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	U2 - Vertigo Live from Chicago 2005, Interscope - Once again, U2 make it clear that the show is the thing. Much like their last two offerings, the single focus is the concert at hand, and U2 show why they've been able to do this for so long. Pulling tracks from all over their extensive body of work, Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen, Jr. don't waste a lot of time with clips of sexy girls or celebrities mugging backstage, or think that video game samples will sell their DVDs, but rather acknowlege that their music has united generations of fans behind them and that is where the focus must be. There is little wasted time here. Tracks like "40," "An Cat Dubh/Into The Heart" and "Cry/Electric Co" are old fan favorites, but are rarities that are a true pleasure to see and hear again. Additionally, "New Year's Day" and "Sunday Bloody Sunday" - two of the tracks that made U2 but seemed to get lost for a few tours - get their justice here, and are as powerful and inspiring as ever. Maybe that's what U2 succeed in doing best: they've inspired many to think a little more, and occasionally to act on those inspiriations. That is U2's greatest accomplishment, for if through your work you can inspire other good works, you leave the world a better place.
	Pixies - Sell Out 2004 Reunion Tour, Rhino - Not just one concert recorded and thrown on DVD to bring in some cash, Sell Out merges the 27-song set from 2004's Eurockeennes Festival with a collection of other great moments from the Pixies fabulous 2004 trek around the globe, all pieced together with superb sound and seamless editing. It can be mildly disconcerting at first to see them go from hairstyle to hairstyle (though that doesn't really apply to Frank Black) and outfit to outfit on the opener, "Bone Machine," which pieces together shots from all over the planet, and ends up as very entertaining. The title of the DVD may be the band poking fun at themselves for reuniting after so many years, but the effort the quartet puts forth onstage is on par with their best moments and is far from the meandering tripe most reunion tours end up being. Considering the 43 tracks (all the tracks you could have asked for are here) on the disc (with ten songs having two versions present), the entire package is a comprehensive look at a band that played a vital part in the formation of the '80's grunge/alternative rock scene. The only shortcoming is that there isn't a second disc of behind-the-scenes footage and interviews, which does sort of leave one wondering why the band didn't want to include some of each, unless they decided that they didn't want to spend any additional time together...
	New Order - Item, Rhino - "Item" is really sort of everything the New Order fan - casual or hardcore - could ever want. Combining two separate DVD releases, "New Order - A Collection" and "New Order - Story," into one very nice boxed set. "A Collection," is exactly that: 23 NO videos, many that helped to define an era, plus two very nice clips that were created specifically for this DVD. Though many will make you realize just how far video production has come, the combination of nostalgia and NO's inimitable style and flair are enough to make it superb. "Story" comes at NO from a very different angle, telling the NO story as has never been done before, combining extended interviews and live footage into a documentary that, tells the story from the demise of Joy Division on to New Order's march to success. Originally released on VHS in '94, this version is more than twice as long, containing plenty of footage you haven't seen before. The two combine to produce a complete picture that is very entertaining, informative and makes those who lived through the times understand why we loved them then, and appreciate them a little bit more now.
	Orgy - Trans Global Spectacle - 1997-2004, D1 Music - The emphasis here is on 'Spectacle' folks - if you come into expecting a basic video collection, you'll find this to be anything but, as this DVD is loaded with behind-the-scenes footage of one of the genre's truly wild bands at work and play. Rock and roll is meant to be wild, and Orgy obviously got as much as they could out of the ride, as though they knew that it could end at any moment. Sure, you get the band's complete video collection (some you'll have seen, some you probably haven't) broken down by album, but we found the view into the insane life of a rock band enjoyable, often hilarious and occasionally truly revealing. The fact that much of the 'live' footage isn't really live is a little disappointing, but then this is Orgy, after all.
	Throw Rag - Live at the House of Blues, Kung Fu Records - When it comes to live punk, Kung Fu's "The Show Must Go Off!" series gets it right. This, the 15th installment in the series, continues to build on what the series has become known for: great camera work, superb sound and plenty of crowd surfing shots. Granted, Throw Rag are not a household name, unless you're a hard core fan, but the series has focused on really good bands rather than really popular bands. After watching the fifteen tracks on this DVD, we only wanted to see more...and there it was: an extensive photo gallery, an "interesting" featurette and much more. You'll feel like you actually understand these crazies. You won't, but you'll think you do. If punk in your thing (at all), this DVD and the entire series are worth getting in to.
	Eric Clapton - Crossroads Guitar Festival, WEA - Imagine gathering most of the great living guitar gods, young and old, together for a night of jamming, mind-blowing riffs and music so good it'll leave you shaking your head, all in the name of charity. Eric Clapton, arguably the best of all time, gathered all his friends and admirers together in June 2004, with the proceeds of the concert and this DVD going to benefit Clapton's Crossroads Centre in Antigua. With Clapton, Joe Walsh, Buddy Guy, B.B. King, John Mayer and many, many others in more than four hours of footage, including in-depth interviews with many artists, a photo gallery and loads of other features, this double DVD set is incredibly well done. With all the footage that must exist from the three day festival, there has to be enough for at least a "Part 2" and maybe even more...
	Tori Amos - Welcome to Sunny Florida, Columbia TriStar - Though there truly is little to rival Tori for her live intensity, passion and originality, Welcome to Sunny Florida ends up losing a fair amount of Tori's raw energy due to some poor choices in the editing bay; the destruction of "Professional Widow" by deleting out the "bad" words leaves a lot to be desired. It wrecks the song. Outside of that, the rest of DVD gets a passing grade, though it ends up feeling as though it was hastily cobled together, robbing Tori of the depth she normally generates live. What makes this package really worth owning is the CD that is included, with it's previously unreleased versions of "Ruby Through the Looking Glass," "Seaside," "Bug a Martini," "Apollo's Frock," "Tombigbee," and "Indian Summer." That alone is worth the price. In all, though it may not be the best view of Tori, it has nothing to do with her, per se, and her voice, mystique and energy still make it through.
	Duran Duran - Greatest: The DVD, EMI Distribution - It would be tough to say that this DVD truly captured the spirit of classic new wave darlings Duran Duran. Their videos propelled a generation through adolescence and set the bar high enough that most bands today cannot match their knack for flash and astute conceptual acumen. With 21 videos replicated on two DVD discs, including all of their chart topping hits, Greatest is certain to precipitate nostalgia and a yearn to return to an era where music and videos were vibrant and fresh. So the paradox here is a pain in the ass DVD navigation process and easter eggs that are so thoughtfully hidden that only patience will uncover alternate video versions, interviews, a photo gallery and even complete lyrics. This is a thoughtful package but the free spirit of Duran Duran is somewhat constrained.
	U2 - Go Home - Live at Slane Castle, Universal Music and Video - Sometimes, the best thing a band can do is just play. No cutaways to an interview. No commentary. Just good live rock. U2 succeed by giving fans what they want: hit after hit, played true to form, with awesome digital sound and wonderful camera angles. There aren't any diversions to distract or frustrate, and because U2 have had so many hits, there aren't any lulls in the action. Pop the DVD in and the concert automatically begins. Before you even realize it, you're 10 songs in and completely enthralled. Shot a mere week after the passing of Bono's father, there is an especially poignant moment when he recalls times his dad shared with the Edge's dad. It's a touching sequence, but Bono doesn't let it distract from the music. It's memorable, but not sappy. There are plenty of other key moments; some of the greatest are Bono's interplay with the fans and the crowd shots interspersed throughout. This DVD goes far by keeping the angles fresh and allowing the camera to linger for a bit in all the right spots. Some how, some way, they got it right, from beginning to end.
	Jane's Addiction - Three Days, BMG Distribution - There's no question that matching the fervor of a live Jane's concert is difficult to duplicate on film. Most fans would be quite satisfied with a simple concert performance for one of the greatest modern rock bands. Instead, “Three Day’s starring Jane’s Addiction” is a directorial effort gone awry and their creative license should be immediately revoked. In a rambling effort to document the eccentricities of front man Perry Farrell and guitarist Dave Navarro, the drummer, Stephen Perkins, is largely portrayed as an out-of-focus movie extra along with guest bassist, Flea from the Chili Peppers. Add in a dorky factious reporter chasing these cats around and fans are left with a lot of nothing. Fans will find their biggest disappointment in the persistency to cut away midway through some of the more popular songs. Nevertheless, there are big portions of celluloid that are worth viewing, including the remnants from this 1998 tour and enhanced by excellent technical aspects like crystal clear sound and tenacious camera shots. The extra features include additional footage that does not have the pretense and overload of the main feature. Every movie has its critic, and everyone loves a movie star; Farrell and gang do have their shining moments in what should be a decent box office draw.
	INXS - Live Baby Live (1991), BMG Distribution - There are times when this DVD is so hard to watch, simply because of the reminder of just how amazing the late Michael Hutchence was in his prime. This is Hutchence and INXS at their best, in a live setting that truly makes you feel like you're there, or at least wish that you were. Dishing out all of their classics and a few lesser-known wonders, INXS move along effortlessly between hip-swaying rockers like the pounding "New Sensation," "Original Sin" and "Devil Inside" as well as smooth ballads such as "Never Tear Us Apart." Hutchence is at peak sexiness with charisma to spare, and he shows how a crowd, even one as big as the 72,000 that were at Wembley Stadium this day, can be molded and held. Sounding fuller than their studio efforts, INXS were a totally underrated live band. This ends up a real classic, and it's a wonder that it has taken this long to be released in America. For long-time fans, this is a God-send; for those who may not be as familiar, this will make you want for more. There are loads of extras that make this even more valuable, with new band interviews and a very nice photo gallery. Director David Mallet deserves maximum credit.
	Björk: Live at the Royal Opera House (2001), Navarre Corporation - Only the Icelandic beauty Bjork can bring together a harpist, ethnic singers, an electronic duo and an orchestra to boot and still manage to produce a coherent musical tapestry. The set is filled with familiar and not so familiar sounds and morphed perfectly to fit her enchanting voice. Often distant, Bjork takes you through rhythmic and visual oscillations that engage different senses at different moments. Even if you are a fan left over from her past Sugarcubes life or occasionally inspired by the radio friendly Human Behaviour, virtually anyone can come to appreciate this surrealist performance. Her graceful and majestic manipulations of the obvious are what ultimately sets her art apart and her embodiment of this theme is her core being. >> 5.1 is outstanding > extra 30 minutes of behind-the-scenes footage featuring during the 2001 Vespertine tour. >> [Also available: Björk: Greatest Hits - Volumen 1993-2003 (2002)]
	The Jam, The Complete Jam, Universal Music & Video - What a treasure and what a tribute. The Jam's contribution to Britain's New Wave phenomena is without question unparalleled. This outstanding double disc offers retired modsters an unfading testament and permanent reminder of the Jam's incessant sound and death defying legacy as one of the genre's best live bands. Fronted by singer-guitarist Paul Weller (later of The Style Council), The Jam is forever etched in our consciousness via surprisingly excellent video and audio presentation, wrapped handsomely in a tri-fold package and a few picture cards to boot. Extensive 'tele' clips featuring live performances, most notably the 1990 concert at Newcastle City Hall, and interviews are complimented with videos and promotional items that will precipitate nostalgia.
	Marilyn Manson, Guns, God and Government - World Tour, Red Distribution - What a tease. This DVD practically came with a backstage pass and the hope of catching the erotic, if not pornographic, world of Marilyn Manson and crew. Unfortunately, the digital equivalent of a security guard slams the door on your groupie ass, which explains the short takes and split second nudity shots throughout the 90-minute plus epic. Don't expect a porno as Manson insinuated in various interviews. Apparently he has a conscience, or at least his lawyer does, as he takes you through the grit of backstage life, from displaying a gruesome injury he suffered onstage to some typical backstage partying and crazy antics. Filmed around the world, there's a byproduct to all of this - a concert. It's not the ride of your life but adequate nevertheless.
	Kylie Minogue, Fever 2002 (Live in Manchester) DVD - Capitol Records - Look, Kylie's got "it," whatever that is. Even if you're not a big fan of Kylie's music, she's so incredibly sexy and she's got such an amazing voice that you won't turn this off. If you are a Kylie fan, you may end up a bit disappointed in this DVD, especially if you've watched the "Live in Sydney" DVD - Manchester doesn't come close to the energy of Sydney. The dancers are boring, and the crowd is pretty much a non-existent entity. Kylie's own dancing is much more subdued as well. Maybe the most disappointing things about this DVD is the digital sound - no DTS track at all, and the Dolby 5.1 track is so lacking in bass that you'll think your subwoofer is blown.
	Gorillaz, Phase One: Celebrity Take Down, EMI Distribution - This may fall under the realm of video game rather than straight DVD - there's so much extra material, cool footage and top-notch graphics that goes a long way in blurring the lines. The two-disc set really works to maximize what gets delivered to the fans. The brilliance of artist Jamie Hewlett and crew is on full display as the 'band' gets brought to life via live footage, all four of the Gorillaz promos and even an interview. In addition, a 52-page booklet of Hewitt's renderings and some stickers are included. It's easily worth the $20. It would be hard to imagine that anyone wouldn't find this entertaining, and this is a must-have for Gorillaz fans.
	The Cranberries, Stars - The Best Videos 1992-2002, Universal - Stars is actually quite a bit more than just videos, though there are 17 included, plus four "alternate takes." Also included is tons of live footage and a nearly half-hour documentary. In addition, a DVD-ROM is thrown in for those who have the ability to use it. One cool interactive feature is the ability to set your own playlist for the videos. Another key ingredient is the Vicar Street concert, filmed in Dublin, Ireland on November 11, 2000, which is shown in it's 34-minute, 9 song entirety. Most casual fans probably don't know the degree to which The Cranberries are a political band - this DVD will go far in educating them to the group's political disposition. DVD-ROM features an interactive calendar, various wallpapers and a slide show.
	The Dave Matthews Band, Live at Folsom Field, Boulder Colorado [DVD & Double CD], RCA Records - It's hard to conceive that the energy, enthusiasm and electricity of a DMB live show could be accurately captured on a DVD, let alone on CD, but with this effort, the improbable has been achieved. While it's not the same as the infectious vibe that comes from being with thousands of other people at a DMB show, which simply can't be achieved in any other way, the two-an-a-half-hours of jam-band fun goes a long way towards satisfying both bootleggers and casual fans alike. The essences that the CD couldn't recreate are masterfully caught on the companion DVD, with 22 cameras showing every possible angle and nuance. Many of the 21 songs (notably those from the now multi-platinum Everyday) are shown here live for the first time, and, when the concert was initially filmed/recorded, Busted Stuff had not yet been released, making the versions of those tracks all the more raw. It's not the same as being there, but it's pretty damn close.
	nonpoint, Accompaniment - More of an introduction than an in-depth introspective, rockers nonpoint bring forth “Accompaniment” featuring four of their videos and a vignette offering an over-your-shoulder glimpse into a band begging to be understood. Even so, the band proves elusive and not even the camera eye can capture the complexities and idiosyncrasies of singer Elias Soriano. Their intense performance flair is evident, however, especially for the 5.1 audio mix of the video “Your Signs,” by legendary Bob Clearmountain.
	Kittie, Spit In Your Eye - Kittie will have you purring by the end of their first DVD, a 60 minute rant aptly titled “Spit in your Eye.” Clearly, this collection is not for pussies as it rips through nine live songs captured at the famous Hollywood Whiskey. This is a must-get as fans especially will appreciate live performances and behind the scenes footage capturing some very un-lady-like deeds. You have to play along on occasion as the girls do play up to the camera for these bits, but there are a few scenes that will make you bust up. Overall, Kittie delivers without a doubt, but they become victims of their own success as it soundly fails in duplicating their tremendous live performance, one which even today's technology can’t afford to mirror. So, until they roll into town, pick this one up.
	Sum 41, Introduction to Destruction - Warning: This review may contain information that is immature and inappropriate. Reader discretion is advised. Not too many DVD’s feature hurling shit, flying piss, and the spreading of shaving lotion in between the butt cheeks of a drunken rock ‘n roll drummer. That is, not until Sum 41 arrived with “Introduction to Destruction”... >>click to read more!>>
	Incubus, The Morning View Sessions - With a dozen tracks played to a live but somewhat sedated audience, Brandon Boyd fronts Incubus in an intimate setting but is somewhat constrained by the ‘MTV Unplugged’ style event. Gentle, flowing camera angles absorb a rather relaxed effort typical of Incubus’ concert performances. But with Incubus it’s simply about the music, the rich and vibrant sounds fused with extraordinary prose, where the viewer will enhance the experience by adding subtitles for full lyrical absorption. Extra features include reality television style camera footage of the making of their video for “wish you were here” and behind the scenes footage of the recording of the album.
	Depeche Mode, One Night In Paris DVD - If times have changed Depeche Mode - from last year’s bluesy groove "Dream On," which emanated from their double platinum release Exciter, to their more rock ‘n roll image seemingly aided by a guitar-toting Martin Gore - long-time artistic collaborator Anton Corbijn has not. With a perfect reflection of D'mode’s massive 2001 worldwide tour, Corbijn’s backdrop images translate fantastically with his direction and stunning editing all supported by 13 cameras beautifully shot on location in Paris, France. Singer Dave Gahan is doggedly tracked on stage so that every crystal clear drop of his sweat is accounted for, with razor-sharp, super-crisp sound mandating an optical DVD/receiver connection for maximum clarity - enough to give any fan a chill. Interviews with the trio and supporting musicians as well as a behind the scenes look at concert preparations give fans insight not found on previous productions. “One Night in Paris” is as elegant as it sounds.
	The Smashing Pumpkins, 1991-2000 DVD, Virgin Records - A comprehensive tribute to the Smashing Pumpkins culls together 20 videos and live performances with Billy Corgan succinctly commenting at one point, "It's kind of a mess but in a weird way it actually hangs together." Neatly organized menus guide you through each hit album, their respective videos, commentaries and even outtakes capturing unique moments in their vast body of work. Commentaries from Billy and the gang add unparalleled insight and overview to their imaginative and often colorful videos in exhausting detail. If this leaves you wanting more, it's not because of a lack of material but maybe because the band is just plain gone. But to hang on, their last performance is etched in, even if it's just for one last song.
	U2, Elevation Tour DVD, Polygram Records - If you missed the greatest show on earth last year, have no fear, U2 is here. Well, almost. With the aid of twenty cameras, the Irish foursome come to you live via Dolby Digital from the city of Boston. Well into forty shows from their 2001 Elevation world tour, Bono and company bring home their labor of love with magnetic and universally appealing personas harmoniously showcasing a nice mix of selections spanning their twenty- plus year career. This handsomely packaged two disc DVD captures the action with tight and choppy edits superbly balanced by multiple crowd-hovering angles. You don't necessarily feel like you're in the front row but still in great seats nevertheless. The sound is rich - produced by Steven Lillywhite - complimented by razor sharp cinematic videography. Lots of extras round off the concert including a fancam - video shot from somewhere deep in the crowd - and backstage shots of the director and crew. A surprisingly interesting documentary of the making of the film is a must see as well as clips from previous tours like Popmart and Zoo TV are nice teasers. In short, U2 delivers. So what else is new?