It's been a great week for music, some really cool stuff about, including a couple of albums that are a very different type of prog. Never worry we have some proper head-banging metal, as well as the poncey stuff.

DVD Reviews

Warpaint: Black Crowes

When the Robinson brothers first brought their train-wreck masquerading as a proper band to the attention of rocker’s ears, they created quite a splash. Since their heights I have always found them to be over-rated and rather dull on record. The recent Warpaint has been hailed as “a return to form” and something we should all check out. A decent album yes, but nothing that great considering the quality out there today.

Now comes the Blu-ray, live testament to the tour that followed their “come back” album. Never has there been a more misnamed live album, instead of warpaint, it should have been called “paint-drying live”, it's that boring. There is just no ambiance at all.

What is appalling is that you get exactly the same tracks as you do on the two-CD set with no “extras” included. It's just the live tracks with no “bonus” material whatsoever. Considering how expensive a Blu-ray disc is these days surely bonus footage for those picking this format might be appropriate. This DVD, even for the most ardent fan, does not really seem like value for money.

I rather hoped it would offer something above the CD release. Nothing could be further from the truth.

John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers & Friends: 70th Birthday Concert

The gig was recorded in 2003 for UNICEF, but this Blu-ray makes it feel like it was recorded yesterday. It looks and sound great and sounds, really coming to life on this DVD. Along with Mayall, the king of British Blues, you have Eric Clapton, Chris Barber, and Mick Taylor all of whom served time in the Blues training school that is the band. There are 19 tracks on here (three bonus to the Blu-ray) that span the man’s entire career with his band. Eric Clapton is featured on many of them and reminds us of two things. First of all you can tell why Mayall picked Clapton to play in his band in the 60s, and secondly, you are reminded of just what a blues force Clapton can be.

Also included is an brief interview with Mayall that explains his philosophy to band-leading stating he found inspiration in jazz bandleaders. For him having so many band members over the years, and it started in the early 60s, is a rather normal thing.

Article Author: Marty Dodge

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