Bruce Dickinson: Anthology
This is a comprehensive collection of Bruce's solo work with 2 discs full of gigs, one of all his videos, a track by track breakdown of his latest album Tyranny of Souls, and an interview about and showing of the infamous Samson (Bruce's first major band) short Biceps of Steel. In the interview Bruce explains the saga of the short and it's most amusing.
The three live shows chart his solo career from the frankly daft at times "Balls to Picasso" era through his ill-judged grunge band Skunkworks to his metal renaissance post "Accident of Birth." The Skunkwork tracks really do not stand up live. Because the quality of the performances on this DVD is so high, it easy to judge which of these periods saw Bruce at his heights.
The final gig of '99 filmed in Brazil clearly shows a Bruce who is happy with his past and his present. It is no surprise that not long after this he rejoined Iron Maiden taking with him Adrian Smith, his erstwhile Iron Maiden colleague and end of solo career band-mate. This is truly an Anthology of one of the greatest frontmen in heavy metal and rock. If you are a fan it is essential and if you love your metal it comes damn near close. Everything about this DVD set oozes class, but then again are we surprised?
CD Reviews
The Other: We Are What We Eat
Call it b-movie punk or schlock metal there is quite a bit of it about these days. They follow in the footsteps of everyone from Misfit to the Rocket or the Crypt with a dash of Alice Cooper. This lot deliver songs about necrophilia called "Menage-A-Mort" (menage-a-trois even) and hanging out with ghouls and undead. It is sung tongue firmly in cheek with oodles of attitude and humour. But the music is well produced and song-writing is rather clever for this sort of music. It's fun, goofy, and entertaining.
Stig: Rum 'N Brass
This is punky ska-like tunes with lots of brass and attitude. On paper it should not really work but it does, rather well in fact. My favorite is "Mexican Outburst." "Piss Artist Trick" is rather amusing as well. This lot certainly don't take themselves too seriously and that feeling shows throughout this CD.
Article comments
1 - godoggo
What's the difference between a Vincent Black Shadow and a Vincent Black Lightning?