Category: DVD Review
2 Queen – Days of Our Lives – DVD Review (2012)
It seems as of late there has been a lot of news by Queen influenced bands, The Darkness & Foxy Shazam as of late. While it is great to see the influence of Queen in these newer acts, I think it is important to remember one of the most important and successful bands of all time.
On January 31st, 2012, Queen via Eagle Rock Entertainment, have released a powerful new documentary titled Days of Our Lives. This moving film documents the band from the beginning as their previous incarnation, Smile, up to their final moments of life with Freddie Mercury.
I have always thought of Queen as a tremendously talented band. I was too young to have seen them live with Freddie Mercury, but I have always enjoyed their music.
Freddie Mercury was such an amazing singer. He is the type of talent that comes around once in a lifetime. After watching Days of Lives, you will quickly realize that Queen, and its four members Brian May, Roger Taylor, John Deacon and Freddie Mercury, were an unstoppable creative force. Their music and successes has been surpassed by very few bands. This documentary shows a great insight into their process of creating music, and the lows and highs of Queen’s career.
Even if you are a casual fan of Queen, I believe you will find Days of Our Lives, interesting and entertaining. The documentary is nearly two hours long, and is one of the better documentary’s that I have seen.
In addition to the documentary, the DVD & Blu-ray includes seven Queen videos, “Seven Seas of Rhye”, “Killer Queen”, “Somebody to Love”, “We Are The Champions”, “Crazy Little Thing Called Love”, “Under Pressure and “Radio Ga Ga”. I loved getting to see these videos again. Their inclusion on this DVD adds a lot of value to Days of Our Lives. The bonus video content also has three features “From Magic to Miracle 1986-89”, “Going Slightly Mad: Making of Innuendo 1990-91”, and “Made In Heaven 1995” all of these are nicely done.
Days of Our Lives is an excellent Queen experience that I will never forget. This DVD turned me into a Queen fan all over again. I can recommend this DVD enough!
You can pick up Days of Our Lives at this link!
Rating: 
Out of 10
0 Twisted Sister – Double Live: Northstage ’82 & NY Steel ’01 – DVD Review
From their humble glam metal beginnings to their 2001 reunion, Twisted Sister’s Double Live DVD gives Twisted Sister two unique concert experiences that they won’t want to miss.
The first DVD shows Twister Sister at a time when the band was hungry. That hunger helped propel a kickass live show that had to be amazing to see in person. They hadn’t written many of their biggest hits yet, but it didn’t matter, as their show was powerful enough without them. With a set filled with songs like “You Can’t Stop Rock and Roll”, “Under the Blade”, and their cover (they way it was meant to be heard) of the song “Leader of the Pack” from the Shangrilas complete with Dee Snider on a Motorcycle…. Judas Priest style. I thought it was funny that Dee mentioned the only cover song they were doing was a cover of the Rolling Stones, “It’s Only Rock ‘N’ Roll (But I Like It)”. Ummm Dee….didn’t you do “Leader of the Pack” a few songs earlier? I can’t figure out why they never recorded this cover. I have never seen Twisted Sister perform this song before. Their heavier and faster version completely rocks! The North Stage show is closed out with a blistering version of the Twisted Sister song, “Rock N’ Roll Saviours”. This song never got a proper studio release until Twisted Sister’s 2004 CD, Still Hungry. It is very cool to see it performed by the band 22 years before its release.
The film quality from the ’82 show isn’t the greatest, but the technology was somewhat limited when this was being filmed. The audio quality is pretty good, and makes up for it. For being a live recording in a dark and smoky club, it is more than adequate. It is a unique and very cool look back at one of the humble beginnings of became the juggernaut hard rock act, Twisted Sister.
Fast Forward nearly two decades to the second DVD, New York Steel 2001. You will catch the special reunion show that was orchestrated by every metalhead’s favorite DJ, Eddie Trunk. Twisted Sister reunited for the first time in fourteen years at the at Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City for the New York Steel Charity Concert. This Charity show raised over $90,000 for the New York Police & Fire Widows’ & Children’s Benefit Fund. While this show raised money for a great cause, it helped Twisted Sister reunite, and they have been performing live every year since then.
Twisted Sister didn’t have on their costumes or make up for the New York Steel show, but their energy more than made up for it. Dee Snider was in rare form for New York Steel. He was quite angry over 9/11 and was parading a black T-shirt with F**k Osama on the back. His anger helped fuel, a memorable Twisted Sister show, and one that should not be missed by an hard rock fan.
The interviews on both DVD’s are a nice bonus. The interviews on the New York Steel, with Twisted Sister remembering their 9/11 experiences was interesting, if not a little haunting. I enjoyed Twisted Sister’s Double Live, and believe most hard rock fans will too!
You can pick up Twisted Sister Double Live at this link. This is a must own DVD set for any Twisted Sister fan! Buy it!!
Rating: 
Out of 10
Disc One Track List:
North Stage Theater 1982
01. What You Don’t Know (Sure Can Hurt You)
02. Destroyer
03. Tear It Loose
04. Bad Boys (Of Rock ‘N’ Roll)
05. Lady’s Boy
06. Leader Of The Pack
07. Under The Blade
08. Shoot ‘Em Down
09. Sin After Sin
10. I’ll Never Grow Up, Now
11. You Can’t Stop Rock ‘N’ Roll
12. You Know I Cry
13. It’s Only Rock ‘N’ Roll (But I Like It)
14. Rock N Roll Saviours
Disc Two Track List:
New York Steel 2001
01. What You Don’t Know (Sure Can Hurt You)
02. The Kids Are Back
03. Stay Hungry
04. Burn In Hell
05. You Can’t Stop Rock ‘N’ Roll
06. Under The Blade
07. Shoot ‘Em Down
08. Come Back
09. You Know I Cry
10. I Wanna Rock
11. We’re Not Gonna Take It
12. The Price
13. S.M.F.
Twisted Sister is:
Dee Snider – vocals
Jay Jay French – guitar
Eddie Ojeda – guitar
Mark Mendoza – bass
A.J. Pero – drums
5 Brother Cane – Come Alive Again – DVD (Release Year – 2009)
Years ago I cut my vacation short to catch a free show from Brother Cane at a local festival in Cincinnati, Ohio. This was my first taste of Brother Cane playing live, and I have been wanting to see them again ever since. Until Brother Cane decides to reunite (assuming they do), the only way I can see them live is with the brand new DVD set, “Come Alive Again”. This is a two DVD set capturing two of Brother Cane’s live performances, as well as some rare footage of the band off the stage.
Disc one captures seven songs from Brother Cane from 1995, when they opened up for Van Halen in Fresno, California. The footage does not appear to be proshot, but it is good enough to put a smile on the face of this Brother Cane fan.
The real value in the DVD set is the live concert on the second DVD. The taping is from a live show in 2005 from Pensacola, Florida. The footage on this DVD is awesome, and the set list (see below) in this concert has all of my favorite Brother Cane songs. The footage reminds me a lot of the show that I saw years prior to this taping. It was a show at an outdoor shed, and the band flat out rocked, as they do on this DVD. Watching Brother Cane break into the Police’s Synchronicity in the middle of Kerosene is too cool for words, and is a moment that I can now enjoy over and over again.
If you are a Brother Cane fan, there is no other way to experience this great band live. This concert DVD set does a good job preserving the memory of one the better hard rock bands from the 90’s. You can grab a copy of this DVD on myspace through the Brother Cane and Pain Train Designs sites. Buy it, you wont be disappointed!
Rating: 
Out of 10
DVD 1 Track Listing:
“Seeds Tour Concert”
1. Bad Seeds
2. Got No Shame
3. 20/20 Faith
4. Voice of Eujena
5. Breadmaker
6. Hung On A Rope
7. Make Your Play
DVD 2 Track Listing:
1. The Crow Flies
2. 20/20 Faith
3. I Lie In the Bed I Make
4. Kerosene
5. Voice of Eujena
6. Wishpool
7. Hard Act To Follow
8. Stain
9. And Fools Shine On
0 The Who – At Kilburn: 1977 – DVD (Release Year – 2008)
The Who is a band who I would have liked to have seen live when they were in their prime. I was too young to catch them in the late 70’s when they were at their peak of their popularity.
The Who’s new DVD, “At Kilburn 1977” shows me just how great this band was live. The sleeve on this DVD calls this disc the holy grail for The Who fans, and I would have to agree.
I didn’t expect the 30 year old footage to be very good, but I was surprised at the quality of the video and audio of this show. This was the first time I have ever seen the late Keith Moon behind the drum kit. His performance shines on this DVD. Not only is Keith Moon an incredible drummer, but he sings a ton of the back up vocals as well. What an amazing talent this guy was.
The Who is obviously a lot more than just Mr. Moon. I got a kick out of seeing Pete Townshend rocking out on stage with his crazy dancing (with guitar in hand), and I really enjoyed the vocals of Roger Daltrey and John Entwistle.
The video footage on the second DVD is pretty bad quality. The video was shot in December 1969, and sat in The Who vault for years. Even though the video quality is poor, it is still worth watching, just to see The Who in their prime. Having the first recorded live performance of The Who rock opera “Tommy” is worth the price of admission all by itself.
If you are a fan of The Who, this is a must see, must own DVD. If you have never seen The Who before, this DVD will make you a fan! Buy it!
You can purchase this DVD in the HRH Music Store, at this link.
Rating:
Out of 10
Track Listing:
Disc #1 — The Who at Kilburn: 1977
1. I Can’t Explain
2. Substitute
3. Baba O’Riley
4. My Wife
5. Behind Blue Eyes
6. Dreaming From the Waist
7. Pinball Wizard
8. I’m Free
9. Tommy’s Holiday Camp
10. Summertime Blues
11. Shakin’ All Over
12. My Generation
13. Join Together
14. Who Are You
15. Won’t Get Fooled Again
16. End Credits
Disc #2 — The Who at the Coliseum: 1969
1. Heaven and Hell
2. I Can’t Explain
3. Fortune Teller
4. Tattoo
5. Young Man Blues
6. A Quick One While He’s Away
7. Happy Jack
8. I’m a Boy
9. There’s a Doctor
10. Go to the Mirror
11. I’m Free
12. Tommy’s Holiday Camp
13. See Me, Feel Me
14. Summertime Blues
15. Shakin’ All Over
16. My Generation
17. End Credits
Tommy Live Performance
1. A Quick One While He’s Away: Introduction
2. A Quick One While He’s Away: A Quick One While He’s Away
3. Tommy: Overture
4. Tommy: It’s a Boy
5. Tommy: 1921
6. Tommy: Amazing Journey
7. Tommy: Eyesight to the Blind (The Hawker)
8. Tommy: Christmas
9. Tommy: Acid Queen
10. Tommy: Pinball Wizard
11. Tommy: Do You Think It’s Alright?
12. Tommy: Fiddle About
13. Tommy: Tommy, Can You Hear Me?
14. Tommy: There’s a Doctor
15. Tommy: Go to the Mirror
16. Tommy: Smash the Mirror
17. Tommy: Miracle Cure
18. Tommy: Sally Simpson
19. Tommy: I’m Free
The Who is:
Roger Daltrey – Vocals
Pete Townshend – Guitars
John Entwistle – Bass and Vocals
Keith Moon – Drums and Vocals
3 Tesla – Comin’ Atcha Live! 2008 – DVD Review
Earlier this year Tesla released a new DVD, “Comin’ Atcha Live! 2008. This is a live concert video taken from the Myth nightclub in Maplewood, MN (near Minneapolis) on February 22, 2008.
If you missed Tesla on tour earlier this year, or even if you haven’t seen them before, and are a fan of the band, you ought to pick this DVD up.
For this concert to be a club show, the video footage, and audio is awesome. I am not sure how they accomplished some of the shots they did, but I was extremely pleased with the way this was filmed. This is high quality footage that has to be seen to be believed.
As far as live concert videos go, the band put on an excellent set that featured a ton of Tesla’s hits, as well as their new song “Dear Pvt. Ledbetter” from 2008 CD “Forever More”.
No only is the live footage superb, the behind the scenes footage is pretty cool as well. I enjoyed getting to see the bands’ arsenal of instruments backstage, as well as some of Frank Hannon’s pedals etc.
I won’t hide the fact that I am a huge Tesla fan, but as far as live concert DVD’s go, this one has to rank close to the top. No Tesla fan should be without this DVD.
Rating: 
Out of 10
“Comin’ Atcha Live! 2008“ track listing:
01. Comin’ Atcha Live
02. What A Shame
03. Modern Day Cowboy
04. Miles Away
05. Heaven’s Trail
06. Mama’s Fool
07. Hang Tough
08. Dear Pvt. Ledbetter
09. Paradise
10. Love Song
11. What You Give
12. Song And Emotion
13. Heaven 911
14. Freedom Slaves
15. Rock Bottom
16. Into The Now
17. Signs
18. Little Suzi
19. Edison’s Medicine
Tesla is:
Jeff Keith – Vocals
Frank Hannon – Guitars
Dave Rude – Guitars
Brian Wheat – Bass
Troy Luccketta – Drums
0 Twisted Sister: The Video Years DVD (Release Year – 2007)
Jay Jay French was on the Eddie Trunk show last Monday (6/25/07) talking about current Twisted Sister news, and some T.S. history.
He mentioned that when they were requested to Rocklahoma, they would only agree to do the show if they were the Headlining Act. The band got their wish! When Twisted Sister takes the stage to close out the Rocklahoma Music Festival, they wont have any new music to support the show, but they do have a brand new DVD that was released Tuesday (6/26/07).
Twisted Sister, The Video Years is an excellent disc for all 80’s hard rock fans. This disc gives you all of the videos that the band put out over the years, as well as the video, that
MTV banned, Be Chrool to your Scuel.
This disc has one of the bands very early performances, (the first in the UK), and well as several live performances, and great interviews.
This disc is a must have for all Twisted Sister fans, and should be essential for all 80’s hard rock fans as well! It is a disc full of great music, and excellent history on one of the biggest hard rock bands in the 80’s.
Rating: 
Out of 5
TV Performance
- It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll (But I Like It)
Videos
- You Can’t Stop Rock’n’Roll
- We’re Not Gonna Take It
- I Wanna Rock
- The Price
- Leader Of The Pack
- Be Chrool To Your Scuel
- Hot Love (1987)
Live Performances
- Stay Hungry (1984)
- The Kids Are Back
- We’re Not Gonna Take It
- I Wanna Rock
- Under The Blade
- The Beast
- You Can’t Stop Rock’n’Roll
- The Price
- Stay Hungry
- Burn In Hell
- S.M.F
Interviews
- Dee Snider
- Jay Jay French
- Mark Mendoza
- Aj Pero
- Eddie Ojeda
- Joe Gerber
- Phil Carson and Lemmy Kilminster
Hard Rock Hideout 