A Typically English Encounter. (Bullet In A Bible - Green Day)

Member Name: ManUtdBoi

Product:	Bullet In A Bible - Green Day
Date:	07/01/06 (150 review reads)
Rating:

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Bullet In A Bible leaves me stumped.

You see, I could write from two differing perspectives here. On one front, I'm a Green Day fan of 10 years who happened to be amongst the 130,000 fans present at Milton Keynes over the weekend of June 18-19th (and thusly wouldn't dream pick fault with this somewhat landmark release); and on the other, I could write as impartially as possible, stating the rather glaring faults that Bullet In A Bible presents.

As the bands first live DVD/CD in 16 years, it shows a lack of execution on an otherwise fantastic ideal. The hottest weekend of the year, and the Milton Keynes Bowl in particular, played host to quite frankly, the band of the moment, as they ran through their back-catalogue in front of 65,000 rapturous fans, 2 nights running - and whilst the performance(s) were faultless, the production/thinking behind the DVD itself leaves something to be desired. First off, the original promise (and word-of-mouth will back this up) was for an un-edited, full length performance; what the fans got was in fact a mere 14 of the 20 tracks the band performed - be that on both CD and DVD - interspersed with 2/3 minute documentary stints. Secondly, director Sam Bayer, the man behind the bands videos for all the American Idiot releases (AI, Boulevard of Broken Dreams, Holiday, WMUWSE, Jesus of Suburbia), seems overly intent on switching between as many different camera positions as possible, something which detracts from the actual on-stage performance itself.

The constant change of angle and picture does however give a clear mix of band members - lending equal camera time to vocalist/guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong, bassist Mike Dirnt and drummer Tre Cool - as well as the bands long-time 'partners' Jason White and Jason Freese. The only contradiction is that the camera thusly doesn't spend enough time on the members - instead shooting off in another direction every odd second or so - but you get used to it eventually (or, I did anyway). Production aside, the performance itself is flawless. Billie Joe, Mike, and Tre run through the bands greatest hits, ranging from the new American Idiot releases, right back to the days of 94', and the timeless Dookie album. The track cut has in essence effected the flow of the gig, but from the perspective of someone who was actually there, I realise this omission far more than a casual viewer would do, so it's not a massive problem.

As I say, it's hard to review Bullet In A Bible as a DVD release, as it's nigh on impossible to not compare it with the concert itself - but as a package, Bullet In A Bible is a genuine success - but not one free of fault. The track cut is something that, to be honest, needs explaining - as there's no genuine requirement to cut anything from the set - especially when taking into consideration the capacity of both a CD and DVD - and the at times pointless skits of documentary don't quite offer as much insight as was initially promised. We see Billie Joe and Co and they peruse the Imperial War Museum in London, something which serves to explain the 'Bullet In A Bible' title, and something which does offer genuine insight into exactly what the band got up to whilst they were in the UK this past June. Aside from that, the skits are generally done for amusement - we see Tre as he dresses pre-show time, Billie improvising with his guitar, and the band generally having a laugh, showing the tight-knit trio that they are.

What the performance itself shows, is just how much sheer effort and energy the band put into each and every live show they do - Billie Joe holding back the tears during 'Wake Me Up When September Ends' is one of the DVD's prime moments - and the crowd appreciation is immense throughout (although I knew that already). Cut from both the Saturday and Sunday performances, the disc offers a good mix for the fans who were present, with it almost a old/new split; the latter date producing the majority of 'American Idiot' performances. We see Billie Joe explain his thoughts on the bands touring exploits in a one-on-one interview skit, something which serves to exemplify just what a great down-to-earth guy he really is - admitting that whilst touring is the single greatest thing about being in a band - there's a life back home that just has to be lived as well.

Looking back, Bullet In A Bible offers up a hell of a lot of memories, and whilst I'm liable to be shot for this - it will mean a hell of a lot more to those that were there over the baking June weekend - and the fact it captures the night/s perfectly, must make it a success. Right? You see, for all it's faults, all it's track cuts, and it's sometimes infuriating camera-work, Bullet In A Bible captures Green Day in their natural environment - the concert venue - and they perform like their lives depended on it. From the infectious classics 'Basket Case' and 'Longview', to the more recent 'Boulevard of Broken Dreams' and 'Jesus Of Suburbia', Bullet In A Bible serves up a mix of new and old, catering for both the die-hards and newer, younger fans. Whilst some will undoubtedly be thoroughly disappointed as regards one aspect of the release, I gauge my opinion on exactly how many memories it recalled - and the fact it's brought back almost everything, makes it a winner in my eyes.

Note - the CD is simply an audio version of the concert, minus the crowd banter.

Extras - Photo gallery (self explanatory - various shots of the band throughout the performance)

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Track Listing - American Idiot, Jesus of Suburbia, Holiday, Are We The Waiting, St. Jimmy, Longview, Hitchin' A Ride, Brain Stew, Basket Case, King For A Day/Shout, Wake Me Up When September Ends, Minority, Boulevard Of Broken Dreams, Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life).

Summary: portrays the Green Day live show in a pretty effective fashion...