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Katherine Jenkins: Believe Live From The O2 (DVD)
by Silvertwig242
My impressions of this DVD is that it is more like a 'character' portrayal from song to song, all done to dramatic effect live on stage at the O2 and is I feel, a reflection of a new direction in her singing career thus far. Evidence to support this theory, is her new album (released October 2011 compared to DVD's Xmas 2010) 'Daydream'. ... Her management and no doubt herself are seriously examining what they perceive the public want to see and hear from her in the future, which I believe is a becoming more of a mixture of traditional folk music and light classical, rather than the opera arias she has favoured in the past.
The production of this DVD and the visual quality of her performance on stage is vibrant and alive, somewhat sensual, totally feminine and very carefully managed. Even in the arena of the O2, the cameras capture the intimacy that she has with her dancers on stage and with her audience. However, her new album steers away from the diva in Katherine and concentrates on the traditional genres of folk music and light classical music which I believe is better suited to her husky voice but it more removed from a feeling of belonging in the moment of her music. The DVD is in my opinion over the top but still an enjoyable experience. Her new album in comparison is easier on the ear and has more of a flow than the songs she sings on the DVD.
Indeed, she does attempt to sing Evanescence's 'Bring me to Life' - this becomes a massive finale with all the drama and flair she can muster but it falls short to impress (even with the stage design and costume) as she remains 'unconvincing' in her role. No one could ever outclass Amy Lee.
Daydream in contrast offers a change that is enriched with her own culture and heritage and it is, in most part, sung with ease and style. 'Black is the colour of my true love's hair' is a typical example of the harking back to her folk roots. You can fully hear her love of the music throughout this album.. particularly when she sings 'Carrickfergus' also I do believe that she should have stayed clear of 'And this is my beloved' quite frankly it stinks.
So, in summary, it rather depends on personal preference and what you expect from Katherine, if you want the diva go for the dvd, it is stunning if a little bit over the top, (worth watching just for the butterfly scene alone) but if you want something more relaxing and something more suited to her voice, then go for the CD, honestly, you will not regret it.. just make sure you skip a couple of tracks and you will not be disappointed.
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Live 8 (DVD)
by jj1977
On the 2nd July 2005, Sir Bob Geldof attempted to stage a concert that would once again bring the plight of Africa to the fore. But rather than asking for people's money, as he had in 1985, he this time wanted people themselves to help awareness of the issues with the world leaders who would be meeting at the G8 summit in Scotland later ... that week.
Under the banner of 'Make Poverty History' the concert staged in Hyde Park was to be the beginning of a week of events culminating in Edinburgh at the beginning of the G8 summit. The concerts in London, Philadelphia, Berlin, Rome, Paris, Tokyo, Barrie and Edinburgh attracted over 1000 artists shown on 182 networks and 2000 radio stations.
This four disc DVD boxset focuses on the Hyde Park event in the first three discs. The fourth disc is a highlights disc of all the other concerts, as well as rehearsal footage featuring Pink Floyd, The Who and Travis.
The event started in the way Live Aid finished. Paul McCartney opened with U2 in a rendition of 'Sgt Pepper.' That song opens with the line 'It was 20 years ago today...', in this case a reference to Live Aid which had occurred in 1985. After that, U2 performed there 3 song set followed by Coldplay. The event itself lasted until 10pm that evening and included stars such as the Black Eyed Peas, Robbie Williams, Elton John, The Killers. There is something for everyone here including the truly amazing Velvet Revolver and their song 'Fall to Pieces.' When I say amazing, i'm being sarcastic they literally fell to pieces on stage You may want to skip it, or at least see it once.
For me the event got better the longer it went ending with the brilliant Who before the set which has probably defined this event, the reformation, at least temporarily of Pink Floyd and Roger Waters. There set was only five songs long and lasted about 25 minutes but to have them back together for the first time since the 70s will have been a moment that will live long in the memory. Unfortunately, Richard Wright's death in 2008 also means that this will probably be the last time Pink Floyd performs, so truly a momentous event.
You can buy it for around £30 on Amazon.co.uk and I cannot emphasise that it is a must buy. There is something for everyone there and the bad bits are few and far between.
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Paul Simon - Graceland - The African Concert (DVD)
by Lyndzi76
My Dad was at this Concert in 1987 and raved about it during my childhood so brought this for him Christmas of 2008 (I think) I moved out of my parents house a few years later and it made it's way into my stuff!!
My Dad says the concert DVD truly reflects the atmosphere, emotion and talent in the concert.
Paul Simon and ... other great musicians hosted this concert in 1987 for Apartheid and release of Nelson Mandela. You can feel his passion and love for Africa in this concert. You would never believe that this concert was in the dip of his career, He is an extremely talented musician.
This is a truly fantastic DVD in its own right.
The Concert was his Graceland's Album which is a great album but combined with Ladysmith Black Mambazo gives it a whole new feeling.
He is a true performer and it's an entertaining DVD to watch.
The Concert Tracks include -
1. Township Jive
2. The Boy In The Bubble
3. Gumboots
4. Whispering Bells
5. Bring Him Back Home
6. Crazy Love, Volume II
7. I Know What I Know
8. Jinkel E Maweni
9. Soweto Blues
10. Under African Skies
11. Unomathemba
12. Hello My Baby
13. Homeless
14. Graceland
15. You Can Call Me Al
16. Stimela
17. Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes
18. N'Kosi Sikeleli Africa
19. King Of Kings
The quality of the recording is very good and the sound recording is reasonably good, but when watching the DVD you must remember it's a live DVD from nearly 25 years ago in South Africa.
The DVD shows some breath taking scenes from around Africa - Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe River and along with the South African National Anthem really allows you feel you are part of the African mood the concert prevails.
The stand out moments of the DVD for me would be when Ladysmith Black Mambazo sang "Free Nelson Mandela"
I would recommend anyone to give this a watch whether you're into Paul Simon or not. I guarantee you will be bopping away.
**COST**
Tesco - £11.47
CD WOW - £13.99
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