Todd Rundgren - Liars Live (2004) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)2004's Liars was a surprisingly grand record from Todd Rundgren, one so good that many of his loyal fans didn't see it coming. The subsequent tour essentially culminated in this performance, where Todd is captured with a talented and trusted band of musical collaborators. He's been working with this combo off and on since 1997; andhis connection with each of the musicians dates before that (bassist Sulton first joined him in Utopia in 1976.)
There are 18 songs on this DVD (the opening walk-on overture is included as a track), and fully 14 of them date from the 90s or later. For an artist who enjoyed so much of his success in the 70s and early 80s, this is a bold decision. (The four "old" songs are "Hello Its Me," Just One Victory," a wholly revamped "Born to Synthesize," and the Harrison/Beatles cover.)
For the true fan, though, this is a rare treat; the opportunity to see and hear Todd Rundgren performing new material with a hot band. And he doesn't disappoint. The appearance of Sulton, who has been back in Todd's musical universe since 1997, provides some real warmth on the harmony parts when they put their voices together, reminding the listener of some of Utopia's best vintage work. Jesse Gress does a lot of the guitar playing, handling the burden as Todd plays the rols of lead vocalist; he is fiery and yet coolly efficient (fire and ice may be a good description of this whole presentation.) When Todd does strap it on, though, his soloing is singular and spectacular; when he is at the top of his game, he is one of those rare guitarists who's ability to communicate feelings and emotions manages to surpass his actual technical prowess. At his most electrifying, Todd's guitar playing is reminiscent of Prince's best work (or perhaps more aptly, vice versa; the climax to "Just One Victory" is a hop skip and jump from the climax to "Purple Rain.") When Todd shreds here, it is a multi-colored revelation.
The new songs are great in the live context. Liars was an album that did not suggest live arrangements-it sounds quite electronic-and on several tracks here you'll see bassist Sulton, keyboardist John Ferenzik, and Gress playing collapsible white keyboards. Todd's voice is strong and emotive throughout, and the lighting and staging are hi-tech wonde4rs (although more impressive live than on the video.)
The show was presented in two halves (the segue portion-- 2 Todd solo acoustic tracks, and then the band without Todd, covering "Green Onions"-is not included here so the halves are less distinct.) The first half embraces themes of religion and cynicism, including his powerful "Fascist Christ" off No World Order (with some great playing by Todd); "Truth," "Mammon," and "God Said" off of Liars; and his Internet-released "Buffalo Grass," a lament on aging which rocks out, and which was included on One Long Year. The first portion ends with a scathing take on the title track of the album, "Liar."
The second half of the show is a soul revue, funk-meets-blue-eyed-soul. It begins aptly with the bottom-heavy Liars track "Soul Brother," reminiscent of Todd's Utopia tune "Rock Love," and includes two exquisite ballads from Liar, "Sweet" and "Past" (evocative of his classics "The Verb to Love" and "Fair Warning."). Other highlights are a soulful "Feel It," and a searing version of "Just One Victory," the old concert staple and traditional final encore.
This show and DVD are spectacular. That said, here are the things that might have pulled that fifth star out of me: (a) the inclusion of the transitional portion of the show, which helped frame it better as two distinct halves (you'll even notice the costume change); (b) more Todd on guitar (although what is here is gold); and, (c) if the band had chosen to emerge from the embers of "Just One Victory" with a slamming segue into the thrilling "Worldwide Epiphany," as they did when I saw the tour at New York's Webster Hall.
But keep in mind that I'm grading Todd as a current artist here, not a nostalgic one, and that might be all you need to know about this set.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Todd Rundgren - Liars Live (2004)

This DVD was shot in June 2005 in Albany, NY and features no less than 8 songs from the "Liars" album. Another 8 great songs from Todd's more recent history plus the classic "Hello It's Me" and a unique cover of The Beatles' "While My Guitar Gently Weeps."

Get 10% OFF

Click here for more information about Todd Rundgren - Liars Live (2004)

Yes: Live in Philadelphia 1979 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I must admit I get really cheesed off when I see great DVDs of Queen, Elton John, etc cropping up year after year, and Yes fans get these crummy lousy quality drink coasters for themselves.
I thought Keys to Ascension was bad, but it's streets ahead of this lumbering piece of junk. The only redeeming quality is the lineup but you quickly forget that after about 5 mins as the appalling sound and video quality begins to sink in and you wonder why you spent 30c on this rubbish.
There's this awful metallic squeal from one of Rick's keyboards, Chris Squire is almost inaudible and Jon sounds like the cat's being strangled (this is not his fault - it's just that the EQ is horrendous and really, why didn't they just put this out in 2.0 instead of 5.1 which is totally wasted?) There is some nice stuff from the players such as Rick and Steve but as you can't really hear them above the hiss and distortion it's a bit of a waste of time. Even seeing The Ancient performed live is not really a saving grace - the mysticism and wonder of this piece is completely ruined, like watching Lord of the Rings on those tiny aircraft TV screens. . .
The producers have tried to cover up the abysmal sound quality by having lots of hysterical fans screaming at the start and end of each song - maybe an attempt to add atmosphere as well, but as I was completely disgusted by this time the effect was lost.
I skipped over to see what Chris Welch had to say, but he's bored and boring and it's nothing new anyway - it's almost as if he'd seen the video and figured it wasn't worth putting any effort into the commentary.
And that stage just keeps going round and round - The Roundabout Revolving Restaurant, I bet the band wished they could have got off before this stinker came out.
Only worth buying if you find it in a car boot sale, (which you probably will!) Buy another Yes DVD instead. ANY other Yes DVD.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Yes: Live in Philadelphia 1979

Studio: Bmg Special ProductsRelease Date: 09/16/2003

Get 9% OFF

Click here for more information about Yes: Live in Philadelphia 1979

Rush - Rush in Rio (2003) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I originally gave this three stars but after listening to the entire concert I raised it to four. There are definitely some sound problems early on but they were pretty much resolved by about 25 minutes into this 2 hour and 50 minute concert. It was apparant there was no sound check and the sound engineers had to make adjustments as the band played on. They were successful however and for the most part the sound is fairly good. Rush puts on a tremendous show playing songs from throughout their career. I would recommend this for all Rush fans as well as anyone wanting to see a great band.
Here is the track listing:
Tom Sawyer
Distant Early Warning
New World Man
Roll The Bones
Earthshine
YYZ
The Pass
Bravado
The Big Money
The Trees
Free Will
Closer To The Heart
Natural Science
One Little Victory
Driven
Ghost Rider
Secret Touch
Dreamline
Red Sector A
Leave That Thing Alone
O Baterista
Resist
2112
Limelight
La Villa Strangiato
The Spirit of Radio
By-Tor and the Snow Dog/
Cygnus X-1/
Working Man

Click Here to see more reviews about: Rush - Rush in Rio (2003)

RUSH IN RIO - DVD Movie

Get 10% OFF

Click here for more information about Rush - Rush in Rio (2003)

Jean-Luc Ponty: In Concert Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This concert was fantastic. About the closest we got to a live recording was that "Live at Chene Park" CD and the performance on that was horrible. Mainly due to the drummer Chris Barsimanto and his inability to keep up with the rest of the band. This concert, however, is Jean Luc Ponty at his best!!! The song selection is really good and the execution of each song was flawless!!! I highly recommend this DVD Concert.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Jean-Luc Ponty: In Concert

Click here for more information about Jean-Luc Ponty: In Concert

Symphony: Live in Vienna (CD & DVD) (2009) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)It's great to finally have the opportunity to review this spectacular concert DVD and CD. The clarity of the audio recording and the picture itself is amazing, and they didn't hack the concert in the editing room when it was put from DVD to CD. You get almost the entire audio recording on the CD, including most of the verbal contact Sarah has with the audience. I think this CD is 100 times better than the Harem World Tour CD recording, which makes this package a totally worthwhile purchase. The photos are stunning and the printing of the glossy booklet make everything look so nice. The DVD is purple and the CD is black, with silver lettering on both. As for the artwork of the DVD insert, there is silver lettering on both front and back. The interview with some of the Cathedral's staff is really nice and they show just how appreiative they were of having Sarah perform in their majestic historical building.
Sarah's costumes and hair are gorgeous and she is definitely glowing and looking more pretty than ever. There is one small difference from the studio recording of "Fleurs Du Mal" and the recording in this package. What I'm saying is...Sarah doesn't do that high-pitched vocalise while the violin solo comes in in the intro of the song, compared to the studio album recording. I wonder if it would've wrecked the intro to the song if she did sing it while moving down the middle aisle.
"Sanvean" written by Lisa Gerrard (Dead Can Dance) is a beautiful vocalise consisting of no lyrics but just sounds. That is what I love about this song. It's just so haunting and original, and Sarah does it very well, even if some say she's too breathy. "Canto Della Terra" is beautiful and Alessandro Safina looks and sounds amazing as Sarah's duet partner. Together, they blow everyone away with their breathtaking live rendition of the song. "Atessa" is very pretty and much better than expected. It really doesn't appear they used any playback for this concert, meaning Sarah used her own voice for the whole recording. I was actually expecting Atessa to be dubbed from the studio recording because of that very outstanding high note at th end, which is incredibly hard to do without screaming it.
"POTO" turned out to be quite nice, although it was a little too fast-paced compared to the original version. But the rock concert edge gives it a totally new edge and Sarah was still able to sing over the volume of the rock band and the pipe organ high above her and Chris Thompson. Oh, that reminds me, my only negative comment would be....Chris Thompson looks like someone they dragged off the street to duet with Sarah. He sounded a little tired in "I will be with you". He sounded winded although he still had a rock edge to his voice...and to his style. But, on "POTO" he and Sarah really blew me away when I watched the performance for the 1st time.
It's really wonderful to have this beautiful DVD&CD package and I'll cherish it for many years to come. This is by far, Sarah's best live performance on DVD, to date...although there are some really amazing live performances on her other live DVDs. But this one really showcases Sarah's live singing voice, and how well she can work with a rock band. Get this item and you'll agree, it's totally worth the wait and the money.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Symphony: Live in Vienna (CD & DVD) (2009)

In January 2008, Sarah Brightman recorded and filmed Symphony -- Live in Vienna within the mystical walls of Stephansdome Cathedral in the heart of where classical music evolved -- Vienna, Austria. Renowned for its awe-inspiring Gothic architecture, the cathedral was the perfect setting to enter the magical world of Symphony lead by the voice of the beautiful, gothic-angel. The concert includes repertoire from her album Symphony and some of her most popular songs ("Phantom of the Opera," "Time to Say Goodbye"). COMBO PACKAGES TRACKLISTING* 1. Pie Jesu 2. Fleurs du Mal 3. Symphony 4. Sanvean 5. Canto della Terra (duet w/Alessandro Safina) 6. Sarai Qui (duet w/Alessandro Safina) 7. Attesa 8. I Will Be with You (Where the Lost Ones Go) (duet w/Chris Thompson) 9. Storia d'Amore 10. Pasión (duet w/Fernando Lima) 11. Running 12. Let It Rain 13. The Phantom of the Opera (duet w/Chris Thompson) 14. Time to Say Goodbye 15. Ave Maria 16. Vide Cor Meum (*bonus track) DVD extras: The Production (interview with Sarah Brightman) The Songs (interview with Sarah Brightman) The Location (interview with Father Anthony Faber and historian Elisabeth Lloyd-Davis) Photo Gallery Extras RT approx. 45 minutes Total RT for combo pkgs approx. 75 minutes

Click here for more information about Symphony: Live in Vienna (CD & DVD) (2009)

Celtic Thunder: Take Me Home (2009) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Okay, many of the reviews here either pre-date the DVD release, or refer just to the group themselves, not this DVD. Which can be misleading to someone considering this purchase. I'm going to just address the Take Me Home DVD.
The guys sound great on the DVD (unquestionably live this time 'round) and are just as cute and talented as ever, though I do have some issues with this set. Damian needs more mature songs to go with his more mature voice, and Keith fans will be disappointed that he sings nothing new here (the only one who doesn't. And I'm not counting Castles in the Air, since it was included in the Act II cd). The Take Me Home cd has two new Keith songs, which for some reason don't make it into the show. The CD may be more worth your money, as it consists of all new songs, plus a new version of Steal Away, that you do hear on the DVD. As others have said, this DVD seems to just recycle a lot of songs from the first DVD, which is disappointing.
But none of that bothers me as much as the AWFUL production value of the DVD. It looks like someone from a college video class made it. Crazy camera angles, unnecessary zooms, shaky-cam to the point of vomit-cam a couple of times. Bad lighting, strange crowd shots, and even my DVD menu didn't work. I can't do anything in the Song Selection on the main menu. It keeps looping and looping. I have to play the first song, stop, hit menu, and THEN I can select a particular song. At the end of the DVD, if I hit stop, it won't, and then after it plays out on it's own, I again get booted back to the Song Selection menu, which still won't let me select a song. Anyone else having this problem? It is just another example of how this DVD was shoddily made in an effort to cash in quickly on the Lad's popularity. It is insulting to them and their fans.
So, to sum up, Celtic Thunder, the group, get 5 stars. Celtic Thunder, Take Me Home, the DVD, gets a 0. If you are a CT fan, as I am, you'll get this anyway (or even pre-ordered it like me, whaaa) but just be prepared that it is nowhere near as nicely done as the first one.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Celtic Thunder: Take Me Home (2009)

A DVD with a running time of almost 2 hours features 13 new Celtic Thunder performances!Since March 2008, Celtic Thunder has spent over 45 weeks at the top of the Billboard World Music Charts, knocking themselves off the number 1 spot with their second CD "Celtic Thunder Act II." Now after scanning close to 400K units and playing to over 200,000 people on their second North American Tour Celtic Thunder presents Take Me Home (filmed at Casino Rama in Ontario, Canada on April21st '09) an all new show on CD and DVD.The event features almost all new material with only three of the most popular songs from the original Celtic Thunder pledge show included. The new songs are dynamic and exciting. Damian (a foot and a half taller with a new deeper voice) has great new songs in "Happy Birthday Sweet 16" and "Breaking Up is Hard to Do" and would give a young Neil Sedaka or Frankie Vallie a run for his money! Ryan's dark destroyer character develops well with a rendition of Sting's "Every Breath You Take", George's personality and sense of humour comes to the fore in "500 Miles", a highlight in the show and Paul's performance of "You Raise Me Up" is not to be missed. Keith, the blonde surfer heart-throb is set to steal more hearts with "Castles in the Air" accompanying himself on the guitar. The guys come together for both "Working Man" and "Take Me Home", as ever their voices even more powerful in these ensemble songs, and in the harmony pieces. "Danny's Boy" A Cappella, has been included due to popular demand after their performance on 5th Ave for "St Patrick's Day" and performing it at the White House that night - the highlight of their success in the USA.Also Available: A new studio CD that features 15 songs/14 never before on CD!

Click here for more information about Celtic Thunder: Take Me Home (2009)

Celtic Thunder: The Show (2008) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)As a singer myself (and one of Irish heritage on top of that) I can tell you I was in awe of the vocal chops shown by the men in this group. There is of course, Paul the operatic tenor who could have a brilliant career in classical music but also can be achingly tender on love ballads and throw a bit more timbre in his voice to put some testosterone into the folk songs. Then there is George the baritone, so rich and mellow and gentle on the family ballads he sings and with the best brogue of them all. Blond twenty-something Keith whose slightly nasal but very sweet tenor is God's gift to those Irish protest songs and pop songs. And then precocious and precious Damian, all of 14, who sounds at least 10 years older than he is and with so much depth and chest resonance-- where did he learn to do that? Finally, Ryan who seems less vocally gifted but I suspect that is only because of the company he is in, but has more than enough smolder and attitude to make up for it. And then when they blend their voices together on the songs of national pride and longing somehow they manage to sound like a string ensemble. There were literally chills down my back and tears in my eyes. These guys are good, really good.
About all I can add to what others have written is to tell you that my daughters, aged 6 and 7, absolutely love this music as much as I do. It is now replacing the Wiggles (thank God!) as our favorite music to play in the car. My 7 year old practically melted into a big puddle on the floor when she saw young Damian. She thinks he is the cutest thing since Zac Efron! So this CD has been a great experience to share with my kids and teach them about our family history.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Celtic Thunder: The Show (2008)

For Celtic Thunder, Sharon Browne has teamed up with Grammy-nominated Irish songwriting and composing veteran Phil Coulter to produce a show that includes an eclectic mix of songs ranging from the traditional "Mountains of Mourne" and "Come By the Hills" to international hits such as "Brothers in Arms" and "Desperado," as well as original compositions by Coulter, who has written hits for Elvis Presley ("My Boy") and the Bay City Rollers, and performed with Van Morrison, Tom Jones, and the Rolling Stones. The ensemble numbers in Celtic Thunder reflect the power of the vocalists, who range in age from 14 to 40, and feature songs that celebrate a common Celtic heritage.Track Listings:1. Heartland2. The Mountains Of Mourne3. Raggle Taggle Gypsy4. Ride On5. Come By The Hills (Buachaill On Eirne)6. The Old Man7. Love Thee Dearest8. Heartbreaker9. Nights In White Satin10. A Bird Without Wings11. The Voyage12. The Island13. Brothers In Arms14. Mull Of Kintyre15. Puppy Love16. Lauren & I17. Steal Away 18. Remember Me (Recuerdame)19. My Boy20. Desperado21. Ireland's Call 22. That's A Woman23. She24. Young Love25. I Wanna Know What Love Is26. Cal/Local Hero27. Caledonia28. Yesterday's Men

Get 50% OFF

Click here for more information about Celtic Thunder: The Show (2008)

Hit Man Returns: David Foster & Friends (CD/DVD) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is a 2-disc collection of some of today's and yesterday's best artists. The DVD gives you the whole concert which was held at Mandalay Bay Resort Casino in 2010, including a 12-minute behind the scenes video, while the CD is a shortened 11 song selection from the video.
David Foster was introduced to the crowd by 2 Olympian skaters, Kristi Yamaguchi and Brian Boitano, both of whom have skated and performed to David Foster's music back when they were actively competing.
Kenny Loggins started the program with a couple of songs, he sang "Heart to Heart" and "Forever". He was followed by Gary Wright, one of those artists that I have never seen before, but certainly heard before. "Dreamweaver" was beautiful.
Chaka Khan's first appearance was her signature "Through the Fire". It was nostalgic.
When "All-4-One" took the stage, I said wow! How they changed. Still, they sang 2 of their chart toppers "I Can Love You Like That" and "I Swear", which were very nicely done.
Natalie Cole hasn't changed at all. She moves and talks so elegant, except that her dress gave me a bit of vertigo. I don't know how she feels being compared to her father, but I can't help but notice the similarities. Her voice is calming and mellow, it gives you chills. A duet with American Idol champion Ruben Studdard.
Jackie Evancho - I love Charlotte Church, until she wrecked her life and eventually her voice too. I think Jackie is the new voice of an angel. Her cherubic innocence is disarming. She was followed by the "Canadian Tenors", who sang only one song.
Michael Bolton and Seal. Why I can't disassociate Bolton with the movie "Office Space", I can't really tell. It just stuck there in my head. Both have very soulful voices, they did an interesting medley of "When a Man Love's a Woman" and "It's a Man's Man's Man's World", segwayed to Chaka Khan's "I'm Every Woman".
David Foster described "Earth Wind & Fire" as his most favorite band ever. They started the second part of the show with a bang.
Lara Fabian did a very entrancing version of "Caruso". Enchanting.
One of the highlights of the night must be Charice's voice climbing the stratosphere. I was so nervous when she was about to get to the part of the song "All By Myself" that David described as insane. She nailed it, and the last note which ended with one of the longest standing ovations.
It was an eclectic combination of talents, from young R&B artists like Charice & Neyo, operatic performances by Evancho, Lara and the Canadian Tenors, disco and country singer Martina McBride, all shared the same stage in one stellar night.
The last number was performed by disco queen Donna Summer with the a song appropriately titled "Last Dance".
Great pure entertainment.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Hit Man Returns: David Foster & Friends (CD/DVD)

Hitman Returns was filmed before a sold out crowd last year at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. The lineup of talent, lead by Foster as maestro of ceremonies, includes performances by Seal, Donna Summer, Martina McBride, Earth, Wind & Fire, Natalie Cole, Ruben Studdard, All-4-One,'Glee' star Charice, Chaka Khan, Jackie Evancho, Lara Fabian and other artists whose careers have been touched by Foster, a 15-time Grammy winning producer and songwriter. The first David Foster & Friends Hitman Show on PBS was one of the highest rated pledge shows of the last decade and was viewed by millions of fans.'This turned out to be one incredible show. I was thrilled to be able to get some of my very favorites on this go round who weren't free last time out, including Earth, Wind & Fire and Chaka Khan. There were so many magic moments that night. I'm especially proud of the terrific combinations of talent including a medley with Chaka, Seal and Michael Bolton, a breathtaking duet with Natalie Cole and Ruben Studdard and a standout performance by Charice, Ne-Yo and Robert Randolph. And of course, accompanying the great Donna Summer on keyboards for 'Last Dance' brought me right back into the studio when we first recorded the song,' commented Foster about the show. David Foster's four decade career includes writing and producing with a who's-who in music including Whitney Houston, Barbra Streisand, Michael Buble', Josh Groban, Jennifer Holiday, Natalie Cole, Kenny Loggins, Madonna, Michael Jackson, George Harrison, Diana Ross, Sonny & Cher, Rod Stewart and scores of others. The Hitman also discovered, signed and produced Michael Buble' and Josh Groban, whose CDs have sold well over 20 million copies apiece. He is currently producing 'America's Got Talent' runner up - 10 year old Jackie Evancho, as well as writing a Broadway musical about Betty Boop. The success of the Foster & Friends franchise also includes sold out tours around the world.

Click here for more information about Hit Man Returns: David Foster & Friends (CD/DVD)