This is an excellent DVD for Rick James fans and music lovers alike. Filmed live in Germany, this DVD concert has Rick James and the Stone City Band at their best. Filmed in 1982, the show features his hits “You and I”, “Fire It Up”, “Love Gun”, “Give It To Me Baby”, “Superfreak” and “Mary Jane” with an impressive march change up half way into the song. James stomps back and forth on the stage, playing guitar, harmonica, and synthesizers, all while “turning the mutha out!”
The Rockpalast TV broadcast concert in ’82 looks like something outta “Back To The Future” , with the Atari like letters that pop up randomly, announcing the song titles. The Zulu Nation futuristic clothes and hair is funny to look at too, as is watching Rick when he is really getting into the act and says muthafucka for emphasis. It will probably remind you of the Chappelle Show skits about a million times. I was waiting to hear him sing “Unity”, but sadly he didn’t. Still, it’s Rick at his best. I have never seen a live performance by Rick James, so I had to get this on principal alone. I suggest you do the same.
Additional links
http://www.rickjames.com/
Kayos Productions
http://www.kayosproductions.com/clients_rick_james.html
CNN page on Rick James
http://www.cnn.com/2004/SHOWBIZ/Music/08/06/rick.james/
VH1 Page
http://www.vh1.com/artists/az/james_rick/artist.jhtml
Rick James Video page at Yahoo
http://launch.yahoo.com/ar-252950-videos--Rick-James
Rick James Rolling Stone page
http://www.rollingstone.com/artist/_/id/62148?rnd=1126322640158&has-player=true&version=6.0.12.1212
Rick James tried, but couldn't burn all his money http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/investing/20020530a.asp
http://www.merchdirect.net/x2/c/product.php?productid=5071&cat=&page=1
http://www.musicstreetjournal.com/rickjamesdvd.htm
USA Today article
http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2004-08-06-rick-james-obit_x.htm
Rick James Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rick_James
DVD still pictures from the concert
http://www.funkyvideos.com/prod017.htm
Article comments
1 - Ben Miraski
I am not going to claim to be an expert on the music of Rick James.
Still, something about placing him on a DVD is scary to me. Perhaps it is watching that hair for over an hour at a stretch that would just kill me.
Is there a button on my remote like Mute, but to turn off the video? Oh Yes, OFF.
2 - Evan
i dont like Rick James i think he is a poo skunk