Soundstage: Peter Cetera Live in Concert... (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)Being a Chicago fan (& all genre's of music in general), I decided to purchase "A&E's Chicago Live by Request" and Peter Cetera on "Soundstage" with Amy Grant. I missed Peter's voice on the Chicago DVD but it is very entertaining and a well done production and concert. Chicago has replaced Cetera with a very talented singer and musician who steps up to sing the selections originally voiced by Peter (& done very well). Below are my primary observations of the "Soundstage" DVD:
* The picture and sound quality are excellent. The concert is in Hi-Definition for a great presence on applicable equipment.
* Cetera still sings with his wonderfully familiar voice although it has definitely softened with age. The high notes are not quite hit but he still manages to stay true to the original songs (much like Elton John and Paul McCartney's aged voices; Elton 58, Paul 62 years old as of April 2005).
* There is virtually no interaction with the audience (except for a few quick "thank you's" and silly comments to the audience and fellow artists). It would have been nice to hear something related to what he was about to sing. I read similar reactions to his "Peter Cetera Live" DVD.
* Amy Grant is very good. I'm not a fan of Amy but she sings 3 solo songs that were very well chosen including one of 1991's big Pop hits "Baby Baby" and "El-Shaddai" from her first breakthrough album in Gospel in 1982. Each one is excellent and she is in fine form. A great way to begin this DVD. She also joins Cetera during his act to sing their hit duet "Next Time I Fall" from 1986.
* The backing instrumentalists are fantastic although they do give these songs a different spin. Instead of the Chicago brass section, piano, electric guitars and male background vocals, you hear them with a large string section, acoustic guitars, female backing, brass and piano. This is a nice sound for Pop, Rock and Classical enthusiasts.
* The DVD and/or concert is short. Most respectably produced music events are longer than 71 minutes (and less expensive). The song list is excellent but limited. You get a mix of solo hits and Chicago greats.
* There is a nice list of DVD Extra features but really only the 3 bonus tracks are meaningful. They are great extra tunes but being that you are only getting 9 Cetera songs on the main set (including the two duets) and 3 Grant songs, I would have expected them to add more video material to this disc such as archived footage of him.
Overall I give this a 4.5. Beautiful music, great audio/video quality and some fun nostalgia with a new twist.
Track Listing:
Amy Grant
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Baby Baby
Simple Things
El-Shaddai
Peter Cetera
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One Good Woman
Glory Of Love
Restless Heart
If You Leave Me Now
After All
The Next Time I Fall
Baby, What A Big Surprise
You're The Inspiration
Have You Ever Been In Love
Bonus Tracks
-------------
25 or 6 to 4
Even a Fool Can See
Hard To Say I'm Sorry

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Grammy Award-winner Peter Cetera performs classic favorites for the SoundStage audience. He is joined by four-time Grammy-winner Amy Grant for their duet "Next Time I Fall", classic hits such as "Baby Baby" and songs from her latest album. As seen on PBS.

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Live in Concert Review

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(More customer reviews)I understand that this concert was recorded thirty years ago, so I was not expecting a brand new, never-before-seen show. However, although one reviewer here referred to this new DVD issue as "remastered," I see no evidence of that at all. It looks like an old VHS recording that has been transferred to DVD and shows all the wear-and-tear of those thirty years. What I had expected was a sharper picture and higher quality sound, but this product does not deliver that. It is grainy and muddy and is a disservice to the artist and the audience.

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Diana Ross and The Supremes ruled the radio airwaves in the '60s and '70s with their savvy blend of R&B sensuality and teen energy. In this concert, Diana Ross gives a lavish musical performance of the hit tunes that propelled her to fame! Features a guest appearance by Marvin Gaye. Performances Include: * Ain't No Mountain High Enough * Too Shy To Say * Touch Me In The Morning * I Want To Be Bad * I Ain't Been Licked * Home * It's My House * No One Gets The Prize * Love Hangover * Reach Out I'll Be There * Baby Love * Remember Me * Medley:Lady Sings The Blues Ain't Nobody's Business God Bless The Child My Man * The Boss * Theme From Mahogany * Ain't No Mountain High Enough (reprise) * All For One

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Live Around the World Review

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(More customer reviews)One can easily make the argument that Meat Loaf's career is intertwined with songwriter Jim Steinman. Meat Loaf has enjoyed his greatest success when he has teamed up with Steinman."Bat Out of Hell" and "Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell" are considered two of the all-time legendary albums. For all practical purposes, these albums are Rock Operas (or commonly referred to as Wagnerian Rock). The concepts for these two albums basically revolved around the thoughts and stories of a teenage and young adult male.One thing that really made the "Bat Out of Hell" albums special was the combination of Steinman's songwriting with Meat Loaf's powerful and passionate vocals. Both Meat and Steinman come from a theatrical background - and both Steinman's music and Meat's vocals are clearly a product of this background. I think its safe to say that Steinman provides the infrastructure for Meat to deliver these powerful vocals while Meat's vocals make Steinman's music come alive.It is this style of music that almost seems tailor-made for being heard live - and the collection "Live Around the World" gives Meat Loaf fans a chance to hear what this music sounds like in a live setting. Despite some minor quirks, this collection does not disappoint.
The content of the performances is of a high level. When I review a live album, I usually prefer the album to basically be a full recording of a concert. In other words, I prefer the tracks come a single night's performance and be arranged in the order that they were played in concert. I normally am not one for edited concerts or live compilations.In the case of Meat Loaf's "Live Around the World", the tracks are a mixed bag. This compilation is basically an anthology of Meat's greatest live performances from 1977 through 1996. Because this is the way this album has been put together, this album cannot be used as a gauge for the what a Meat Loaf concert really sounds like. However, the album does attempt job to arrange the songs to give a perception that this could be a Meat Loaf concert.The ordering of the songs is done well, but I can't say this is done perfectly. For example, while "Paradise By the Dashboard Light" is the last song on the first CD, I probably would have made it the last song overall.I do give the album credit for flowing one song into another nicely - creating the "illusion" that this is a live show. While I understand when putting this album together, bringing together an anthology of Meat's live performances seemed like a good idea - I think it would have been better to assemble a CD of one or two actual concerts (The Police's "Live" album basically did this). Yes these are quirks that do bother me about this collection, but it doesn't take away from the content - this is some really good stuff. Meat's performances live up to the high expectations I had for this collection.
As one would expect, most of the performances included on "Live Around the World" come from "Bat Out of Hell" and "Bat Out of Hell II". In fact, all seven songs from "Bat Out of Hell" are included on here. There are seven songs that are included from "Bat Out of Hell II". I am pleased that there are four songs beyond "Bat Out of Hell" that are included. These songs are "Dead Ringer for Love" (from "Dead Ringer"); "Midnight at the Lost and Found" (from "Midnight at the Lost and Found"), as well as "What You See is What You Get" and "Hot Patootie". The nice thing is that Meat shows that his career wasn't just limited to the "Bat Out of Hell" albums - he does a terrific job on these four songs. The one Meat Loaf song that isn't included on this collection is "Everything Louder than Everything Else". This is a terrific song in the true Steinman-Theatrical sense. This is especially disappointing since the prelude to that song, Steinman's spoken "Wasted Youth" is included on this collection.
As mentioned, the performances are incredible. You can hear Meat's passion on every song. Every song is truly a performance. Meat handles co-producing duties for this collection. While Steinman and Todd Rundgren were give a lot of credit for producing Meat in the past, Meat proves he can produce and deliver the product. I was very pleased the full 12 minute version of "I Would Do Anything for Love" kicks off the collection. "Paradise By the Dashboard Light" lives up to my live performance expectations. It is a much longer version than the studio version.Although Ellen Foley isn't doing the co-vocals, Patricia Russo does a great job as "girl". There is an extended dialogue at the end that really makes this a true performance. Russo handles the lion's share of the female lead vocals on this collection. The performance of "Dead Ringer" is very much up there as well - much thanks to Russo's lead vocals. Russo's performance even eclipses what Cher did on this song. Russo also does a great job on "I Would Do Anything for Love" on the vocal exchange that occurs at the end of the song.
One thing that does disappoint are the liner notes. The liner notes do list each of the tracks and the location from which each was recorded. The one thing that isn't included are the dates of the performances. I think for this particular style CD, it would have gone a long way to include the performance dates. As for the musician credits, I would have also liked to have seen each musician's credit listed aligned with each song - insread they are all listed in one place. Overall, if you are a Meat Loaf fan and crave for his level performances in a live setting - this is the CD to get. Highly recommended.

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Jason Aldean: Wide Open Live and More (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a outstanding recent concert dvd release by Jason Aldean & his band. It was filmed on March 6, 2009 before a "sold-out" crowd at the Knoxville, Tennessee Coliseum. This is Jason Aldean & his band performing at their best. It proves that he is a "rising star", and a "dang" good entertainer. The concert consists of 15 great songs (including a drum solo), and it has a running time of approximately 83 minutes.
The line-up is as follows:
Jason Aldean - Lead Vocals, Guitar
Tully Kennedy - Bass, Band Leader, Background Vocals
Rich Redmund - Drums
Kurt Allison - Lead Guitar
Mike Frey - Electric Guitar, Background Vocals
The Song Set is As Follows:
1. Wide Open
2. I Break Everything I Touch
3. Amarillo Sky
4. Why
5. Big Green Tractor
6. On my Highway
7. Drum Solo
8. Johnny Cash
9. Relentless
10.You're The Love I Wanna Be In
11.Laughed Until We Cried
12.I Use What I Got
13.She's Country
14.Asphalt
15.Hicktown
Plus, you get an up-close and personnal interview with Jason Aldean. Overall, this is an excellent concert dvd by Jason Aldean & his band. The dvd package is 1st Class. You get an excellent booklet of "liner notes", that provide detailed information about this concert, Jason, and some of his songs. This is a great one, and I highly recommend it. Thanks!!!!


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On March 6, 2009, a sold out Knoxville (Tenn.) Coliseum crowd found out what millions of Jason Aldean fans already knew: he's a rising star and a damn fine entertainer. The concert was lights out and over-the-top. Those lucky enough to attend experienced not just an I-can't-wait-to-tell-myfriends- about-this show, but also benefited from the sum of years of hard work and determination. "Wide Open Live And More!" captures Jason Aldean at his rockin' country best. All the hits are here--"Amarillo Sky," "Why," "Hicktown," "Relentless," "She's Country," "Johnny Cash," "Laughed Until We Cried" and "Big Green Tractor"--and so are the live show favorites like "Wide Open," "I Break Everything I Touch" and "Asphalt Cowboy," among others. Not only does Jason sing his hits, he connects with his audience and offers them an escape, if only for the night. That's what real entertainers do.TRACK LISTING: 1. Wide Open 2. I Break Everything I Touch 3. Amarillo Sky 4. Why 5. Big Green Tractor 6. On My Highway 7. Drum Solo 8. Johnny Cash 9. Relentless 10. You're The Love I Wanna Be In 11. Laugh Until We Cried 12. I Use What I Got 13. She's Country 14. Asphalt Cowboy 15. Hicktown

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Cyndi Lauper - Live... At Last (DVD in Amray Case Packaging) (2004) Review

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(More customer reviews)Track listing:
Program Start, At Last, Stay, I Drove All Night, If You Go Away, All Through The Night, Walk On By, Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood, She Bop, Sisters Of Avalon, Change Of Heart, True Colors, Shine, It's Hard To Be Me, Money Changes Everything, Unchained Melody, Time After Time, Girls Just Want To Have Fun, Credits.
One thing that has always been true about Cyndi Lauper is that she will go out of her way to give her fans a great live show, regardless of whether she's performing at a small record store for free or at a sold-out major event concert. The location and number of people attending doesn't matter...Cyndi gives everything she's got when she performs live. And this new DVD "Live At Last," recorded at her March 11, 2004 gig at The Town Hall in New York, is certainly no exception. This DVD will surely satisfy both long-time fans as well as those who have only recently discovered Cyndi's music with her most recent album "At Last," as the track listing (see above) contains songs from both her old-school catalog as well as her renditions of the classics. I certainly appreciate her newer stuff but to me, the best part of this concert is hearing and seeing her perform her trademark songs such as the beautiful "Time After Time" and my personal favorite, "I Drove All Night." These songs may have been written a long time ago, but Cyndi proves with this concert that time certainly has not taken away any of the magic that made them so great.
There are also some great bonus features, a lot more substantial than what most concert DVD's offer:
Stay Music Video
Forest Park
Driving With Cyndi
Sunday Dinner
Broad Channel
Shoot It Yourself! with Cyndi and Kevin
Alternate Angles
Discography
All in all, a must-have for any Cyndi Lauper fan, even the casual one. And for the price that it's offered here you would be crazy not to buy it.

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Tracklistings:At Last Stay I Drove All Night If You Go Away All Through The Night Walk On By Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood She Bop Sisters Of Avalon Change Of Heart True Colors Shine It's Hard To Be Me Money Changes Everything Unchained Melody Time After Time Girls Just Want To Have Fun

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Nickelback - Live at Home (2002) Review

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(More customer reviews)For all of you Nickelback fans out there, this is it. The DVD we have all been waiting for. Now I'm sure you're asking yourself, was it worth the wait? Well, I'm here to tell you, yes! Having been to three Nickelback shows within the last year, I can say firmly, that this DVD is literally "Live at Home". It brings the concert directly to you, and with the optional Dolby 5.1 surround sound, it makes you feel as though you are at one of their live shows again, or for the very first time. It also includes some awesome home video of the band in Europe, along with pre-show warm up, and other behind the scenes footage. Plus it includes the videos for Leader of Men, How You Remind Me, and Too Bad, along with a special "making of" for the Too Bad video. So for those of you lucky enough to have seen a live Nickelback show and want to relive it, or those who didn't get the chance, this DVD truly brings Nickelback to your home for your own private concert.

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Barbra Streisand - The Concert (Live at the MGM Grand)(Keep Case) Review

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(More customer reviews)Why buy this DVD when you saw the special on HBO? Because this DVD, filmed on Dec. 31, 1993 and Jan. 1, 1994 has never been released. If you thought the HBO special was exciting, wait till you see this DVD -- when the audience at Las Vegas' MGM Grand greeted Barbra with a 10-minute standing ovation. This was the historic return to live performing that Streisand fans waited for.
The song line-up for THE CONCERT: LIVE AT THE MGM GRAND resembles the HBO special, with a few exceptions. Never before heard on this new DVD are "I'm in the Mood For Love / Speak Low / Guilty", "What Is This Thing Called Love?", and the Disney medley. A special appearance by Mike Meyers as his SNL character Linda Richman is another bonus on this DVD. He and Barbra do a funny skit utilizing various Jewish expressions.
The MGM concert varies from the HBO concert in several other ways: "I'm Still Here/Everybody Says Don't/Don't Rain on My Parade" is longer, with more lyrics by Sondheim for "I'm Still Here". "Lover Man" is longer as is "I'll Know". Barbra's pyschiatrist skits in the first act feature a different script that varies slightly from the Anaheim show.
Most importantly, the reason to own this DVD is because Barbra wears that gorgeous empire-waisted, split-up-the-middle dress in the first act!! Also, Barbra's voice is in exquisite form during the Vegas concert.
Sony & Barbra's people have done fans a great favor in releasing the MGM Grand concert for home video.
It's been 10 years since Barbra sang "As If We Never Said Goodbye" as her opening song. Now, after watching LIVE AT THE MGM GRAND, you'll remember why Linda Richman said Barbra was "like buttah."

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Studio: Sony MusicRelease Date: 03/30/2004Run time: 125 minutesRating: Nr

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Keith Urban: Livin' Right Now (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)Here's a novel idea, let's have a concert DVD that actually FEELS like a concert. Rare, I know. Difficult, not impossible. Keith Urban's "Livin Right Now" is reason enough to have faith in concert DVD's. This package is one of the best concert discs to date. Start to finish this is a fun party. As stated earlier, you will feel as if you are there. It's HDTV stunning and surround sound crisp. Hey Keith, spread the word, this is how concert DVD's are SUPPOSED to be. Thank you for this.
P.S. I bought this disc for my wife. She's the country fan. Alas, I am now a fan of Keith Urban's music.

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LIVIN RIGHT NOW - DVD Movie

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An Acoustic Night at the Theatre Review

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(More customer reviews)I wasn't sure how I felt when Within Temptation announced the release of An Acoustic Night at the Theatre -yet another live album with alternative versions of previous songs. After hearing these songs on albums and live on Black Symphony, I wasn't sure if I wanted to hear more of the same. I decided to try it out because I'm a hardcore WT fan -and was relatively happy with what I found.
Even though An Acoustic Night at the Theatre features songs we've all heard before, the acoustic spin was surprisingly enjoyable and gave songs a warmer, more intimate feel. I actually felt like I had some time to breath here, as opposed to Black Symphony, which was non-stop high-octane action from start to finish. An Acoustic Night at the Theatre also allowed for Sharon to show off just how beautiful her raw voice is (before studio production) and re-focus the energy of WT on her pure, angelic vocals.
I was, though, a little surprised (and slightly disappointed) by the track list here. Many of the songs chosen translated far too easily to acoustic since they were already slower paced, such as "Memories," "Forgiven," "Frozen," "The Cross" and "All I Need." I admit that I have to forgive the selection of "Somewhere" because I loved this version even more than the Black Symphony one -despite the fact that Anneke's vocals were recorded. Something about it just felt warmer to me -stronger and more sincere.
Other songs took a greater risk. For example, "What Have You Done" was very interesting to hear acoustically; while "Caged" was a bold and strangely engaging choice (even though it sounds so completely different) and "Stand My Ground" just seemed to lose its punch (part of what I originally liked about this song was the power behind it).
The only truly new item here is "Utopia," which was also released as a single. "Utopia" features a duet between Sharon and guest vocalist Chris Brown. While Sharon sounds as gorgeous as always, I wasn't too excited about the song -it just didn't have a unique sound to it and I found it to be kind of flat.
Generally, this CD is best for hardcore WT fans. While the songs sound a little warmer and more intimate (and are kind of a nice break after Black Symphony), they wouldn't appeal much to casual listeners or those who are new to the band or genre (I suggest going right to The Heart of Everything for these folks). But I have to admit -Sharon sounds like an opera angel here and her voice is mesmerizing.

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2009 acoustic live album from the female-fronted Dutch Symphonic Metal band. This album contains acoustic live tracks that were recorded during the band's sold out theater tour in November 2008. These were very special concerts, as the band added an acoustic set, making their show more intimate. Since the band received great responses to their acoustic tracks, the decision was made to officially release them unto the world. Roadrunner.

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The Mothership Connection Live 1976 (2008) Review

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(More customer reviews)Since this is the only professionally produced live visual concert document of "The P-Funk Mob" at it's absolute peak, I feel compelled to give it a full 5 stars even though the program is relatively brief (85 minutes) and the disc contains no additional features of any kind. The footage looks quite good for 1976, relatively clear and the sound quality (while monaural) is failry clear with only a mild complaint regarding the EQ of various instruments (notably, Gary Shider's virtually silent guitar on "Cosmic Slop")... However, this DVD is bigger than its flaws. It is about seeing a legendary and important musical happening at its prime moment of full realization. The DVD offers a wonderful chance to hear and see live the brilliant Glenn Goins in all of his captivating vocal brilliance (just pay attention to "Funkin' For Fun" and "Mothership Connection", where he calls in the Mothership) ... it is a crime how anonymous this master vocalist is today since his untimely death at 23 from cancer, he sounds amazing here. The band is tight and they play with marvelous precision. The boundless energy and enthusiasm of the ensemble is clear when watching this. The original Parliament singers (Calvin Thomas, Fuzzy Haskins, Ray Davis-- though I don't spot Grady anywhere), Gary Shider complete with signature diaper and pacifier, Mike Hampton in his gigantic green Sombrero, Bernie Worrell with a hat that I can't even describe, and the sexy duo of Debbie Wright and Jeanette Washington... Cordell "Boogie" Mosson (unseen) and Jerome "Big Foot" Brailey... they are all here along with Fred and Maceo and the best horn section around... for fans of Parliament/Funkadelic, this is essential stuff... and for casual observers, this is a time capsule to an important group at it's peak

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It was Halloween night and Parliament Funkadelic was about to tear the roof off the Houston Summit, ready to bless the crowd with their cosmic brew of interplanetary funk. George Clinton, Bernie Worrell, Bootsy Collins and the rest of the P-Funk collective were riding the success of their first Top 5 R&B hit, "Give Up The Funk (Tear The Roof Off The Sucker)," a track that had earned them the kind of radio play that would bring the masses out to see them live in a stadium-sized arena. The group was only five dates into the tour when they arrived in Houston, but they were definitely ready to take it to the stage for an out-of-this-world show like no other. Taped on October 31, 1976, these seldom-seen performances at the Houston Summit represent Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic in their '70s prime, in the era of their Mothership Connection and The Clones Of Dr. Funkenstein LPs--a rare opportunity for everyone to get their proper dose of The P-Funk. Program Listing: Cosmic Slop Do That Stuff Gamin' On Ya! Standing On The Verge Of Getting It On Undisco Kidd Children Of Productions Mothership Connection (Star Child) Swing Down Sweet Chariot Dr. Funkenstein Comin' Round The Mountain P-Funk (Wants To Get Funked Up) Give Up The Funk (Tear The Roof Off The Sucker) Night Of The Thumpasorus Peoples Funkin' For Fun

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Barbra Streisand: The Concerts (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)Those of us fortunate enough to have bared witness to the career of this amazing artist since the beginning, know we have been and continue to be in the presence of absolute one-of-a-kind greatness. Those that haven't and think they know and have heard greatness, you can't even imagine.
Even if one isn't into this genre of music, you owe it to yourself to purchase this DVD and experience some of what so many of us have had the pleasure of for what's approaching now 50 years! I tell you, you will become magnificently enlightened because there's been no other vocalist to date that can come close. Yes, she IS that much better than any other.
You will hear the message in every song, every expression. A message of truth and passion from an artist who must have been inside the heart of every songwriter whose songs she has interpreted through her soul and her magnificent vocal instrument. There can be no other answer to how she is able to convey the depth and meaning of a song, all the while commanding you to listen to the lyrics and feel the meaning the way the composer had intended, and all without you even realizing it. You will find yourself waiting to exhale after every powerful note, but the greatest power is in her ability to deliver a note so softly, so gently, as nearly a whisper--it will leave you breathless. I'm sorry, but you don't need to scream and high-power through every song to show you can sing, like so many today. The true artistry is in the nuances, the subtleties.
I recommend this DVD to anyone truly interested in having your heart and soul, not just your ears, entertained. And when you're done with this magnificent selection, treat yourself to Streisand from the beginning, from Funny Girl through the years to this piece of work . . . then you too will understand what millions of us have been experiencing for nearly five decades, and why we feel we have been in the 'presence of true greatness'.

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Barbra Streisand is world renowned for thrilling audiences with her magical performances, her supreme vocal talent and setting box office records. Now fans can get front row seats to the best of Barbra Streisand captured in THE CONCERTS, a new 3-disc DVD showcasing some of her most memorable concerts, special exclusives including 17 songs never-before released on DVD and behind-the-scenes moments with one of the most beloved artists of all time. The 3-Disc DVD set offers fans an all access pass to two of her most memorable concerts in their entirety. DISC ONE captures the record-breaking, 2006 North American tour from the sold-out Ft. Lauderdale show, with special guest multi-platinum recording artist, IL DIVO. Fans will get a chance to experience 10 songs never-before-seen on DVD, including "Unusual Way," "A Cockeyed Optimist" and "My Shining Hour," all of which are the first time Streisand has ever performed them either in the studio or live. Bonus features include five additional songs as well as interviews with the behind-the-scenes team who create and execute this musical and visually explosive experience.DISC TWO allows fans to experience the unforgettable 1994 concert Live at Arrowhead Pond in Anaheim, CA that documents the magic of her first concert tour in 27 years. For the first time on DVD, this special concert includes the first-ever live performance of "Lazy Afternoon" and the "Yentl Medley." DISC THREE presents "Putting It Together: The Making of the Broadway Album."With video and vintage performance footage from the `60s and `70s never before seen on DVD as Bonus Features, the disc includes video performances from Streisand's Emmy award winning television specials including "People" from My Name Is Barbra 1965 , "Yesterdays" from Color Me Barbra 1966, "I'm Always Chasing Rainbows" from The Belle of 14th Street 1967, "Silent Night (Sleep In Heavenly Peace)from A Happening In Central Park 1968 and "Cryin' Time (with Ray Charles)" from Barbra Streisand...And Other Musical Instruments 1973.Disc #3 is jam-packed with exclusive, behind-the-scenes footage including the making of the award winning, number #1 album The Broadway Album and video clips from her childhood, extensive one-on-one interviews and a montage of the numerous awards she's received throughout the years. Streisand The Concerts is an extraordinary collection of the very best moments and highlights from Barbra Streisand's legendary career and includes more than 60 songs spanning classics such as "Funny Girl," "The Way We Were," and "People," as well as never before performed "The Music of the Night," and "Somewhere" with Il Divo. Barbra Streisand is the music industry's #1 best-selling female artist with 50 Gold, 30 Platinum and 13 Multi-Platinum albums to her credit.She is second in the all-time charts, ahead of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, exceeded only by Elvis.She continues to be the highest-selling female recording artist ever.Streisand remains the only artist to receive Oscar, Tony, Emmy, Grammy, Golden Globe, Cable Ace, and Peabody Awards, and the American Film Institute's Life Achievement Award.

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Black Symphony (CD/DVD) Review

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(More customer reviews)As a fan of Within Temptation, I have been waiting for this DVD to come out since they announced the show back in February and now it's finally here. This dvd is brilliant, sure it's not the same as the European release but the main concert is what's important here and it's fantastic. There are no other words to describe the vocals of Sharon den Adel combined with a live orchestra. Within Temptation was made for something like this and I love the new arrangements to some of the songs including "Mother Earth", "Stand My Ground", and "Angels". Adding the pyros, video screens, lights, dancers, and sounds made this one of the best live performances ever captured on film.
This version of Black Symphony contains a cd with 13 live songs and a DVD with the full 22 song concert and a few special features:
Backstage report- a 13 minute interview with the band, crowd, and orchestra before and after the show.
Documentary - runs for about 23 minutes and it features the band discussing a little about their career with rehearsal footage from black symphony.
Countdown - 8 minute overview from the day of the show.
For anyone that wants to know the technical stuff, the show is shot in widescreen and contains 2.0/5.1/DTS sound.
Every fan of Within Temptation must pick this up! You won't regret it.

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Black Symphony was a unique concert at Rotterdam's Ahoy Arena on February 7, 2008 sold out months in advance. Within Temptation performed to 10,000 fans with the 60 piece Metropole Orchestra and a 20 voice classical choir, as well as on stage stilt performers, costume changes, and an array of stunning pyrotechnic and lighting effects.

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Tori Amos: Live from the Artists Den Review

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(More customer reviews)For almost two decades, I would occasionally hear a song by Tori Amos on the radio, or on TV, and say to myself, "Wow! That's an interesting song. I ought to check her out." Then, of course, I never got around to it. When PBS finally handed her to me on a silver platter, by televising this concert (most of it) on their Live from the Artists Den series, I made a point of recording and watching the show. Then watching it again. And again. Then going on line to get the lyrics, which are crucial but occasionally hard to understand, because Tori sometimes alters the sound of words for musical effect. Then finally taking the plunge, buying all 11 studio albums and about a dozen CD singles, followed by four DVD sets and four books. Rarely if ever has a singer/songwriter had such a profound impact on me.
If you are not familiar with Tori Amos, this solo concert offers an excellent entry into her world. There are twelve songs from seven of her albums, covering her entire career, including two which were not part of the PBS telecast, as well as an extended interview and a souvenir booklet. It is regrettable that the DVD is neither subtitled nor captioned, so I recommend getting the lyrics on line; neither of Tori's two websites has a complete list, but there are many other helpful sites, for instance AZLyrics. The song selection does favor the gentler, more introspective side of her output, and there is a more angry, raw, confrontational side to her which is not conveyed in this concert; on the other hand, that does make this DVD less likely to put people off. Don't worry if you don't "get" all the songs; she tends to describe, not the specific events in her life which created a song, but the images those events evoke for her, the things those events remind her of. It's like listening to the Oracle at Delphi: you won't understand every word, but you will know, with certainty, that every word is true.
For Tori aficionados, this concert is essential for a different reason. In her studio albums and on many of her live recordings, she performs with backup instruments; this makes the rhythms and dynamics relatively inflexible, in order for everyone to stay together. In this solo concert, however - just her, accompanying herself on Bosendorfer piano and on synthesizer, sometimes both at once - she has much greater control over phrasing and mood, and the songs become more sensuous, more haunting. I actually like these "black and white" versions of the songs much better than the album versions, for the same reason that I like Ansel Adams' B&W photographs - BECAUSE of the lack of instrumental color, not in spite of it; I think this presentation brings out things in the music and the lyrics which are obscured in the (more commercial) album versions. It would actually be very interesting to hear how this kind of performance affected some of her edgier songs; there may be facets to them which we have never heard.
Tori Amos is one of the most personal, creative poet/songwriters around. I always wondered what I would find if I explored her music. Now, thanks to this concert, I know.


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On a cold December 2009 night in New York City, Tori Amos played a private solo concert for one hundred fans at the historic Park Avenue Armory in New York City. "Tori Amos: Live from the Artists Den" captures this once-in-a-lifetime performance featuring both hits and fan favorites spanning the Amos catalog, from her breakthrough 1991 debut "Little Earthquakes" to her acclaimed 2009 album "Abnormally Attracted to Sin" -- including two songs not shown in the television broadcast.
Features: The full Tori Amos concert recorded at Park Avenue Armory in New York City on December 9, 2009 - including two songs not shown in TV broadcast; 20-minute Amos interview with music journalist Alan Light; tour of Veterans Room with Amos and the head of the Armory; 34-page hardbound book package.

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RUSH: Snakes and Arrows Live (2008) Review

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(More customer reviews)I've been a Rush fan since 1912... kidding, since 1976. The 'fossil' that I am, i've probably seen them at least 40 times live beginning with the 'Farewell To Kings' tour way back when. I have all their CD's and DVD's. I have played their LP's (vinyl records) on an old 'Fisher' tube stereo receiver with 'Realistic' (Radio Shack) speakers, and 8-track tapes back in the day (70's). As an older '40-something' audiophile now thankfully making more than a high school kid did back then, I can now listen to them via high-end McIntosh equipment and Magneplanar hi-res speakers. Rush never sounded better! That said, and with my high expectations, this 'Snakes & Arrows' live DVD is INCREDIBLE, visually and sonic-wise! THIS IS HOW A LIVE CONCERT DVD SHOULD BE DONE! The camera work is stellar, with a good mix of closeups, medium range, and whole stage shots. Audio is excellent, both in stereo and in 5.1. And best of all, Rush is in absolute top form, moving, playing, and singing as if they were 25 again! This is a MUST OWN concert for Rush and/or prog rock fans!

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Filmed over two performances in Rotterdam, Holland in October of 2007, Rush's new DVD Snakes & Arrows Live captures the legendary band in peak form, performing classic Rush material and nine new songs from their critically acclaimed 2007 CD Snakes & Arrows. Bonus footage of four songs added for their 2008 American tour, including "Ghost of a Chance," filmed here for the first time. Since the release of their eponymous first LP in 1974, Rush has continually expanded the definition of "progressive power trio." Guitarist Alex Lifeson, bassist/keyboardist/vocalist Geddy Lee and drummer/lyricist Neil Peart combine dazzling virtuosity, laser-beam intensity and unbridled creativity to create a cohesive whole that's infinitely greater than its parts. The Toronto-based group has become one of Canada's leading exports, with a catalog of genre-defining releases including 2112, Permanent Waves, Moving Pictures, Vapour Trails and Snakes & Arrows and a live show which combines musicianship, showmanship and multi-media effects that engage all the senses. Following their previous best-selling DVDs Rush in Rio and R30, Snakes & Arrows Live presents a band not resting on its considerable laurels but still earning its reputation as one of the world's best live bands - one night at a time.

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Kansas: There's Know Place Like Home (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)One word - EPIC. This DVD is amazing. Kansas is amazing. Ehart, Williams, Walsh, Greer and Ragsdale joined forces with a 50-piece symphony for an unforgettable performance. Let's get down to business! Steve Walsh has shocked me and delivered an absolutely knock-out performance. He hits every single note and his voice sounds fresh and vibrant. This was the best I've heard him since 1990. He especially shines on "Ghosts, "Nobody's Home," "The Other Side," and "Dust..". Ehart's drumming is so powerful and it's such a pleasure to watch his technique. Greer was fantastic on bass and even more so on the backing vocals. When he harmonizes with Walsh a great blend is created. Rich Williams was really on his game, especially on "The Wall" and "Carry On". But the guy who was the most impressive and fun to watch was Ragsdale. This guy has such flair and showmanship. As good as Robby Steinhardt was, Ragsdale is a flashier and more exciting player. If this wasn't enough we get guest appearances from Kerry Livgren and Steve Morse. The latter plays such a fiery lead on "Musicatto" it's hard to believe he's human. Livgren was exceptional as well and it was cool to see him playing a pipe organ during "The Wall". Of course there are 50 other stars of the show - the symphony. Their performance added such beauty to all the epic songs and meshed so well with the band. It was truly a match made in heaven. "Nobody's Home" was especially moving. The conductor was fun to watch too. Quite simply, this DVD captures Kansas on one of their very best nights. It should also be noted that the camera work and lighting are spectacular. Without question this DVD not only blows Live At The Whiskey and Device-Voice-Drum away, it obliterates them. The setlist is comprised from 10 different albums, so there's something here for Kansas fans of any era. No fan should be without this gem. Highly recommended.

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THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME - DVD Movie

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Fleetwood Mac - Tango in the Night (1987) Review

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(More customer reviews)Many reviewers here seem to be more Fleetwood Mac fans and less music fans? I'm a Mac fan also, but was pleasantly surprised with the two new replacements (Billy Burnette and Rick Vito) in this video. One of Fleetwood Mac's strengths is the variation of songs and styles resulting from having three different singers/songwriters in the band. Instead of knocking them, I view Lindsay Buckingham's replacements as a continuation of such (and I am a Lindsay Buckingham fan also). Sure, the video may have been 'overproduced' (is it a video, or is it a concert?), and one could nitpick different areas, but many of the songs sounded better than any previous renditions I'd previously heard. I don't know which is the lead guitarist (Burnette or Vito), but I thought he put on a heckuva show, and is definitely talented. Is he a better guitarist than Lindsay Buckingham? That would be tough call, and isn't that alone reason enough to view this video? The only reason I didn't give this video 5 stars is that it's only 60 minutes long. A few more Mac favorites (heck, I'd be willing to give a few more of the newcomers' songs a try) to stretch it to around 90 minutes would have made it great.

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TANGO IN THE NIGHT - DVD Movie

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Love Is Strange Review

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(More customer reviews)Love Is Strange is a welcome live release from Mr. Browne and his old buddy, "El Maestro David Lindley." It contains two CDs with 17 songs from across the two artists' careers (mostly JB's). The other tracks are intros or commentary. Their tour of Spain captured on these discs did not involve a full band, but rather various acoustic settings with the two guys accompanied by a few people playing the odd percussion, whistle or other instrument. (I did miss Lindley's legendary lap steel, which I guess didn't fit in with the format. He does play a tangy slide guitar on several songs.) Jackson is in pretty good voice, about the same as on his Solo Acoustic albums from a couple of years back. A drawback for me personally is that Mr. Browne is often talking in Spanish in the spoken segments. (The song lyrics are mostly in English.) It was admirable of him to speak in the local tongue, but it doesn't help a listener such as I who understands little of the language. Oh well... I suppose that's what the "skip ahead" button is for. Otherwise, I enjoyed this album a lot, especially "Your Bright Baby Blues" from The Pretender, my favorite Browne album, and "Call It A Loan."

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Jackson Browne & David Lindley's Love Is Strange is a chronicle of their 2006 Tour of Spain. Performing in Madrid, Barcelona, Oveido and Sevilla. The experience is expressed by Jackson Browne as "a CD of some recorded moments, or perhaps a bridge, or a small door, between a life lived mostly in America and time spent with some really good friends in Spain."

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