Five Favorite Music DVDs Of 2005
Author: SVF — Published: Dec 23, 2005 at 11:57 pm 0 comments

  • Lemon Jelly: '64 - '95 — Brilliant video version of this entire album... Creative computer animation with style, humor, and imagination just as you'd expect from The Jelly. Bonus points for releasing the DVD at the same time as the CD so fans don't have to buy both versions of the same album if we don't want to... (Kraftwerk/Astralwerks: please note!)

  • Gustav Mahler / Leonard Bernstein: The Symphonies & Das Lied von der Erde — Finally available in a domestic (but still rather pricey) release... the complete mid-1970s Mahler cycle (including the Adagio from the unfinished 10th Symphony) recorded live with the London Symphony, Vienna Philharmonic and Israel Philharmonic. Bernstein should be seen as well as heard for the full effect, and here's your best opportunity... (also, check out the vintage sideburns and hairstyles of the orchestra members!) The box set includes a bonus DVD of rehearsal footage/documentaries (you get to see lots of Lenny speaking German, moaning and groaning, gesturing wildly, smoking cigarettes, etc.)... might as well splurge, since you'll end up buying them all eventually anyway.
  • Brian Eno: 14 Video Paintings — More enjoyable than I expected... Eno's visual ambiance to accompany the audio from Music of Airports, On Land, Thursday Afternoon, etc. ... strangely compelling minimalist video wallpaper to bring an atmospheric, vaguely melancholy mood to any TV screen you choose...
  • Norman Granz Jazz in Montreux Presents: Oscar Peterson Solo '75 — My favorite out of several good Montreux Jazz Fest DVDs coming out lately at very fair prices. Here we have Oscar at his explosive, jaw-dropping best on a solo set that covers all the bases. A breathtaking performance...!

  • Kraftwerk: Minimum-Maximum — A close call but it makes the list... this could have been so much more, but it works as a document of the pioneering techno group's 2004/05 World Tour... basically the next best thing to being there. Sound is phenomenal, video production gets the job done... plus it's a kick to see Kraftwerk performing at the MTV Video Music Awards (more bonus features next time, please!!!)

    • [see also: 15 favorite CDs of 2005...]

    [from serenade in green]

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