Kakaku：146 saved$1.46
Quantum Leap
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Dottie West's music still thrills me after all of these years!) 『This DVD is one of 2 Dottie West DVD's that I know of that are available and on the market today. The other DVD is the best of Dottie West and it has some of the same full length song clips that were filmed live at Church Street Station in Orlando. This DVD also has Tom Wopat ( you might remember him from the Dukes of Hazzard TV show) singing. It also features Freddie Weller.
Dottie West never got the recognition she deserved. She was way ahead of her time...and reinvented herself. I still remember when she first appeared in the Glam outfits, skin tight spandex and knee high boots and heels. Her songs with Kenny Rogers were also some of my favorites. And I really wish Country Sunshine would have been on the DVD.
I keep wondering where Dottie would be today had she not been taken from us in that tragic car crash on the way to the Grand Ole Opry. Buy this DVD...maybe if the studios see that there is a market for Dottie West Video...well maybe we will finally get some more stuff.』
(MISLEADING TITLE.) 『Although Dottie West does perform some of her hits on this DVD, a more accurate title would be DOTTIE IN CONCERT, as these are live peformances(15, in all), from quite late in her career, and performed rather lacklustrely. The venue, and even occasion, I think, are identical to another DVD entitled BEST OF DOTTIE WEST (equally misleading title) and equally disappointing. One day, this extremely talented lady will get the DVD treatment she deserves (preferably a proper biography), but that time is not now, and this DVD not the one.』 『This exhilarating performance recorded live at the Church Street Station Theatre in Orlando, Florida (1984) features Dottie West with special guests Freddie Weller and Tom Wopat. West was one of the most successful and controversial performers to rise to』
Kakaku：1400 saved$14.00
Image Entertainment
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (He is the Master.) 『Spectacular performance from a genuine maestro. The recital style of this concert was geared toward true appreciation of such rare brilliant talent. Mr. Wakeman's ancedotal chats provided entertaining background to some of the songs and past tours. The only complaint I have is there should have been more material included in this fantastic performance.』
(A Genius at work) 『An excellent 52 mins worth of Rick, although would rather have paid more and had more songs. Nonetheless good value for money if you are a true Rick Wakeman fan. Eleanor Rigby by far the best track, Ricks anecdotal ease also added to the enjoyment.』
(High on talent-Short on Music) 『As a keyboardist who group up on Tony Banks (Genesis), Rick Wakeman (Yes), and Keith Emerson (ELP), I of course relished the chance to listen and critic this DVD. I already own Rick's other DVD "Rick Wakeman Live" and I have to say it is better. This DVD has some wonderful songs, but not enough of them (only 7 total). You can tell that the concert contained many more songs but were edited out. Rick of course was great, but it could have had some more songs. The sound (5.1) was good, but not stupendous. The video was good and definitely provided some good shots of Wakeman. Elenor Rigby was the best song showing Wakeman's dexterity and creativity. In conclusion, if you are a serious fan, you must have this for your collection. If you are mildly interested, you can get by without it and buy "Rick Wakeman Live" instead.』 『A unique opportunity to share in the mirth and music of the maestro of the keyboards. Rick Wakeman, seven times voted the world's greatest keyboard player, performs a series of outstanding new interpretations of some of his best-loved works. Rearranging them in classical virtuoso style providing new insights into both the composer and the compositions, Rick displays a completely new aspect of his prodigious talent. Introduced throughout by Rick himself,The Classical Connectionis laced with hilarious on-the-road anecdotes and fascinating glimpses into the inspiration behind his music. Tunes featured on this DVD include "Merlin the Magician," "Sea Horses," "After the Ball," and "1984." Also included are new renditions of all-time favorites "Summertime" and "Eleanor Rigby." 52 minutes.』
Kakaku：1100 saved$11.00
Image Entertainment
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (The Truth Say....) 『Just saw the Rev. last week at the Stone Pony. What a great show. This DVD sucks. Like many of the other reviewers, the camera work sucks along with the sound. Pick up the Blasters DVD, you will enjoy. Rev. u owe us a better quality DVD. By the way, the cover of Paranoid was unbelievable. The Truth.』
(Simply Reverend Horton Heat!!!) 『Just went beyond my expectations!!! Perfect DVD with a very good quality on image and sound! And a very nice extra footage of Jim Heath showing the places where he began playing, and telling the history of the band!!!』
(Can't Go Wrong With the Rev) 『You really can't go wrong with the Rev... but this is a great recording of a great show. Watch over and over... and over...』
(Excellent!!) 『If you like Reverend Horton Heat, you will thoroughly enjoy this video of the band, live in concert. If you aren't familiar with the band, the video is a great introduction, and will probably make you a fan.』
(Where is the Rev.'s Wiggle Stick video?) 『Hey, I gave it 3.5 stars 'cause I've never seen it, but that seems to be the average. I was actually looking for a DVD with the Wiggle Stick video on it -- which was about the only good thing I ever saw on MTV. As I recall from seeing it years ago, it was shot at what looks like a torch-lit revival meeting with the Rev. preaching about the evils of temptation before he starts rocking out about his wicked little wiggle stick. Any tips most appreciated! Please e-mail me at bcsoup@aol.com if you know if it is available. Thanks!!』
Kakaku：196 saved$1.96
Inakustic Gmbh
Usually ships in 24 hours 『This magical concert from the New Morning in 2001, finds the magnificent Monty Alexander accompanied by Bobby Thomas, Jr. and Hassan W. Shakour. The life&career of pianist great and groove master Monty Alexander is a dream come true... Born in Kings』
Kakaku：146 saved$1.46
Island Entertainment
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (REPARTRIATION IS A MUST) 『Great documentary. Excellent for any Rasta or Black interested in repartriation to Mama Afrika. great visual of the land and people. Watching this video give ones a better understanding of Afrika. Not what the TeLievision broadcast wild animals dirt road killing and man made AIDS. Real Culture! Give thanks Jessie Jendah for braking barriers』 『Jessie Jendah chronicles his journey from Southern Africa to the Bobo Hill in St. Thomas, Jamaica. This production portrays the existence of Rastafarians in Botswana to the livity of Bobo Shanti in Bobo Hill.』
Kakaku：246 saved$2.46
Grossman Guitar Workshop
Usually ships in 24 hours 『Freight Train will be a century old in the year 2005. Its author didn't quite live to become a centenarian herself, though she did win a Grammy (Best Ethnic or Traditional Folk Recording for Elizabeth Cotten Live) when she was 93. Both the song and its author are inexorably linked in the minds of most anyone aware of either, yet this DVD vividly demonstrates that there was far more to Elizabeth Cotten and her music than Freight Train. This DVD presents three concert performances by Elizabeth Cotten recorded in 1969, 1978 and 1980. Recollections of her life and music are prompted in the 1978 concert by interviewer Mike Seeger, who played a major role in recording Cotten's repertoire. Mike is also close by in the 1969 and 1980 performances. From 1969: Freight Train, What a Friend We Have In Jesus, Ruben, Vestapol, Washington Blues, A Jig and Spanish Flang Dang. From 1978: Freight Train, Wilson Rag, Georgia Buck, Rattler, Spanish Flang Dang, Judy's Got a Rambling Mind, Mama, Your Son's Done Gone, Wreck of the Old 97, Jesus Is Tenderly Calling Today, Vestapol, Buck Dance, Oh, Babe, It Ain't No Lie, Ontario Blues, Mama, Where's the Baby and others. From 1980: Graduation March, Freight Train, Spanish Flang Dang and Shake Sugaree.』
Kakaku：146 saved$1.46
Jlt Films
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Classic Motown) 『This is the last time that these singers all appeared together. There are 25 classic hits from the 60's and 70's including 12 # 1 hits. This is identical to the older version but the cover has been updated. See and hear the best of Motown one more time. The singing is sometimes erratic but the songs and the personalities are classic.』
(Worth buying? Only if you DON'T have the original.) 『Let me explain that title. This is actually a re-release of a DVD that was released some years ago. It was then discontinued sometime in late 2006. We're going to do this in two parts.
NEVER SEEN THE ORIGINAL: This is actually a snippet from a live concert conducted by Motown's greatest: Mary Wells (My Guy), Martha Reeves (from Martha&the Vandellas), David Ruffin (from the Temptations), and Eddie Kendricks (also from the Temptations). Curtis Womack shows up in street clothes, but he wasn't an official participant. In this, the singers sing their respective hits in the order I mentioned above. At the end, the title track "Dancin in the Street" is sung by the entire group, as backed up by the 5 background singers on the Ruffin and Kendricks songs (I never did catch their name and they're not credited on the DVD...I think Ruffin said "Spindle" but I can't find anything about them on the web).
First, Wells. She can sing, and her songs are well done, but she keeps copping out by doing the "have the crowd involved" parts. It's unfortunate, because her voice is decent. She should have just kept on singing, because nobody knows the words to most of her songs - in fact, to be honest, I didn't know that "Two Lovers" was done by her. Ultimately, she still has some vocals, but not nearly as good as in her hey-day (obviously). Ironically enough, when Curtis Womack came up in a red wifebeater (at a concert!!) and a gut larger than anything I'd ever seen, I nearly fell out - but what saved it is the fact that Womack can sing. Once Wells got off the mic and let Womack blow, he was killing it, especially on the Sam Cooke songs.
Next up is Martha Reeves. It's blatantly clear and obvious that Reeves just doesn't have the vocals anymore like she used to. If you listened to some old Martha&the Vandellas records, you'd see what I mean. She used to have some very sultry vocals...all of them did, which is the reason their songs were so popular...they sold sex. Also their songs were really about the guy they were singing about, which was appealing not just to women but to men as well. To her the way she sounds now is almost heart breaking, especially when she struggles to get "Heat Wave" out. The thing about Reeves is that she's easily the most animated, the most energetic and clearly the most into the performance of all of the artists. Her coordination with the tambourine is something to behold after all of these years. If nothing else, you need to praise her for her energy and enthusiasm.
Next is Kendricks. The big thing with Eddie Kendricks is that he is not only the sharpest dressed person on this concert, but he's the falsetto on the Temptations' biggest hits, such as "Just My Imagination" and "One More For The Lonely Hearts Club". After leaving the Tempts, he went on to have a moderately successful solo career. Both his Tempts career as well as his solo career are represented here. The problem with Eddie is twofold: first, he doesn't have the same vocal capabilities that he used to. There are times when he tries to hit a note and it sounds like he's gargling. This is a result of the years of smoking that eventually did him in (lung cancer was his death toll). The second issue is that some of his best solo songs aren't represented - where's "Skippin Work"? "Boogie Down"? "Shoeshine Boy"? "Can I"? I could go on and on...at least "Boogie Down" would have been appropriate here. In any case, what makes Kendricks' performance shine is (besides the fact he looks sharp) his choreography and dancing...he actually gets in there and moves very well at his age.
Next (and last of the solo performances) is Ruffin. I want to bottom line this: RUFFIN IS THE PRIMARY REASON TO WATCH THIS DVD. For those who don't know, he's the voice you heard on "My Girl", "It's Growing", "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" and other early Tempts hits. He went on to have a moderately successful solo career, releasing a number of CDs (including one of his best ones which was never publicly released). Ruffin proves that he still has the vocals as he literally tears up each and every one of the songs he sings. The only problem I have with Ruffin's performance is that I would have preferred him sing certain songs the way he originally sung them rather than the remixed version - most notably, "My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me)". That song was a perfect example of how an individual can achieve multiple separate vocal ranges in the same song seamlessly, and I would have preferred to hear that live. Also, if you've never heard Ruffin sing "Statue of a Fool", be prepared to get affected emotionally when you hear it and see it. In fact, if you watch the musicians, you can see them all get more involved when Ruffin is hitting notes. He's THAT good. Also, when Ruffin does the crowd involvement, people actually know the songs, so they get into it unlike Wells.
Next, Kendricks comes back out to join Ruffin on the stick to sing some Tempts hits. This is when things get good EXCEPT for the fact that Kendricks' falsetto messes things up at points. The "My Girl" medley is the highlight of the evening, easily, but be careful when Kendricks tries to hit a high note, it'll make you cringe. One thing I noticed is that during "Ain't Too Proud to Beg", Kendricks sings part of the ending chorus in his native tenor and he sounds spectacular...makes me wonder why he didn't stay with that, because even Ruffin was singing better falsetto than Kendricks which shouldn't happen. They startetd out the duet with "Just My Imagination" with Ruffin singing the Paul Williams part in the middle very well (but be prepared to cringe when Kendricks tries to hit certain notes and gargles), then close it with "The Way You Do The Things You Do" which I felt was very misplaced. It felt like an afterthought. Finally, and most notably, is "(I Know) I'm Losing You" - or a remix thereof. It's actually not that bad, but I much prefer the original. What makes that song good here is the dancing by the backup singers and Kendricks.
To close out the evening, all of the artists (minus Womack who wasn't officially on the card) come back out to sing "Dancin in the Street", led by Martha Reeves. Yes, I said led by the person whose voice sounds the absolute worst on the whole roster. In my opinion, this song was a disaster: First, Reeves sounds terrible here. Second, it was clearly impromptu and unplanned (read: unrehearsed), as the other singers have difficulty following along. Additionally, you can hear Ruffin attempt to blow out at parts, but his mic is turned down much lower than Reeves, so his attempts are in vain - too bad, since he sounds much better singing the song. A funny moment will come later in the song when the camera pans directly on David who stops singing mid-word and just puts the mic back; it's clear that he's frustrated at not being able to lead the song as he should.
So, now that you know how the performances pan out, what do you need to know about this DVD if you....
HAVE SEEN THE OLDER VERSION: The picture quality is degraded. The lighting on this DVD is significantly worse than the older version. No real explanation for this. All I can tell you is that it's difficult to make out certain scenes that are crystal clear on the older version. The audio is comparable but seems a little lower - which is disappointing considering this was advertised as 5.1. (a necessity for a musical performance DVD) There are a couple of extras on this that weren't on the original, but not enough to be worth buying this if you already have it, trust me - some pics and stuff.
BOTTOM LINE: If you don't have this DVD, you should. If you already have it, keep the older version.』 『This extraordinary, never-before-aired, 'lost' concert was part of a roadshow that toured through 21 cities in the summer of 1987. This live footage was shot at the second concert, at the Great Western Forum in Los Angeles. It was the last concert captu』
大満足！北国のホタテ・いくら・ボタンエビがぎっしり！
