5.) The Police : Certifiable
After seeing The Police twice in the past two years (2007-2008), I can say this DVD is comparable to seeing them live. Of course seeing them live is much better in that you get that thunderous bass hit you in the chest and a voice from Sting that can fill a stadium. However, this DVD is compiled from two shows in Argentina. The Police seem to be in great form running through classics. There is a number or two left out (most notably “Spirits In The Material World”) and some of the songs have been reworked. “Don’t Stand So Close To Me” is not as great as the original, but it isn’t too bad either. Surprisingly, “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” sounds better than the record. Even though it was overdubbed with lots of keyboard and synthesizer on the record, here Andy Summers does a great job of playing exactly what is needed. Stewart Copeland is one of the best drummers ever. The boxset, exclusively sold at best buy, includes the show on one dvd and a copy of the show on two cds (in case you want to listen to it in your car, ipod or cd player if you still have one). There is another DVD which is a documentary chronicling the reunion and rehearsals. You get to see Stings villa in Tuscany, Italy and the Whiskey in Hollywood for their official reunion announcement. It’s too bad that this may be one of the last things they will release, but it’s a great way to bow out.
Grade : A-
6.) ZZ Top : Live From Texas
Legend has it that guitarist/singer Billy Gibbons was complemented by Jimi Hendrix. Well, in this concert you get to see just what he saw in him. They rip through their classics such as “Tush”, “La Grange”, “Sharp Dressed Man”, “Legs”, “Gimme All Your Lovin”, “Cheap Sunglasses”, and “I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide”. Billy Gibbons is rips through this set with a bad ass guitar sound. He plays artificial harmonics like ‘butter’ which also inspired Ozzy guitarist Zakk Wylde to create his own signature sound from. There ain’t no tighter rhythm section then Dusty Hill and Frank Beard. Watch how it’s done from the masters.
Grade : A-