No one, I repeat, no one puts as much energy into his performance as
Iggy Pop. This dvd is no exception. Iggy is much more energetic and
animated than the recent DVD release with the Stooges from Detroit. The
camera shots here are great and this has got to be one of the best
sounding dvds I have. The show can be played in either 5.1 surround or
straight 2 channel stereo (10 out of 10 soundboard recording). Anytime
you get a concert dvd, one key rating factor is "rerun" value (ie how
many times will you end up watching the dvd more than once). I have had
this dvd about 1 week and must have cued it up at least 10 times. Even
if I'm not watching, I just crank it up and enjoy the music. Even
without the video, the audio alone would make this one of the best Iggy
live recordings in my collection; "Avenue B" is that good. You like
electric guitar? Whitey Kurst is a killer guitarist. With a second
guitarist on board to handle the rhythm chores, Whitey justs rips it up
throughout the show. Some of the best lead guitar you will here this
side of Slash. The only beef I have is the constantly changing camera
shots. The camera shot literally changes about every 1-3 seconds which
can become a little annoying after awhile.
So as far as the purchase
goes.... For longtime fans? A no brainer here. For anyone, I mean anyone interested in
what Iggy is all about, you can start here and be happy. This is rock,
real music....not pop, not dance, not hip-hop, or yes, not even
punk...this is open up and bleed rock n' roll as only Iggy Pop can do
it. I love it.....
Rating? 9/10
A bit of a departure from my album "review" format here. I'm gonna post some of my favorite video clips now and then. These videos are deep, layered, not veneer as Ian Astbury would say. They move me in different ways...physically, emotionally, spiritually, head bangingly etc, etc. Hitting you down deep is what music can do. Music can pull you up, or take you down. Music can console you or toss you into a dark place. Music can make you smile. Music can make you weep.
To strike those various feelings and emotions is the purpose behind the soon to be posted videos. Sometimes they just make you sit up and say "God damn!, kick ass! & rock on!" So why should you watch?
Mainly because I say so; and maybe a little bit of inspiration or something like it may rub off. It may even smell good!
So I give you the first installment. If you play guitar (even Guitar Hero), appreciate electric guitar or appreciate rock music in general, this is a must. For me, it does not get any better..... divine inspiration through a Gibson Flying V. And please, don't take off points for punctuation or poor syntax.
I give you The Mad Axeman!!!
If you're a guitar player and your tastes lean toward blues, hard rock
or metal adding this album to you collection is a done deal. Gale's guitar
work blends together the technical expertise of Joe Satriani, the wild
fury of Buddy Guy along with the soul & blues power of Jimi Hendrix
& Stevie Ray Vaughn (just to name a few, you get the idea). And
tone?...killer guitar tone right up front and in your face. The
production job and overall sound is tremendous. I have all of Eric
Gale's albums and "Crystal Vision" is by far the best of the lot. Where
Eric Gale's guitar playing on previous albums has been steeped
primarily in blues/rock, "Crystal Vision" blends in heavy chunks of
metal and solid "crystals" of funk while still being true to his blues
roots. Anyone familiar with Stevie Salas, think of a Stevie Salas album
with better vocals, better songs & yes, as good if not better
guitar work. My personal favorite is the cover of the old Joe South
song, "Hush" (also covered by Deep Purple back in the late 60's).
Gale's version here actually shows Ritchie Blackmore a thing or two.
If
you're a fan of the previously mentioned artists (Hendrix, Vaughn,
Satriani, Salas, Guy) or just a fan of great guitar albums, get this album ASAP! It has been in my car cd player for about a week now and
ain't goin' anywhere soon. I highly recommend it.
Rating? 9/10
