Rating: 
Summary: Pink Floyd Unplugged
Review: For Pink Floyd and David Gilmour fans out there, a note of caution: this concert has no lasers, no pyrotechnics, and no giant inflatable pigs. In fact, there's just David Gilmour, his acoustic guitar, and a few musicians. Nevertheless, the scaled down sound works for this selection of Pink Floyd songs, some covers, and a (surprisingly) few Dave Gilmour solo pieces. The additional performers - a cellist, an oboist, a small choir, and a pianist, among others - help lend a fresh feeling to the old Floyd standards, but it's the covers and solo pieces such as "Hushabye Mountain" and "Smile" that really shine. "Je Crois Entendre Encore," from a Bizet opera, and the Richard Wright song "Breakthrough" (featuring the artist himself on piano and vocals) are worth the price of the disc alone, but if you need more there are some good extras and bonus songs to add icing to the cake.
Rating: 
Summary: Coming back to life
Review: If David Gilmour's music had evidenced this kind of vision for the last decade and a half, he might have immunized himself from the scorn of those who thought Pink Floyd suffered a beheading when Roger Waters departed. Gilmour has absolutely reinvigorated many of these songs. Some are performed with substantially new arrangements for the very first time, no longer suffocated by Gilmour's almost military precision during Pink Floyd's last two tours. Gilmour even includes two songs from Syd Barrett's solo repertoire, "Terrapin" and "Dominoes," preserving their surreal playfulness without succumbing to the frustration and anxiety that pervade Barrett's own recordings. Most refreshing of all, Pink Floyd classics such as "Comfortably Numb," which has never sounded quite right without a united Floyd, finally bloom under the stewardship of a band capable of recapturing some elusive but essential qualities of the original recordings. This great song has suffered endless failed makeovers, including execrable vocals by Van Morrison in Berlin and Bruce Hornsby in Seville as well as Gilmour's soulless arrangement from 1984 to 1994 that sounds in retrospect not altogether unlike grunge metal. The versions on this DVD begin at a slow, sedate pace that should transfix listeners of such bands as the Grateful Dead and the Cowboy Junkies. Each features a different vocalist substituting for Roger Waters. I slightly favor Bob Geldof, whose starring role in The Wall film certainly bolsters his credibility here, but both successfully execute the hushed expressiveness that characterizes Waters' vocals. The atmosphere unravels as it was intended, fraught with trepidation in the beginning, anasthetized on a cushion of air when Gilmour's chorus melts the tension, and soaring above everything once Gilmour unleashes the greatest guitar solo ever played, which always sounds as though it wants to continue wailing forever.Other highlights of the performance that merit special comment include "Smile," debuting here, a beautiful new song similar in style to "Green is the Colour"; "Je Crois Entendre Encore," a serene but haunting Bizet aria; "Fat Old Sun," Gilmour's first performance of his 1970 composition since that era; and "Breakthrough," from Floyd keyboardist Rick Wright's underappreciated 1996 solo album, Broken China. Although Sinead O'Connor sang "Breakthrough" on the album, Wright appears here as a guest (to great applause) and performs the vocals with Gilmour's band. Accordingly, this is the only version of one of Wright's best songs that he actually sings himself. One should also take care not to neglect the special features the DVD offers in addition to the main performance. Even presented alone, they would stand among the most interesting artifacts in the Pink Floyd universe, and longtime fans should applaud the powers that be for finally realizing that these experiments and curios merit commercial release. The most interesting is the choral version of "High Hopes," where Gilmour brings his dozen background vocalists to the foreground and treats the audience to a haunting tone poem. Minimalism triumphs as the choral component alone proves more arresting than "High Hopes" itself, as beautifully chilling as the "Celestial Voices" part of Floyd's psychedelic melange, "A Saucerful of Secrets." Also included is William Shakespeare's Sonnet 18 ("Shall I compare thee to a summer's day? . . ."), sung by Gilmour to music by Michael Kamen, Gilmour's current pianist and an alumnus of Roger Waters' band (and also the man who paired Guns n' Roses and Metallica with the Philharmonic). Kamen's "lite FM"-style arrangement is almost muzak, exacerbated by accompanying imagery reminiscent of Japanese karaoke footage, but it's a nice song and an interesting companion to "Golden Hair," Syd Barrett's 1970 adaptation of a James Joyce poem.
Who can ignore the elephant in the living room of any Floyd solo project: What new evidence does this present in the ongoing inquisition into "Which one is Pink?" Gilmour's efforts on this DVD unquestionably make a stronger case for his role in crafting Pink Floyd's sound than does any other project since Waters' departure. The world tours he organized for the fractured Pink Floyd in 1987 and 1994, notwithstanding the awesome spectacle of the stadium shows, would not have sounded substantially different had the band simply left a greatest hits compilation playing on a turntable. Gilmour had seemed to reason that a less guarded performance would have betrayed the band's radical reconstitution and therefore elected to play it safe and assemble a glorified tribute band. Presently Gilmour proves more adventurous, and it pays off, as he demonstrates with "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" that he can interpret the song as authentically when he stands alone with his acoustic guitar (parts I-V) as when he performs it with a well-rehearsed band (parts VI-IX). Gilmour's new material, moreover, is tender and etheral, knit together by lead guitar parts woven with classical meticulousness and perfectly seasoned with background vocal harmonies, plodding percussion, and even Dick Parry's saxophone -- essential properties of Floyd's most characteristic albums. Suddenly it seems that Gilmour's signature on the Pink Floyd sound faded in direct proportion to the increasing responsibility he assumed in the group. When he played sole bandleader, he was barely there, and if that story seems familiar, it proves the timelessness of a certain album and the pertinence of its infinitely recurring question, "Isn't this where we came in?" Finally, in 2002, David Gilmour has come back to life, and with this concert appears to have broken through his own Wall.
Rating:
Summary: Better than I thought it would be!
Review: Acoustic Pink Floyd?! Is it worth it? To a large degree, yes. Gilmour plays a rather intimate show featuring some Floyd, some solo work, a couple of Syd Barrett's tunes, a cover or two or three, and a surprisingly good song from guest Richard Wright. Excellent 5.1 sound and a few bonus features. It may not satisfy all of the Pink Floyd fans chomping at the bit for "Pulse" to be released on DVD (AND JUST WHEN CAN WE EXPECT THAT?! GET ON THE BALL, WHOEVER YOU GUYS ARE!), but it is an interesting and satisfying consolation prize for the rest of us.
Rating:
Summary: A concert-full of Secrets...
Review: The main one of which is, who'd have thought that "Pink Floyd Unplugged" would sound so wonderful?! I've managed to get to numerous Floyd "Uber-Gigs" over the years in London, but this is one that I would've sold me-old-granny's-tin-leg for a ticket to!!! The highpoints? Too many to mention!!! But for me one of the stand-out tracks is "High Hopes;" this is an absolutely heart-breakingly beautiful rendition, complete with English Horn, Cello, and "Choir!" that just gets better with each viewing. Who'd have thought that Floyd's trademark bombast could sound so delicate?! Gilmour has a very tight band behind him, but it's his own obvious enjoyment of the performance that makes this something to savor. You can see it on the very first track, "Shine On You Crazy Diamond 1-5," as he smiles appreciatively when a couple of the more vocally enthusiastic members of the audience shout out their joy at hearing this unplugged version of the opening number. Later on he makes a crack about the boot-leggers cueing up their tape machines because he's going to play a new track, and when someone begs him to play something from "Animals," he jokes that they'll still be there long after "turfing-out time" if they do! And speaking of tracks from "Animals," Gilmour has often said that the reason they don't play them in concert is that they need Rog's particular brand of sneering vocals to do them justice. Well, I think they've found a replacement, in the slightly shambling figure of Sir Bob "Pink" Geldof, who does a great rendition of "Comfortably Numb." I've mentioned a couple of times that this is an "unplugged" gig, and it is, but Gilmour rewards us with some wonderful slide guitar, particularly on "Shine On You Crazy Diamond 6-8," and then allows himself to rock-out on the sublime "Comfortably Numb," with Sir Bob at his side. But this is not just about 'classic' Floyd, Gilmour pays homage to Syd with "Shine On..." and also plays "Terrapin" and "Dominoes," neither of which has probably been played at a Floyd gig for over 30 years... wonderful stuff! We also have Bizet's "Je Crois Entendre Encore," Richard Thompson's "Dimming of the Day," and a beautiful guest appearance by Rick Wright singing "Breakthrough" from his "Broken China" album. He gets quite a reception from the audience, and clearly enjoys every second he's up there in the spotlight. This is a wonderful concert, with Floyd's signature numbers stripped down and played with passion and delicacy in the relatively intimate atmosphere of London's Royal Festival Hall, more used to the hosting of classical or neo-classical concerts than the performance of a genuine Rock-God! Anyone who has even a passing liking of Pink Floyd, or anyone who is serious about rock music, should add this to their collection! As for the concert presentation itself... flawless! You get some fantastic views of the performances from multiple angles, but rarely see a camera operator on or around the stage. The lighting is subtle and perfectly compliments the scaled-down production... sorry, no lasers, "droids," or the famous circular screen! The DVD itself is exemplary; this is how a music DVD should be put together, from the animated menus, using assorted clips and sound fx, including the classic 4 note introduction to "Shine On..." to the option to view the concert with a Stereo or 5.1 soundtrack! The extras are wonderful, and my favorite is a "Home Movie" of Dave and the Choir practicing Bizet's "Je Crois Entendre Encore," and "Shine On..." At one point Dave and various members of the choir are discussing a particularly difficult transition within "Je Crois Entendre Encore," and in frustration Dave says they'll do it the way they have been, and "F*** Bizet!" And for the guitar technicians out there, there's a section called "Spare Digits," which are basically extreme close-ups of Dave's finger-work on 6 separate tracks! All in all a superb DVD, and one that I'm going to revisit often!!!
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic
Review: This was an awesome DVD of an awesome guitarist. It was cool to see him play him play some of the Pink Floyd songs. It was also cool to see him play some of the Syd Barret tunes. I wish he would have played some more of his solo stuff. The unplugged aspect of this DVD added to the affect because it did demonstrate that he can actually play. I was also happy to see him playing with Rick Wright on a song. The reason I gave this 4 stars is because it would be nice to see him and Roger Waters put their diffrences aside. I've seen "In the Flesh", I've been to the concerts three times. I also have bootlegs from The Radio KAOS and Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking tours. While the musicians that Roger Waters surrounds himself with are good (he even had Eric Clapton for Hitchhiking), David Gilmour demonstrates that only he is David Gilmour. I would be nice to see the four of them reunited and doing a concert like this.
Rating:
Summary: Hope he does more of these.
Review: This is a wonderful DVD to watch when you are alone in a quiet house with a beer. David's music heals the heart and soul. I've seen the Floyd live, on and off, since 1975, when I watched rows of chained "hippies" get whisked off to jail by L.A.'s Chief Ed Davis, at the L.A. sports arena. I've seen him play in Austria, in an airfield--oh the amazing stories I could tell about that concert. But anyway, I've always secretly wished Gilmore would play, "Fat Old Sun," live and now he finally has. (I love that song.) I loved his cover of Syd Barrett's songs as well. (Wouldn't it be great if Syd sang on David's next DVD?) There are so many other numbers I'd wish he'd do at such shows in the future. I hope he does more DVD's like this one. And Mr. Gilmour--if you ever read this--I hope you do "Granchester Meadows," the beginning of "The Narrow Way" and I hope you do that wonderful, but neglected gem, "I can't breathe anymore," Syd Barrett's "Golden Hair," and lots more things like Sonnet 18 (what an incredible surprise). Who needs Roger Waters, when you can co write songs with Shakespeare as your lyricist? A big thankyou again to David Gilmour for this wonderful music.
Rating:
Summary: PURE GILMOUR
Review: I completely enjoyed David Gilmour's latest release DVD and I enjoyed seeing the reclusive, aging legend perform again. Fellow musicians know that Gilmour's talent is legendary and this DVD reaffirms that although his vocal range may not be quite as strong as it once was (he is in his 50's afterall!), he is still very capable on guitar. The intimate, unplugged setting is a refreshing contrast to the ambitious Pink Floyd productions that we all enjoyed over the years. This DVD allows unfettered access into Gilmour's sense of timing, melody, tone, range and restraint while exploring different songs and music. This is a "must see" for all serious music aficionados and especially for Pink Floyd fans who enjoy pure talent and variety.
Rating:
Summary: Beyond Excellent. Loved the anamorphic aspect ratio
Review: Different, but outstanding nonetheless. This is simply great music performed by a legend and a group of excellent musicians. The versions of old (and not so old) classics are performed in an "Unplugged" fashion that enhances the essence of each composition. I could not have enjoyed this concert more. However, my only complain is that it was to short (that is why I rated it 4 stars instead of 5).....it seems to be a compilation of songs from a much larger set. Don't be put by this though, this is a fantastic concert DVD. The sound is fantastic and the widescreen anamorphic image is detailed and full of color. I wholeheartedly congratulate the person, or persons that decided to release this DVD in widescreen anamorphic, nowadays, it is the only way to go. Thank you.
Rating:
Summary: A new sound to the old classics
Review: This DVD is amazing. Classic songs reworked into a more intimate setting. For that review that said this doesnt sound like Pink Floyd, ITS NOT SUPPOSED TO! ITS DAVID GILMOUR!
The music on this dvd is mature, very moving and emotional. The Floyd material is worked into such an amazing setting. If hearing PF with upright bass and a cello isnt interesting, then I dont know what is.
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful DVD for any true music fan!!!!
Review: David Gilmour's new DVD is absolutely amazing. The music is performed beautifully. Even though there's not the flash and spectacle of the typical Pink Floyd concert, Dave proves that the music can hold its own. I can't stop watching it. You even get to see Rick Wright join in with the band for a couple of songs, something every Pink Floyd loves to see. I especially enjoy the extras that come on the dvd. They give fans a glimpse into the life of David Gilmour, something that He has usually kept to himself. There are scenes of his house boat Astoria while he sings Shakespeare's Sonnet 18, and I think that is my favorite part of the dvd. It's absolutely breathtaking. The music, Dave's voice, and the scenery create an almost dream like experience. I would urge any true music fan to buy this dvd. It should be an essential item in everyone's dvd collection. A must have.
|
