM OF PASSION This is a 19 song set from this gothic/progressive group. Lots of extras including behind the scenes, photos, a video clip, making of the video clip and a tour diary. The singer is a female and she has a somewhat opera like voice, but isn't too bad. The music is a mixture of goth and progressive and it was ok to my ears. I am not really into this stuff, but for what it is, wasn't bad. The camera work is excellent and the sound and lighting are tremendous. The band plays great and you can see are into what they doing and are pretty original as well. Info: http://www.insideoutmusic.com IAN GILLIAN BAND This is broken down into 2 parts. The 1st part is a 5 song set from 1977 in which there is 5 songs and an intro and outro. 3 songs are Deep Purple tunes (Child in Time, Smoke on the Water and Woman From Tokyo) which just happen to be 3 of my favorite Purple tunes. Ian sounds great and the band play the tunes to perfection. The other 2 tunes were just ok. The camera work and sound aren't bad considering it was 1977. There is 2 short interviews and then a rarities concert that is 23 minutes. There is 6 songs there and they are ok nothing to write home about. This would be for diehard Deep Purple fans only. Info: http://www.angelair.co.uk BOB DYLAN I am not a Bob Dylan fan and I found him highly overated and this DVD did nothing for me. I found his music a bore and the interviews I found more interesting than his actual music. This is over 2 hours and has some clips of Dylan and interviews with various people talking about him after his motorcycle acccident and some telephone conversation as well. It was not for me, but for the Dylan fan it might be. Info: http://www.mvdb2b.com ROCK FRESH This is a film about 5 guys that are street graffiti artists. I am not into the whole hip hop, street thing, but this was pretty interesting to watch as you get into the minds and souls of what makes these guys tick and I will say this, they are extremely talented in what they can do with a spray can and a little imagination. They can pretty much use anything and make a drawing. This opened my eyes as to what these guys do and it is very interesting to watch. Tons of extras as well. Info: http://www.mvdb2b.com |