Jazz Icons - Count Basie Live In '62 [1964]

Customer Reviews:

blast from the past.......2007-05-27

Yes this d.v.d really takes me back to the'60's when experiencing both the sound and vision of this great band at St Georges Hall in Bradford. Anyone wanting to recall those days must buy this d.v.d. It has all the ingredients of what was,at that time, a new big band sound which centred around extreme dynamics of Basie and the rhythm section followed by the instantanious 'wall of sound ' of the ensemble plus of course the individual soloists.
Personally speaking, there are a couple of minuses on this otherwise splendid concert performance, these being the 'shouting' style of vocalist Irene Reid and the interminable drum solo by Sonny Payne including some second rate stick juggling. This is a shame because during the rest of the concert he really drives the band along and his fill-ins were the inspiration of many big band drummers that followed. Despite these minor niggles this d.v.d is worth a five star rating.

Customer Reviews:

Cheesey but addictive..........2007-11-05

I've never been a Modern Talking fan, but my dad and older brother kept going on about the DVD of this album and made me watch it. I couldn't help but laugh at the cheesiness of many of their videos and even some of the songs, but as I much as they made me laugh, I couldnt help but be drawn in by their catchy melodies. The videos are great and you just cant help but watch them. I would never admit to liking this group to many of mates, in fact I'm even struggling coming to terms with myself that I actually do like what these guys have done. However if music can make you laugh, cry or smile then you have to give it some credit. 5 stars all the way, you just can't help but watch these guys!

Customer Reviews:

Grey-haired slackers re-united!!.......2008-02-13

What a great DVD! It's certainly a must for any Dinosaur Jr fan. The sound and picture quality are excellent. The DVD consists mainly of what appears to be a complete set in Boston from Dec 2005 (the 'Middle East' I guess must be the venue's name) although the credits claim it was recorded in New York as well.

All of the songs are from Dinosaur's first three LPs (or from that period) with the exception of 'The Wagon' I guess. The versions of the songs from their 1st LP sound amazing, leaving me wishing that they'd re-record that LP in its entirety.

The total track listing is:
Gargoyle / Kracked / Bulbs of Passion / Little Fury Things / Lose / Forget the Swan / The Post / Budge / The Lung / The Wagon / Raisans / Sludgefest / Mountain Man / Chunks / Freak Scene / In a Jar / Repulsion / Just Like Heaven //

Another high-point is 'Sludgefest', which is one of my favourites anyway, but is really raucous here...and with a funk ending as well!!..believe me it works.

The extras consist of a rather pointless live version of 'Chunks' in London, a short interview with Mascis/Barlow/Murph in a studio and some interviews with Kim Gordon, Thurston Moore, Mike Watt, Steve Albini etc, which are vaguely interesting though not that enlightening. Still, forget the extras, it's the live performance that earns the 5 stars.

Enjoy!!

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