As I was clearing out my pile of review materials, I came across some titles that might provide some ideas for those of you who might be searching frantically for some last-minute gifts.
DVDs
Carlos Santana Presents: Blues at Montreux 2004 - Buddy Guy, Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, Bobby Parker
The first thing that one has to say about this Blu-ray is that it's a damn good value, consisting of three entire concerts featuring some blues greats in front an appreciative Montreux crowd. Comprising almost 240 minutes in total, this is an attractive choice for those blues fans out there. To make it all the more important, Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown is no longer among the living and this was one of his last big concerts.
Carlos Santana shows up for a jam at the end of these sets, but that does not distract from the bluesmen at their best. This is very much pure blues, tinged with a bit of jazz, performed by some of the masters of the art. What is most interesting to a student of music is the vast variety of blues styles, from the swampy Cajun variety to the tight blues of Chicago. These three guys were a huge influence on a lot of musicians, including the Beatles.
The audio and video are great. You can see the sweat dripping off the performers as they squeeze every ounce of feeling out of their guitars. If you know a blues lover with the right DVD kit, this is highly recommended.
Guns, God and Government: Live in LA - Marilyn Manson
Love or hate the master of new millennium shock rock, there is no denying the guy puts on a killer show. What always divided rock fans and critics alike was whether or not he was merely a means for pissing off parents and religious types. I sometimes had my doubts that his music would stand the test of time. Well this Blu-ray dispelled my doubts and showed me that MM and Co. have damn fine tunes to go with their antics.
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