Dead Or Alive

Rating:
Summary: An Acquired but Worthwhile Taste
Review: For the uninitiated, Johnny Thunders and the Heartbreakers aren't everyone's cup of tea, or glass of beer. At his worst, John could be awful, looking and sounding like a wasted Ratso Rizzo. Watching or listening to him perform strung-out or, worse, stoned was voyeurism of the saddest and most guilt-inspiring kind, a witnessing of another human being's drug-induced self-destruction. John's addictions in time became a self-fulfilling freak show, a frequently tiresome routine and shtick, and as depressingly infamous as Iggy's self-mutilation during the legendary Stooges days. And yet, at his best, his music was magical and transcendent. His best songs are like finding nuggets of pure gold in a vast musical wasteland of sediment, particularly when one considers the truly insipid nature of what passes for rock music these days. Does this collection represent John and the boys at their most lucid, inspired best? Probably not, but it does include the greatest version of "So Alone" I've ever heard. Walter Lure's guitar has never sounded more hauntingly effective and Johnny's junkie stream-of-conscious monologue is chillingly-rendered and powerful. I loved the Dolls, and I loved the Heartbreakers, and I still do. John may be gone, but for those who appreciate the kind of visceral, vibrant music no one seems capable of making anymore, he will never be forgotten. A maudlin thought, perhaps, but true nonetheless.

Rating:
Summary: The best live Thunders video period
Review: I'm a huge Thunders fan, though I'll admit I came a bit late. I bought this DVD despite the mediocre reviews listed below. Man was I suprised. The quality is exceptional and Johnny actually performs about two-thirds of the show very well. The drink starts to get to him about half way through. Near the end he probably didn't even realize he was on stage. Of course, Walter Lure, Billy Rath and Jerry Nolan are top-notch. So give this a try. It's got a full video interview with thunders, before and after gig scenes, preview of a thunders doc, clips from a French flick thunders was in and more. A MUST HAVE!!!!!!

Rating:
Summary: Eight Large
Review: The Lyceum show of 1984 was supposed to be great. Think of it: the original Heartbreakers reunited.... But, no. Johnny, EVER Johnny, had to do it. He ordered eight double vodkas before the show. It is horrendous. It reeks. But I recommend it. Why? Because it's the Heartbreakers--Walter rolling his eyes in exasperation; Jerry in perfect, savage form; Billy, weird as always, and always on the right beat. The extranous stuff is fascinating to all who find such stuff interesting. Buy this if you love the Dolls and their heirs.

Rating:
Summary: Johnny is great, but this DVD isn't
Review: This DVD is mostly footage from a later concert in Paris. Johnny is sloppy (of course) and it seems that they went back in and overdubbed almost all of Johnny's guitar and vocal parts later. In my opinion this pretty much ruins the live feel of the video and it becomes more of a let's watch live footage while listening to a poorly synced studio recording. This is unfortunate because the moments when they leave the original sound alone are great. I love Johnny Thunders and I'm glad to have seen this video, but I would recommend renting it not buying it.

Rating:
Summary: Arguably The Best Johnny Thunders DVD Available...
Review: With so little quality Johnny Thunders live footage available (or any live footage for that matter), this dvd is a must have for any Johnny Thunders or New York Dolls Fan. The camera work is pretty good and the sound is suprisingly "borderline" excellent. Yes the dvd is less than an hour long, but at least Johnny is standing up & coherent through most of the set! This show has been released "ad nauseum" on cd under various titles both commercially and on bootlegs, but to see it live is really a treat for any fan of L.A.M.F. Again, a must have for any Thunder's fan so add to cart and don't worry about the cost. You will not be disappointed.