Yea It is an amazing DVD I saw it on tv one time. Awesome I Loved it Mister A Sumed it up perfect. I also own the cd.

Well, 2 quick reviews on post Christmas DVD purchases (thanks Best Buy gift cards).

The first is a topic well discussed, but never really critically reviewed:  The Rush in Rio DVD.  Being a huge Rush fan, I was excited by the track listing.  The DVD did not disappoint, it was nearly 3 hours of flawless performance by the band.  Neil's physical approach to the kit is really evident here, more then I ever remember.  The documentary on Disc 2 was pretty cool, I liked the peak into the band.

The only real flaw I noticed was the sound quality.  Unless you have a home theater or at leas a good stereo, watching the show thru just a TV is lackluster.  The low end rumble is very annoying.  I watched it both thru the TV and thru the surrouind sound, and it is a huge difference.

Overall, I give it a 4.5 out of 5 stars

Second, I picked up the "Classic Albums" series on the making of Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon.  This disc was informative and offered a lot of insight by themembers of the band as to the development of the themes into the record.  A bonus is the spots with Alan Parsons behind the board showiung some of his mix techniques in developing that "Floyd" sound.  I found this a pretty fun, enjoyable 82 minutes and recommend it for any Floyd fan.  3.5 out of 5 stars.

A long over due review ... I was supposed to do this almost two years ago! Percussionist, composer and author,  James Walker has been a long standing Drummer Cafe member and VIP. His debut CD Rhyme or Reason features James on vibraphone, marimba, steel pan, orchestra bells and percussion. To listen to several tracks or purchase this CD click HERE.

All of the compositions and arrangements on this CD are by James, who's sound influences clearly come from legendary vibraphonists such as Burton and Hutcherson, but I also hear some Metheny and Corea ... not only in his sound, but the compositions themselves. James also has a nice blend of electronics mixed in with his acoustic sound; that is something unique ... and refreshing. There's not too many guys out there doing that; using electronics as a tool for expression.

I personally love all the tracks on this CD. The performances have a spontaneous feel to them with lot's of opportunities for solos and interaction between the musicians. James does a good job of his use of the various mallet instruments ... and the textures used by the drummer and percussionist are quite nice, both with a number of solo breaks.

I especially enjoyed the diversity of styles employed on this album ... Straight-Ahead Jazz, Brazilian; a nice mix of straight and swung grooves. The entire album has a mix that allows me to keep it as background music while I work, or satisfy my listening ear when I want to soak and learn.

If you are looking for something fresh ... new compositions that take a few stops out of the box ... this CD is well worth adding to your listening library!

To find out more about James, read the interview I did with him; available in the VIP Lounge.

Red Hot Chili Peppers: Live at Slane Castle DVD



lemme say first off, with guitarist John Frusciante coming back, i love the new direction they're taking.

from pfunk of the early albums, to the arena rock of the mid '90s, to the introspective california dreamin' sound they're doing now, its great how john literally gave the band a much needed creative shot in the arm.

instead of resorting to alot of the Zappa meets funkified guitar driven stuff of the past, John goes ahead and starts introducing old school "Hit Factory" like songwriting sensibilities and Phil Spector "wall of sound" production. something that replacement/poser Dave Navarro couldnt have possibly done.

thusly, watching the Slane Castle DVD (SC DVD), you'll see the gents in high flying form.  maybe, its the sense of edginess and urgency by having to play to such a massive audience, but its quite remarkable how they're able to translate the more melancholy songs into such high emotion on the big stage.  the gents never let you down, and really know how to play up the inherent drama of the mostly Frusciante penned songs to "hair-on-the-back-of-your-neck-raising" heights.  again, dunno if its the huge 80,000 audience, but there's this undeniable spark the band has that drives each performance.  no loss of energy here.  but just lots of sheer electricity.

but its Frusciante who really shines here.  besides, his background vocals which really add much to the sparse arrangements, and his zappa-esque guitar work which has never been tighter, his onstage charisma doesnt shy at all, and at times, seems to almost eclipse Anthony Kiedis!  Flea even pulls out a very unique performance, that must be heard/seen to be believed.  guess his students at his music school arent the only ones benefitting.  

a heckuva lot better than that sad "Off the Map" DVD.  given it was the tail end of their north american tour, they were literally half asleep or stoned for half the whole show, and the only musical high points were actually on the bonus features with the high octane blasts of "Search & Destroy" & "Parallel Universe".

but the SC DVD is IMHO, the band at its newest peak. "Funky Monks", the companion video to "Blood, Sugar, Sex, Magic" may have highlighted the height of a band's *popular* success and excesses in the mid '90s, but the SC DVD shows a band really hitting their artistic stride and that they can back it up with a kick @ss show to boot.

the only misstep that really bummed me, was the lack of extras or behind the scenes outtakes, especially considering such a massive performance/event.  but then again, the straight performance more than makes up for that.  

but other than that as Flea remarks, "this is the biggest gig of our lives, and we're all so glad you're a part of it."   we're only but more than thankful ourselves.