The Damned – Machine Gun Etiquette 25 Tour DVD (ILC)
This double disk is without question the band’s definitive DVD release. Celebrating the 25th anniversary of
Machine Gun Etiquette the group blazes through most of that album and many other songs to an appreciative Manchester audience on disk one. On disk two we get a staggering three hours of extras, including 50 minutes of concert footage from Japan in 2004 as well as a half hour performance from L.A. that was filmed by my brother Gabe. Disk two also includes rare footage of CAPTAIN SENSIBLE playing “New Rose” on the ukulele with RAT SCABIES on piano. As they are playing, the CLASH’s JOE STRUMMER barges in and starts singing along. Classic. You also see Sensible playing drums in with the Clash as they rehearse. Disk two includes live footage from 1978, a 30-minute featurette, lots of behind the scenes material
and much more.
Buzzcocks – Live at Shepherds Bush Empire DVD (Secret)
Wow! Seeing the group live is the best way to experience their adrenalized music. The next best thing is watching this DVD of the band in London in 2003. Ferocious drumming by PHILIP BARBER helps the 32 songs retain their magic, melody and force all these years later.
Rob Dickinson – Live at Mercury Lounge (NYC), March 1
Dickinson solo with acoustic guitar belting out his own material and those he did with the CATHERINE WHEEL? Sounds great. And great it was. But Dickinson’s amazing voice seemed slightly scratchy and was not as breathtakingly as it was at his two previous area shows at the Mercury Lounge and Joe’s Pub.
Rob Dickinson – Live at Southpaw (Brooklyn), March 10
Nine days later Dickinson delivers what may have been the best of his four most recent NY area dates. His voice soared and with such an intimate and adoring crowd, Dickinson really spread his wings on the last night of this Northeast tour. “Ma Solituda” was a highlight as was “The Nude,” which he recorded with CATHERINE WHEEL. Dickinson often hints that the group could tour again, which would be fantastic. Just watching Dickinson pour his soul into each song is powerful enough but having a full band would take his work to another level. Here’s hoping that Dickinson does a proper CW tour but if not he’s still one of today’s best and well worth supporting.
Nada Surf and Rogue Wave – Live at Webster Hall (NYC), March 8
Talk about an ideal bill! Power pop perfection. Both groups delivered in spades. Easily one of the best shows I’ve seen this year. The first act, INARA GEORGE, was a pleasure too.
Nada Surf – The Weight is a Gift (Barsuk)
Mandatory listening for learning how to make accomplished pop/rock that sounds deceptively simple.
Nada Surf – Let Go
This record contains “Inside of Love,” an anthemic tune that was a show stopper at the Webster Hall show.
Rogue Wave – Descended Like Vultures (Sub Pop)
Easily one of 2005’s best releases.
Idlewild – Warnings/Promises (Capitol)
This gets better with each listening. I used to consider 100 Broken Windows to be the band’s best record but this one is more stylistically diverse and may stand the test of time better. A truly fantastic record that also is one of 2005’s best.
Belle& Sebastian – The Life Pursuit (Matador)
I have always liked this group but never sang their praises to the extent that many do. However, this album, the band’s latest, is making me a big fan. The arrangements and attention to detail are particularly of note. In an era of so much disposable music, B&S’ work will likely be appreciated for a long time to come.
