Music DVD Review: Heart - Dreamboat Annie Live
Published January 06, 2008
I have often jokingly said that Heart does Zeppelin better than Zeppelin themselves, but Robert, Jimmy, John Paul, and Jason certainly laid that nonsense to rest with their incredible reunion concert this year. Heart is still the next best thing though, and their performance of these two Led Zeppelin IV classics were tremendous. Ann can still wail like Robert Plant's twin sister, and Nancy still struts around like she was Jimmy Page at the Garden in '73.
The real highlight of the show was saved for last though, when the band boldly took on the Who's epic "Love, Reign O’er Me." From the opening piano and synthesizer riffs, to Ann completely nailing Roger Daltry's once mighty vocals, especially those epic LOOOOOVE screams of the chorus, I had chills running up my spine. Ann's performance was amazing, especially when you consider that she will turn 60 before the decade is out.
The DVD production quality was excellent. Dolby Digital 5.1 surround and 2.0 stereo audio tracks are offered and they both sounded superb. The surround mix, in particular, provided a deep low end and expansive soundstage that gave the feeling of being in the middle of the theater. The widescreen picture appeared consistently sharp and detailed, and the colors looked amazing.
The only extras features were a very short "Heart Mongers Speak!" featurette, that consisted of a few interview snippets with some long time Heart fans, as well as a 53-image photo gallery.
Although the song performances barely fill 70-minutes after you exclude the interview segments - I could have used a few more Heart classics like "Barracuda" and "Love Alive" mixed in with all the encore cover songs - the purpose of the DVD was well served. Dreamboat Annie has never sounded better. Don't miss it.
Set List
01. Magic Man
02. Dreamboat Annie (Fantasy Child)
03. Crazy on You
04. Soul of the Sea
05. Dreamboat Annie
06. White Lightning & Wine
07. (Love Me Like Music) I’ll Be Your Song
08. Sing Child
09. How Deep It Goes
10. Dreamboat Annie (Reprise)
Encores:
11. Mistral Wind
12. Goodbye Blue Sky
13. Black Dog
14. Misty Mountain Hop
15. Love, Reign O’er Me
Ratings:
Performance 8/10
Production 9/10
- Music DVD Review: Heart - Dreamboat Annie Live
- Published: January 06, 2008
- Type: Review
- Section: Music
- Filed Under: Music: Video, Music: Rock, Music: Pop, Music: Classic Rock and Oldies, Review
- Writer: Paul Roy
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- Paul Roy's personal site
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Comments on this articleComments
I am a life-long fan of Heart's. As well as the love-mongers, and any side project that Ann, or Nancy have ever been involved in-- also the solo projects. I first fell in love with the band, upon listening to "Magazine" at 16yrs. of age, and being "blown-away" by the hard rock, blues, and folk rock all through that entire album! (although at the time I wasn't aware of the controversy surrounding it's release)
Anyway; The highest compliment I can pay Heart, is: there is no
experience that can come close to a Heart show! Over the years I have seen them, all over New England--upwards of 35 times. At times, the
shows have literally left me breathless, and wishing I had a ticket for upcoming shows,even the next night would be so cool. The energy, the rock n' roll attitude, the powerhouse vocals,and always great band members; the songs and lyrics great performances night after night - what more can I say: Heart has always ruled, and always will, anything they put out has always touched me, and rocked me! You GOTTA have "Heart".
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Thanx for the fine review! What did you think of Jupiter's Darling?
To be technically right, White Lightning and Wine was performed live by the original line-up, who recorded it, that is. Also, they followed up with a recent performance on A&E Private Sessions.
Maybe the popularity of youtube and surfacing of classic footage is a factor in the band's decision to feature it. Enjoy!