R.E.M. Live isn’t going to turn their naysayers to the R.E.M. sound, but it proves a better late that never live package, or at least a well needed hold-me over until their next studio release due in early 2008.
In the days where a huge corporate rock band like Rage Against the Machine reunites to enrich themselves under the guise of protest music, seeing a band who lived their message as DOA did is engaging and inspiring. When DOA was tearing up stages in protest to all they saw wrong with the world, there was no major label money, no big arena shows and no slick videos, just some kids trying to make a difference.
John Lennon once said, "If there wasn't a fight, it wasn't a good gig." So, what is it if no one even moves? Lennon was clearly arguing that a sterile show is never good and sterility is exactly the problem with SXSW Live 2007. The DVD is a collection of songs from shows at two Austin venues, the Bat Bar and the Lonestar Lounge, during SXSW back in March. While some of the artists offer decent performances the clubs and the crowds hardly have a pulse.
Season 2 Set Six from Jamcam Chronicles brings you a tasty performance from the Everyone Orchestra at the Crystal Ballroom in Portland, Oregon.
From the early 90’s to the early part of this decade, Leftover Salmon coined the term “"Polyethnic Cajun Slamgrass", while enriching the word “festival.” But perhaps nobody combined top-notch musicianship with unbridled enthusiasm and playfulness as well as this once hard-touring band from Colorado.
South may not break out of the Brit-pop mold but their recent attempt to make a unique name for themselves is compelling enough to give a listen.
It’s a movie about a rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle, but there are no VH1 “Behind The Music” moments here – unless you consider shopping for organic vegetables as crazy as thrashing hotel rooms after orgies.
The Devil and Daniel Johnston, is a raw documentary on the life of Johnston, the youngest of five in a Christian household who goes from an aspiring cartoonist to a cult favorite that sparked Kurt Cobain to continually wear a Johnston t-shirt during Nirvana’s early ninety’s hey-day.
While I enjoyed the videos, I’m left somewhat unsatisfied by songs that end prematurely.
New York Doll tells a story that touches the soul as the band prepares for their reunion show after 30 years. Arthur “Killer” Kane is as lovable character as there is and one is left wondering what could have been if the boys could have worked out there problems instead of breaking their band. They directly influenced so many bands that include The Clash, The Pretenders, The Sex Pistols and so many others would not be what they were if it were not for the New York Dolls. “Too Much Too Soon,” a great title for their second album and a great description of what happened to those young impressionable New York Dolls when fame was knocking at their lip stick laden, glittery front door.
