After a brief run on the Internet in 2006, famed producer Nigel Godrich presented a brand new performance-based program, in 2007 in the U.K. and in 2008 in the U.S., showcasing recording artists you’re likely very much familiar with, as well as rising stars in the alternative folk and rock scenes from across the globe. The series, named From The Basement, included Godrich-produced rockers Radiohead and Beck, as well as Sonic Youth, White Stripes, Albert Hammond Jr., Jamie Lidell, Jose Gonzalez, PJ Harvey, Autolux, and plenty of others.
The first full week of March saw a large sample of these live performances, 29 tracks at over two hours worth released on standard DVD, titled after the series name, From The Basement (Eagle Rock Entertainment). If you’ve been into what has been tagged as “alternative” music for any length of time, this is a must-have DVD, no doubt about it, especially for Radiohead fans, as two performances by the band and two more by frontman Thom Yorke solo are featured here.
Speaking of which, Radiohead kicks the DVD off on the right foot with the moody and powerful In Rainbows standouts “All I Need” and “Reckoner,” both of which see musician and producer extraordinaire Jonny Greenwood doing double duty on the keys and xylophone on the former track while playing keyboards and percussion on the latter.
The White Stripes comes next with a screeching kick ass version of “Blue Orchid,” which led right into a rare Captain Beefheart cover from the band’s early days entitled “Party of Special Things To Do.” The lyrically confrontational and musically raw rock of “Red Rain” sees the unconventional mix of innocently sassy drummer Meg White doubling on bells (which sound like a xylophone) and Jack White on slide guitar.
Talk about unconventional, Beck, his DJ and other hired hands and percussionists bring two ultra cool performances to this DVD. Beck’s rapping skills are still severely underrated after all these years and his spaghetti western pop rap ditty “Cell Phone’s Dead” is a prime example of both his musical genius and creativity.
One unexpected surprise hit of the DVD (for me, anyway) is the one-man powerhouse from England known as Jamie Lidell and his performance of “The City.” Part a cappella, part live experimentalism, here’s an alternative soul singer and former techno producer who records with beat boxing skills live one track at a time, sings over them (using two mics at times), reverses the recordings, instantly repeats them via short loops, and creates live vocal harmonies, all with awe-inspiring ease. It’s one of those performances that has to be seen more than heard to fully appreciate.
Article comments
1 - El Bicho
I hope they do more of these, maybe even mix some artists together and see what comes up. Lidell was the most intriguing discovery. I hope that Meg can complete the next tour, fingers crossed.