Eagle Rock Winding Down 2012 Impressively With Patti Smith Live BD

Courtesy: Eagle Rock Entertainment/Eagle Vision

Eagle Rock Entertainment has led the field of companies releasing live recordings throughout 2012.  Its live recordings released through its partnership with Montreux Sounds have been especially impressive.  Now as the year winds down, the two companies still have shown that they still have some steam left in them with the release of Patti Smith Live at Montreux 2005.

Patti Smith Live at Montreux 2005  shows one of the most acclaimed vocalist and songwriters of all time at one her finest moments.  Each song performed will take viewers back to the days of fellow classic writers such as Bob Dylan.  The songs are more than just songs.  One of the best songs from this performance is the performance’s closer, ‘People Have The Power.’  In an age in which there is still so much political unrest across the nation, it serves as a reminder to today’s society that people have the power to make change happen, regardless of at what level.  It could be argued that it’s almost “Jeffersonian” in nature.  It was Jefferson after all who said, “When people fear the government, there is tyranny.  When the government fears people, there is democracy.”  It’s just one of so many highlights from this performance.  On a less political level, fans will also appreciate Smiths’ cover of the Rolling Stones’ hit, ‘Like A Rolling Stone.’  Smith’s vocal style and the song itself are a perfect fit both for her and for the performance.  And there is even the radio classic that is ‘Because The Night.’  Audiences watching from home will easily find themselves singing along to this song.

Smith’s vocals are as powerful and distinct as her song choices.  They’re raw, edgy and real.  The influence of her vocal style over other artists is so easily understood.  Her ability to vary between a distinct growl to a more raspy, almost Janis Joplin-esque style makes her that much more of an original.  Her vocal style simply put is unlike that of any other vocalist out there today and even of any vocalist of her time, period.

Audiences are offered so much in this new live release from Patti Smith.  Whether just for the song choices or for Smith’s vocals or for both combined, this is one more successful release from Eagle Rock that continues to show why this company is one of the leaders in home live entertainment.

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Frampton Not Just Alive But Rocking On New Live BD

Courtesy: Eagle Rock Entertainment/Eagle Vision

Music legend Peter Frampton created what is one of the most talked about live albums in modern music history in Frampton Comes Alive in 1976.  Thirty-six years after the release of that landmark live release, the guitarist has shown that old dogs can indeed learn new tricks.  For that matter, he also shows that he’s got plenty of new tricks to teach his audiences on the new live release, FCA!35 Tour: An Evening With Peter Frampton.

FCA!35 Tour: An Evening With Peter Frampton was filmed during the band’s 2011/2012 tour celebrating the thirty-fifth anniversary of the album’s release.  It was filmed at the Pabst Theater in Milwaukee and at New York’s iconic Beacon Theater.  The two shows come together for a performance that’s just as enjoyable and impressive as Frampton’s original live release.  The first half of the show features Peter and company performing that album in its entirety and in order.  Audiences will be amazed at how strong classic standards such as ‘Doobie Wah’, ‘Baby I Love Your Way’ and ‘Do You Feel Like We Do.’  And just as impressive is the band’s cover of the Rolling Stones’ ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash.’  Being that the Stones are now celebrating their 50^th anniversary together, it was likely just coincidence that Frampton decided on this cover.  But the timing of having this cover is pretty interesting.  It goes without saying that Peter and company paid proper honor both to the song and the Stones with his take on the song.

The band’s cover of ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash’ isn’t the only cover included in this standout collection of performances.  There’s also an incredible cover of Ida Cox’s blues standard, ‘Four Day Creep.’  Frampton shares vocal duties here with band mates Rob Arthur (keyboards) and Adam Lester (guitars).  All three do an impressive job in their turn, too, sounding like seasoned blues vocalists.  Peter even shows that while he has definitely gotten older over the years, he can still smoke the strings.  That is for certain.  Viewers’ jaws will drop seeing the control he has over his instrument. 

Just as interesting as the cover of ‘Four Day Creep’ is the band’s cover of Soundgarden’s (yes that Soundgarden) ‘Black Hole Sun.’ This cover is a full on instrumental cover.  There are no vocals here, although the original has vocals.  Frampton’s take on this grunge classic is original to say the least.  His band mates show they’re just as praiseworthy as Frampton on this cover.  That’s especially the case with drummer Dan Wojciechowski.  His performance would make Soundgarden drummer Matt Cameron proud.   Add in some rather interesting visuals on the video screens behind the band, and audiences get what is definitely one of the standout performances in this new release.  Yes it seems minor, but even the visuals play a role in the performance.  The visual here is a large mass of what is perhaps a sun like object exploding.  As it explodes, it changes color and shape throughout the song.  It’s a rather subliminal visual.  But it works to help add that extra something to the song.

The band’s covers of ‘Black Hole Sun’ and ‘Four Day Creep’ mixed with the performances of its own original works goes a long way toward showing the band’s versatility.  It proves that not just Frampton himself, but the entire band still has some new tricks.  So much more could be noted of the songs included in this collection.  But that would take far too long as one should also note the video and audio quality of the performances included here.  The picture and sound are both crystal clear.  And those with Blu-ray players and HD TV’s will especially see just how clear the picture is.  Combine that with expert camera work and the equally expert performance from the band, and home viewers get yet another outstanding live release from Eagle Rock Entertainment.

FCA!35 Tour: An Evening With Peter Frampton is available now in stores and online.  It can be ordered direct via Eagle Rock’s website at http://www.eaglerockent.com.  And for all the latest from Peter Frampton, fans can check out his website, http://www.frampton.com or “Like” him on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PeterFrampton.  Fans can also get the latest news and more from Peter on his Myspace page, http://www.myspace.com/peterframpton. 

To keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it or its companion page, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Reel-Reviews/381028148587141.  Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at http://philspicks.wordpress.com.

New Stones Set Is 2012′s Best Music Box Set

Courtesy: ABKCO Records

It goes without saying that The Rolling Stones is one of the greatest and most iconic rock bands in the history of modern popular and rock music.  This band of Brits has been rocking audiences for half a century now.  And in honor of its fiftieth anniversary, the band is celebrating with concerts and a variety of newly re-issued releases.  Among those new releases is the brand new release of the band’s 1965 show from Ireland, Charlie is My Darling.  The show has been released in a variety of formats.  But for anyone who is a true hardcore fan of The Rolling Stones, the best way to go is the Super Deluxe edition of this concert/documentary.  Especially with the holidays right around the corner, this mega set is the perfect gift for the Stones fan in anyone’s family.The Super Deluxe box set of Charlie is My Darling includes everything that is featured by itself and some bonus material all combined into one big box.  Fans get the concert documentary from the band’s 1965 Ireland show along with the show itself on both CD and vinyl.  To sweeten the deal, ABKCO Records has also included the documentary’s soundtrack on CD and a bonus book offering extra photos and background on the show.  Among the most interesting facts to consider about this event is that the Stones being a British band playing in the notoriously split nation showed in a big way, the power of music.  It didn’t matter whether the audience was Protestant or Catholic, British or Irish.  This concert brought the audience together as one unit, proving true the adage that music truly is the universal music.

Getting to hear the concert on CD and vinyl is one thing.  But getting to see the footage brings everything home, and really makes the entire show that much more powerful.  It’s wild to see the audience so overwhelmed by the then very young band that concertgoers were rushing the stage.  The audience members that rushed the stage meant no harm to the band.  They were just that excited.  Even wilder is that the fans were so overcome (as was the band by the fans), that the band had to cut its show short for their own safety and for that of the fans.  It says quite a bit about a band that has obviously gone on to be the biggest band in the world.  It’s especially interesting considering that even Mick Jagger himself notes in interviews that he didn’t expect the band to be big.  That was back then.  He noted that he figured the band would be big and then fade.  How wrong was he?  That’s really something for discussion.  The band was so young in its age and career.  Yet fans were already going absolutely crazy for The Rolling Stones.  How many bands, fans, and/or critics can say that they’ve seen such a powerful impact from any musical act so early in its career?  Experiencing this impact firsthand through this new set shows how important the Stones were then and how much more important they are now, especially considering this release.

The CD’s, DVD, and Blu-ray are excellent additions to this set, as is the accompanying behind the scenes book.  But what really seals the deal here is the bonus vinyl.  The double sided vinyl presents the concert as it would have been presented in 1965.  There’s even the static that old school vinyls had.  There are so many vinyls that somehow lack that old static feeling, somewhat taking away from the nostalgic feel that they should be imparting.  This vinyl isn’t one of them.  Audiences get that nostalgic feel, making for the final piece in what is one of 2012’s best musical box sets, hands down.  Charlie is My Darling is available in stores and online now.  It can be ordered direct via the ABKCO Records website, http://www.abkco.com/index.php/store/release/253.

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New Stones Vinyl Re-Issue An Excellent Addition To Band’s Anniversary Celebration

Courtesy: Eagle Rock Entertainment/Eagle Vision/Eagle Records

On July 18^th, 1978, The Rolling Stones made a stop at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas as part of its tour in support of its album, Some Girls.  Over three decades have passed since that iconic performance.  Last year, Eagle Rock Entertainment, Eagle Vision, and Eagle Records released that performance on CD, DVD and Blu-ray.  Now, the companies have followed up the success of those releases with a double disc vinyl/DVD combo pack for true hardcore Stones fans.  This new set includes the entire performance of that show on two double sided vinyl discs along with a full length performance of the show on DVD.  It goes without saying that this is another outstanding performance from an outstanding band that helps to celebrate the band’s fiftieth anniversary.

The first thing that will hit audiences in taking in this performance is the quality of the recording.  Nearly thirty-five years have passed since this performance was originally recorded.  But as evidenced both on the DVD and the vinyl release, the recording has stood the test of time.  The audio portion on the vinyl will impress any audiophile.  The companion DVD is just as impressive.  Considering the technology that was available in 1978, the quality of the video footage is outstanding.  It’s obvious painstaking efforts were taken to preserve this concert.  And those responsible for maintaining and restoring it for its latest release are to be commended for their efforts.  Those efforts paid off in a large way.  It’s great to be able to see the band’s performance not just from the stage, but also from the vantage point of the audience.  The wide shots of the show from the back of the auditorium give an even more incredible view of the audience numbers and the audience’s reaction to the band from one song to the next.  There’s no let up from either the band or its fans throughout the concert.

The audio and video go a long way towards making Some Girls Live in Texas ’78 enjoyable for any Rolling Stones fan.  They’re just part of the overall experience, though.  The set list has its own hand in the success of this release.  Presented here are standout performance of hits including:  ‘Star Star’, ‘Honky Tonk Women’, ‘Beast of Burden’, ‘Brown Sugar’, and ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash.’  Long time audiences that haven’t gotten to see last year’s DVD and BD release of this show will be taken aback by the band’s you and energy here.  There’s hardly a wrinkle to be seen on any of the band members.  Though, Mick Jagger has that signature swagger that has made him such a rock icon throughout the Stones’ career together.  And the guitar solos courtesy of Keith Richards and Ron Wood will get even the newest Stones’ fans moving in their own living rooms, bedrooms, etc.  Drummer Charlie Watts keeps the whole band together behind his kit, adding his own flair where necessary, too.  The band’s performance and the equally impressive recording come together to make a release that is a fitting addition to any Stones’ fan’s celebration of the band’s anniversary.  Some Girls Live in Texas ’78 is available now in stores and online.  It can be ordered online at http://www.eagle-rock.com. 

To keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it or its companion page, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Reel-Reviews/381028148587141.  Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at http://philspicks.wordpress.com.

New Muddy Waters/Stones Double Vinyl Makes A Great Performance Greater

Courtesy: Eagle Rock Entertainment/Eagle Records/Eagle Vision

Eagle Rock Entertainment released what is one of the year’s best live releases earlier this year in the classic 1981 performance of The Rolling Stones and Muddy Waters live at Chicago’s Checkerboard Lounge.  That set contained both a DVD and CD.  Now, Eagle Rock has followed up that release and sweetened the deal for audiences even more with a new vinyl/DVD companion to the DVD/CD set.

 The new Vinyl/DVD companion to Eagle Rock’s previous release contains the entire performance from the DVD/CD set on two vinyls.  It also includes the artists’ full performance on a full length DVD presentation.  This new addition to the previously released set as it makes the classic performance that much more fully encompassing.  Just as listening to the CD and watching the DVD will give fans of the modern medium a full concert experience, so will this new set.  Audiences who haven’t yet checked out either set will be amazed at the enjoyment that they will experience, especially with this additional piece.  This iconic show was recorded before the dawn of compact discs.  And it was recorded in one of the “queen cities of jazz and the blues.”  Knowing that, putting on the vinyls will bring on a total sense of nostalgia for any fan that might prefer that medium. 

Listening to the concert on vinyl will instantly conjure up some wonderful nostalgic feelings in any listener young enough to recall those days before compact discs and mp3’s.  It’s a fantastic feeling to put on either disc, close one’s eyes, and really take in the music.  It may be even more so than with the CD presentation, because of that sense of nostalgia.  That’s just part of the whole package, though.  As wonderful as it is to experience this show as it was really meant to be experienced, the inclusion of a DVD with the full concert makes the entire thing that much better.  Being able to see the Stones, Muddy Waters, Junior Wells, and all the others up on that tiny stage is incredible.  After having seen the show, audiences can go back, put the vinyls on back to back and gain that much more appreciation for what is one of this great nation’s greatest musical genres and for the artists performing each song.  Muddy Waters and The Rolling Stones Live at the Checkerboard Lounge is available in stores and online now.  It can be ordered direct via Eagle Rock Entertainment’s website, http://www.eagle-rock.com.

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Eagle Rock sets the bar again with Muddy Waters, Rolling Stones archived live show

Courtesy: Eagle Rock Entertainment/Eagle Vision

Rock and roll shares a very special relationship with the blues.  If not for the blues, there would likely be no rock and roll.  Any music historian would agree with that sentiment.  Now, thanks to the good people at Eagle Rock Entertainment and Eagle Vision, music lovers everywhere get to experience what is arguably one of the greatest moments in the history of both genres in the new DVD and DVD?CD release of “Muddy Waters & The Rolling Stones Live at the Checkerboard Lounge.”

Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, Junior Wells, Lefty Bizz and the Rolling Stones all came together in an impromptu show at the famed Checkerboard Club on November 22^nd, 1981.  The weather outside may have been cold.  But as it was documented in this new release, the energy of this one off mega show warmed the house and everyone in attendance.  The vibe is set from the very first notes of the piano led, ‘Sweet Little Angel.’  Pianist Lovie Lee shines not only on the keys, but vocally, too.  His talent shows through on ‘Flip Flop and Fly’, as well.  Muddy keeps the positive vibe set by Lee coming when he enters on ‘You Don’t Have to Go.’  And his chops on the guitar are unlike anything that any other guitarist did then or does today.   Things really get moving when Muddy coaxes Mick Jagger and his band mates Keith Richards and Ron Wood to come up and join in.  This is just one of many impromptu moments that make this show such fun.  Audiences will thrill at seeing Mick Jagger in his trademark “Chicken man” stance, hands on his hips, head stuck out.  He, Wood, and Richards show their love and respect for the blues while they play.  It’s proof of what makes the Rolling Stones one of the world’s most beloved bands.

Even when Muddy and Mick take a break, the energy is maintained by fellow bluesmen Buddy Guy, Junior Wells and Lefty Dizz.  The trio take over on ‘Got My Mojo Workin’ ‘, ‘Next Time You See Me’ and ‘One Eyed Woman’ before Muddy comes back up on ‘Clouds in My Heart.’

Audiences get one amazing show from the vault in this newly released concert.  It’s only made that much better with the addition of an audio portion in the bonus CD included in the double disc DVD/CD set.  This inclusion will allow audiences to listen to the show anywhere they go.  The audio transfer from the master tapes was seamless.  In short, the experience is just as grand on CD as it is on DVD.  All involved in bringing this show back to life on CD are to be commended.  The same should be said of those who dusted off the original video tapes of the show, and brought it back to life for DVD presentation.

Eagle Rock Entertainment and Eagle Vision have once more set the bar for live recordings with this latest release.  And while Muddy Waters and the Rolling Stones take top billing, it’s obvious that this performance is less about either one, and more about celebrating the power of music.  It joined two members of the same musical family for one special night.  What’s more it has given eagle Rock and Eagle Vision one more of the year’s very best live recordings. 

The single disc DVD and double disc DVD/CD set are both available in stores and online now.  Fans can order it online at http://www.eagle-rock.com.  There will also be a triple disc DVD/ 2-LP Vinyl release on September 11^th. 

To keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news, go to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it or its companion page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Reel-Reviews/381028148587141.  Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news at http://philspicks.wordpress.com.