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Mini Music DVD Reviews
By R.J. Cavender

'Now, I don't want to give anything away'...Mini Music DVD Reviews
by RJ Cavender

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2005

RATINGS

- PUTRID TRASH

- THAT WHICH DOESN'T KILL YOU...

- EH. NOT TOO BAD. PASSABLE.

- VERY GOOD, IF NOT GREAT.

- INCREDIBLE, POSSIBLY A CLASSIC!

Siouxsie and the Banshees: The Seven Year Itch: Live (2003)
Now, I don't want to give anything away, but...since Siouxsie Sioux has always been one my favorite singers, this may very well be a bias review. This DVD should be the definitive live recording for the band after what seemed an inevitable break-up and a seven year hiatus(hence the DVD title). It should be one of the best concerts Siouxsie and the Banshee's ever put on. Oddly, it really wasn't. Rumor has it, that Sioux was ill the night the concert was recorded and her voice wasn't fairing so well. I'd like to think that this was the case. The band sounds incredible, and in all reality Sioux didn't sound that horrible. But, as a fan who's seen the band several times live, I have to say...not the best performance ever. Her voice lacked the power and fury it usually has, and she seemed somewhat drained about halfway through the show. The playlist was incredible though, and definitely worth checking out for any fan. My suggestion for other's interested in the band, check out 1984's HYEANA, the only other concert the band has ever released live.

The Cure: Trilogy: Disc 1 & 2 (2002)
Now, I don't want to give anything away, but...this is such a great DVD concert. It's dark, it's brooding...hell, if you've followed this bands history, it's downright historic. As a fan of The Cure, and someone who's seen them live several times I have to highly recommend this concert to any fan or just those interested in eclectic and multi-faceted music. For a band that's going on close to 30 years, their talent hasn't faded a bit. Robert Smith still stands as one of the most celebrated guitarists and lyricists in the world, and this DVD captures him and the band at their finest. Plus, the whole show put together sort of tells a story...or so they say.

Pixies (2004)
Now, I don't want to give anything away, but...if you don't know the Pixies, you don't know you're modern rock family tree. Lots of concert footage and a full list of videos accompany this DVD package, which also boasts a full documentary about the band and their importance in the progressive music scene. An informative and entertaining find! Surf the 'Wave of Mutilation' and spend some quality time with the long-playing disc.

Ani DiFranco: Trust (2004)
Now, I don't want to give anything away, but...'TRUST' manages to capture the spirit and energy of one of todays hardest working singer/songwriters as she tours the country supporting her latest album. Now, Ani is not for everyone. But, if you are intrigued by what one person can accomplish with a notebook full of lyrics and a desire to be a world class guitarist...then you should most assuredly check out this DVD and see what this 'Righteous Babe' can do. Ani's been self-producing her own work for years, and has even created her own label...this girl can do anything.

Festival Express (2003)
Now, I don't want to give anything away, but...'Festival Express' was an entertaining watch for a laid back Sunday afternoon. Imagine the 'Woodstock' festival...on wheels and in Canada, and that pretty much sums this documentary up. Lots of great archival footage was found to bring this film to light, some of the best outtakes being from The Grateful Dead and Janis Joplin. Personally, I appreciated the long bits of improv amongst the musicians on the train...Janis and Jerry and others just jamming and making lyrics up in a drunken and smokey haze. A well made documentary about a historic and doomed 1970 festival few had probably heard about.

Ramones: Raw (2004)
Now, I don't want to give anything away, but...GABBA GABBA HEY! Sorry, but...I just LOVE the Ramones! And...I LOVE this documentary as well. A MUST for any collector, but also a great primer for anyone who's not an indoctrinated 'PINHEAD'. Some incredible live footage, some funny interviews, and more history than you can process in one sitting. Even as a huge fan, I still learned a thing or two about one of rock's most influential and under appreciated bands of all time. Viva La Ramones! (And RIP my brotha's)

Tenacious D: Complete Masterworks (2003)
Now, I don't want to give anything away, but...ALL hail the Almighty D!!! If you get it, you get it. If you don't...I ain't explaining. ALL I have to say is that this is by far one of the best concert disc's out there! Not for those who merely dabble... This one is for the PSYCHO FANS! I may even suggest you BUY this DVD instead, as you'll want it after you watch it!

Blue Man Group: The Complex Rock Tour Live (2003)
Now, I don't want to give anything away, but...As a person who's always WANTED to see Blue Man Group LIVE, I found this DVD to be a wonderful primer. I'm sure it's not anything at all compared to a LIVE show, but it gives you a good taste of what to expect once you do see them LIVE. Lots of laughs, lots of fun, and a musical experience like no other! Blue Man Group is definitely on my 'to do' list, next time I visit Vegas! If you're a fan already, you might want to just buy this one instead of renting!

Yeah Right! (2003)
Now, I don't want to give anything away, but...This is THE DEFINITIVE skateboard movie of all time. It's everything the popular skateboard videos of the 80's and 90's wanted to be. Spike Jonez gets right in the action, getting angles and shots that no one else would. It's obvious he has a love for the sport. But, as stated before...you don't have to be a skateboard fan to enjoy this film. It's shot wonderfully, and it doesn't drag for a moment with it's slim viewing time. The real stars here are the skaters. They are fearless, but not reckless. They show how much of an art form true street skating can be, and show the viewer that ANYTHING and EVERYTHING can be skated. The world is their skatepark, and these guys make it look so easy... A great watch! Even my Wifey liked it!!!