[SciFi-ActionMan]

This is the thread where I share my top 10 favorite concert DVDs. Hopefully you will find this interesting, and will give me some good ones that I've missed.

I've been an amateur musician for quite some time (playing mostly Bass and Guitar) and have about 40 or so concert DVDs. As a musician, I tend to penalize DVDs for not showing close-ups of finger playing, and for using stupid camera wizardry to distract from the performance. I also am very cognizant of the sound quality and tightness of the band. Finally, I'll give more "props" to total performances (lighting, visuals, tasteful use of the audience, etc), although there are a few "club" DVDs in this list which are terrific.

[SciFi-ActionMan]

#10: Paul McCartney - Live at the Cavern Club
1999, Image Entertainment, Paul McCartney Producing



Overview: DVD Back Cover Description: On December 14, 1999, 300 people squeezed into the Cavern Club in Liverpool to watch Paul McCartney perform at The Beatles' legendary venue for the first time since 1963. Paul's band, which includes David Gilmour from Pink Floyd and Ian Paice from Deep Purple gets up and plays straight 50s Rock & Roll. This was simulcast on the internet, with millions attempting to access it. The DVD gets better and better as this talent-filled Band literally gels on stage. While they aren't as tight as "real" bands, the energy from this performance is both electric and riviting. Paul McCartney, Live at the Cavern Club is a great DVD, albeit with Flaws.

The Good: This DVD easily represents the best work Paul McCartney has done in years. He attempts things he hasn't done with his voice in over 20 years. As the performance goes on, Paul's singing starts to hit its rythm. His screams, especially on "Shake a Hand," take you back to the Paul of yore. When Paul breaks into "I saw her standing there" an absolutely electric feeling takes over the joint. But part of the best part of this DVD is watching these most awesome instruments in action. Paul's Hofner Bass with the worn spot below the G string where his picking motion has worn through the finish along with two vintage, very worn pre-CBS Fender Telecasters are absolutely mouth watering to watch in action.

Paul also drops fun little tid-bits during the performance such as the fact that he got an audition for the Beatles just because he knew the workds to Twenty Flight Rock. Additionally, any fan of Pink Floyd will LOVE seeing David Gilmour do a completely different style of lead guitar.

The Bad: The camera work is the worst part of this DVD. There are way too many "jumpy" shots that serve to distract from the performance. While this isn't unbearable as with some of his other DVDs, I'm a big believer that when you have magic occuring on the stage, you don't need to distract it. Ian Pace has a fish eye camera on him, which gets disconcerting after a while.

The Ugly: The worst part of this DVD is the camera shots of Gilmour's leads. When David is jamming on this leads, we often get to see close-upos of the camera panning to Mick Green playing Rythm guitar or Paul giving a goofy smile. This alone drops this DVD at least 3 or four down. The only time Gilmour's fingers are highlighted is during "Shake a Hand," and this is due to a double stop layover of a close up of his fingers on top of a far shot of this playing.

The Sound: The sound comes at you from the front speakers as you would expect from a "Club" DVD. This works as it really has a feel of watching the band on stage. The quality is somewhat messy, but again, this is recorded in a small venue, so this is expected. Still all instruments are clearly heard, and the lead instruments are highlighted appropriately. One minor issue, the default setting for this DVD is "Stereo" instead of Dolby Digital (It also has DTS, although I notice no difference between DD and DTS here).

The Extras: The extras include interviews with Paul talking about how he loves early Rock in Roll and stuff about the Vavern Club, along with a bunch of back stage footage of the band preparing for the Run Devil Run Album and two music videos. The best part of the extras involves the making of the Devils Run album. We learn that their approach to learning the songs just like bands do covers everywhere - they stuck on the CD and picked them out by ear. Also we learn that it was Paul finds out it was his second cousin who is heckling him during the concert, including asking him to play "Satisfaction."

The Band
Paul McCartney: Bass
Guitar: David Gilmor (Pink Floyd), Mick Green (a solid guitarist in a Chuck Berry style)
Drums: Ian Paice
Pete Wingfield: Keyboards (terrific R&B lead on "Shake a Hand")
Chris Hall: accordian

[I Nut In Fat Girls]

right on ...however I have absolutely no experience with concert DVDs.

[The Narrator]

Cool, Ive always wanted a gateway into concert DVD's..Here it is.

[ShotokaN]

My roommate is completely into concert DVDs. The only one he's turned me on to was Talking Heads - Stop Making Sense. That was f</>ucking awesome.

[dreiser]

Is "Rattle & Hum" part of your collection. I'm not a musician but as a music/movie lover, it's my favorite of the genre.

[Zing6786]

This should be cool. Of course, if you don't include The Last Waltz, you should be shot.

[antony_pritch]

The Stone Roses' Blackpool gig has gotta make this list.

[SciFi-ActionMan]

#9 Stxy: Return to Paradise
1996, CMC International Records



Overview: If you're a Styx fan you will love this DVD. The band (minus Chuck Panozzo, the drummer, who died just prior to this 1996 tour) is very tight, and they obviously enjoy their Chicago reunion. Their newdrummer, Todd Sucherman, fits, and really adds to the energy. Most of Styx's major hits are here (Rockin' The Paradise, Blue Collar Man, Lady, Too Much Time On My Hands, Snowblind, Suite Madame Blue, Crystal Ball, Grand Illusion, Fooling Yourself, Show Me The Way, Boat On The River, Lorelei, Babe, Miss America, Come Sail Away, Renegade, and The Best of Times), with one glaring omission from my standpoint - Mr. Roboto. Most of the songs were very well done, with Come Sail Away being truly awesome.
Overview: Styx as usual puts on a great show. The most amazing thing here is how dead on their singing was, considering this is their last stop on the tour you would expect their voices to be fried, but nothing could be farther from the truth. Both Tommy Shaw and Dennis DeYoung are in top form. John Panozzo, the bassist, is far more active and engaged then I ever remember in the shows I saw.Additionally, the camera work is solid. The close-ups of the intruments are good, the pan-shots of the band work, and the lighting really emphasizes the performance. There could be a few less gratuitous crowd shots though.


The Bad: The only problem with the sound concerned the volume on James Young's leads. His leads are mixed far too quietly for my comfort (his feed is dramatically lower than Shaws in volume). This was especially bothersome, as one of the greatest things about Styx involve the contrasting guitar styles of James Young and Tommy Shaw. Additionally, while James Young's leads absolutely rocked, a few of Tommy's do not fit as well as they could have (although his acoustic work was awesome!). His early leads are great, but there are a few not-so-great ones later.


The Wierd:Also, Dennis DeYoung's black hair color is somewhat strange. Please Dennis, forget the coloring and go back to the salt-n-pepper look.

These are minor quibbles though. Their voices are all terrific, and the performance is wonderful. If you have ever seen their live performances, you know this is where Styx truly shines. This DVD reminds us how great they really were.

[SciFi-ActionMan]

Originally Posted by ShotokaN

My roommate is completely into concert DVDs. The only one he's turned me on to was Talking Heads - Stop Making Sense. That was ****ing awesome.

Anyone that doesn't have this DVD in their top 3 concert DVDs should be shot (well, maybe not shot, but definitely needs a check-up). I'll let you guess where this goes on mine ...unfortunately I have to take a break for a bit...kids are bugging for fireworks....But I'll give you a hint, the next one's a country DVD.

[SciFi-ActionMan]

#8 An Evening with the Dixie Chicks
2003, Sony Music, Joel Gallen Producer



Overview: Recorded at Kodak Theatre, the same place the Academy Awards are hosted, this concert is stupendous from start to finish. I'm normally not a country afficionado, but even if you aren't, literally anyone can appreciate the absolute terrific band, wonderful visuals and great ambience.

The Good: The Music and the setting are absolutely top notch. This whole band is both tight and awesomely talented. The Dixie Chicks themselves are very talented musicians. Martie Maguire has some terrific fiddle sequences and Emily Robinson plays a mean banjo and slide Dubro while pregnant. Natalie Maines has terrific vocals, is very funny and is completely comfortable working a crowd. The rest of the band is appropriately highlighted in many spots. The best of the crowd include Adam Steffey on Mandolin, Glen Fukunaga on Double Bassist and Bryan Sutton who's so fast on acoustic guitar that Doc Watson would even raise an eyebrow.

The visuals of the Kodak Theatre, as you probably know are just awesome. What a great place to play. For the most part, the shots of the theatre really add to the ambience. The close-up focus on the instruments, for the most part is superb.

The Bad: While the Kodak is gorgeous, the same fast "swoopy" shots we see at the Oscars just don't work as well here. There many are times where the shots feel like you've just come out of a commercial break after the best screen play award. The slow, wide angle shots are done well, but again, the swoops in this at times made me dizzy. Also, while the crowd sounds wonderfully fill the rear speakers in your surround sound system, giving you a feeling that you are among them, unfortunately they also serve to muddy the instrument separation in the front speakers. This is dissapointing as the band is obviously so tight. There are some Concert DVDs that have absolutely clear instrument separation - this one does not. Also, there aren't really any extras to speak of.

But overall, if you aren't that familiar with the Dixie Chicks, and want to learn, you will love this DVD.

[Dancing Potato]

Styx?! The Dixie Chicks?!

[SciFi-ActionMan]

#7 Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble: Live at the El Mocambo
Recorded in 1983, DVD in 1991, Epic Music Video



Overview: Sometimes camera's capture something magical that would have otherwise been lost for all time. This DVD is one such occaision. This is just an ordinary night in the life of Stevie Ray Vaughan, where for some reason they decided to record his performance. The camera work is not magical, nor is the sound clean, but it is clear from the first track that you are honored to watch one of the best talents to every pick up a guitar in the small club venue he excels at the most.

Stevie playing "Number One," a hot wired '59 Strat and probably the best known guitar behind Clapton's Blackie and BB King's Lucille, is simply AWESOME. After Hendrix, there is simply nobody more creative with a guitar. This DVD lets you experience it first hand. By the second song, you stop noticing the rather cheap camera and single input feed (this DVD is best matrixed to 7 channel stereo, if you have such an option) and become completely mesmerized on the performance.

If you are a guitarist, there are at least 2 or 3 times per song you become completely floored. For this reason, the "moments" are too numerous to mention. SRV's rendition of Vodoo Chile is simply the only version besides Hendix worth watching (I actually like it better!). Mary Had a Little Lamb absolutely rocks, as does virtually every track. As the show goes on, the pyrotechniques increase, including some of the best behind the back playing you can imagine.

Double Trouble: Although you hear about it, watching SRV, it is absolutely obvious that every song is merely a shell for improvisation. This makes SRV's rythm section, Double Trouble all the more impressive. Chris Layton, the drummer, absolutely drives the songs, and rare for a drummer, is able to change the mood to keep pace with where SRV's solos are heading. Tommy Shannon, who along with Donald "Duck" Dunn of Blues Brothers fame, is known as among the best "In the pocket" bassists in Rock. He has some terrific walking bass lines that also magically change in tone with SRVs leads. His attacks to the strings are both incredibly varied and completely subdued. But truly the most impressive thing about double trouble is how tight they stay - they are ROCK SOLID the whole performance long. They fit SRV like a glove, which allows him to fly where few have ever gone.

Truly, this is a magical performance, which somehow ended up being captured on film. Bottom line, if you've only heard SRV on a CD, you don't know SRV.

Extras: There is a terrific interview with Double Trouble in 99. They give real insight in what SRV was like, and how it felt to hang out with the guy.

[Narc0sis]

that led zepplin dvd released not long ago better be on this list

[SciFi-ActionMan]

Originally Posted by Narc0sis

that led zepplin dvd released not long ago better be on this list

Man, this is a ROUGH crowd. Tell me, you'da been bugged if I stuck that at #10, wouldn't you?

[SciFi-ActionMan]

Originally Posted by Dancing Potato

Styx?! The Dixie Chicks?!

SRV, is that better? Truly, Styx is one of my favs. Styx was my first band I've ever went to see in concert. They truly put on a great show. Fair warning, I thought about ACDC's Back in Black DVD and Rage against the Machine, but they didn't make the list (they are in my notables section which I'll do before the last 3). So there aren't going to be any heavy metal bands happenin in the bottom 6. Hopefully I won't get shot over this...

[zodd]

Originally Posted by dreiser900

Is "Rattle & Hum" part of your collection. I'm not a musician but as a music/movie lover, it's my favorite of the genre.

Rattle & Hum's more of a documentary than a concert DVD... its spans different dates of concerts and venues.

For pure U2 awesomeness, the Slane Castle concert is the best.

[SciFi-ActionMan]

#6 Sade Lovers Live
2002, Oil Factory Production, Directed by Sophie Muller, Produced by Rob Small.




Overview: One of the best mood setting DVDs out. Being wondefully directed, you get the feeling you are watching something carefully planned and executed. Sade is simply sexy. Her music is made for both easy relaxing and passionate love making. If you're looking for something to set the mood for a wonderful evening of love making with your significant other, do yourself a favor and pick up this DVD. The mood all the way through is uplifting and sexy.

Sade's DVD has some of the best use of lighting I've ever seen. Sade's dress is a shimmering silver, which, when different colors are shown on it, actually changes colors and patterns. Every song has a different color theme, and Sade's dress becomes magically matched to fit the background. Interesting mixes such as orange backgrounds and blue shadowed musicians along with a yellow lighted sade in the front make the color as important a mood setting vehicle as the incredible sound coming out of this band.

Sade does light jazz better than anyone, and htis band she has put together simply excels at this. The percussion session is top notch, as is the basist and horns. Everyone knows their place, and all contribute to highlighting Sade's sulty and sexy performance.

Sound: On some tracks, the sound could be cleaner, but as a basist, I notice the bass is highlighted heavily (which I like) and comes out clean, as does the percussion. One a few of the songs, the guitar does get lost a bit, but overall the sound quality is pretty good, which the crowd noises coming up only at the appropriate times.

The Wierd: The opening menu is just wierd. First off, there is no sound, which makes you think you haven't turned your receiver one. Second, God help you if you have to change options, as you have to go through a very slow progression of choices. Also, apparently, some have gotten bad discs where the sound/voice are not in sync. This was not the case with my copy.

[thelittleprince]

This better be #1....






....I'm biased, of course!!

[Dancing Potato]

Originally Posted by SciFi-ActionMan

SRV, is that better? Truly, Styx is one of my favs. Styx was my first band I've ever went to see in concert. They truly put on a great show. Fair warning, I thought about ACDC's Back in Black DVD and Rage against the Machine, but they didn't make the list (they are in my notables section which I'll do before the last 3). So there aren't going to be any heavy metal bands happenin in the bottom 6. Hopefully I won't get shot over this...

Well, you're allowed to have your tastes. I just expected... something else, I suppose.

[SciFi-ActionMan]

Originally Posted by zodd

Rattle & Hum's more of a documentary than a concert DVD... its spans different dates of concerts and venues.

For pure U2 awesomeness, the Slane Castle concert is the best.

I too LOVE Rattle and Hum. Its my favorite U2 DVD. It has some of the best use of Black and white, but it is a documentary, and so it doesn't show up on this list. I absolutely love the church scene and the BB King parts. I'm not a big fan of the intermixing of cameo band interviews between the concerts, but U2 Rattle and Hum is one of the few that gets away with this.

All of U2s DVDs are well done though, and Slane Castle makes my "notables" section (before #3). Truly, I should have done top 15 or something. There are 4 or 5 I'm having a hard time leaving out (Slane Castle being one).

[SciFi-ActionMan]

Originally Posted by thelittleprince

This better be #1....






....I'm biased, of course!!

I got bad news for you...

[SciFi-ActionMan]

Originally Posted by Dancing Potato

Well, you're allowed to have your tastes. I just expected... something else, I suppose.

Well please, as I get to the end of this list, I'd love to hear yours. I haven't heard even a tenth of all that are out, so again, please share if you get the desire.

I'm on east coast time I'm afraid so the completion of the list will have to wait till tomorrow.

I can tell you the last five will have two of the top rock bands of all time on it, one DVD that is terrifically choreographed with an absolutely terrific use of an arena, one that rewrote the rules of concert DVDs and one other goodie...

[thelittleprince]

Originally Posted by SciFi-ActionMan

I got bad news for you...

I can forgive you...nobody's perfect, you know!!

[SciFi-ActionMan]

Originally Posted by thelittleprince

I can forgive you...nobody's perfect, you know!!

Would you feel bad if I told you I've never watched that? Perhaps you can write a review of it here. It might prompt me to buy it.

[[__fight__]]

Originally Posted by zodd

For pure U2 awesomeness, the Slane Castle concert is the best.

Good list thus far, SciFi. Everyone secretly loves Styx!!



My dad's obsessed with roger waters in the flesh. Thoughts?

[zodd]

Originally Posted by SciFi-ActionMan

SRV, is that better? Truly, Styx is one of my favs. Styx was my first band I've ever went to see in concert. They truly put on a great show. Fair warning, I thought about ACDC's Back in Black DVD and Rage against the Machine, but they didn't make the list (they are in my notables section which I'll do before the last 3). So there aren't going to be any heavy metal bands happenin in the bottom 6. Hopefully I won't get shot over this...

I guess compiling a diverse music list is much more difficult and challenging than movie lists. I notice too that you're not into dance music, so I guess we won't see Madonna's classic Ciao Italia on this list.

[Pray for Mojo]

The Austin City Limits shows are great too.




The ending video of Little Wing makes me cry every time.

[seba boi]

*cough* Matchbox 20 *cough*

[SciFi-ActionMan]

Originally Posted by zodd

I guess compiling a diverse music list is much more difficult and challenging than movie lists. I notice too that you're not into dance music, so I guess we won't see Madonna's classic Ciao Italia on this list.

I haven't seen that, but I have seen the Drowned World Tour one. And While I liked that a lot, and generally like her songs, (especially many of the later ones) unfortunately its full frame instead of wide screen which is a major turn-off for me. Shania Twain's concert which is good, along with Simon and Garfunkel's NY concert DVD suffer the same fate for the same reason. All three are very good though.