Rating: Summary: Great if you like gloomy music Review: I really didn't like this DVD. The music is very slow, and very depressing, and very uninteresting. I also don't believe that Mr. Gilmour's voice has held up very well. I think he chose a couple of songs which are clearly out of his vocal range such as the one with the French title. (However, he did sing well on about 5 of the selections.)The guitar work wasn't as bad, but his playing wasn't very expressive. It was almost like a dry run through and lacked emotion. I like much of his past work, but this DVD just doesn't do his talent justice. He is capable of much better.
Rating: Summary: Gilmour makes Good Review: Freed from the shackles of what Pink Floyd has become, David Gilmour sounds positively liberated on his new live DVD, David Gilmour in Concert. The years have snuck up on him, as it inevitably does to all of our heroes, but his voice is even more expressive now than it has ever been. He's actually becoming more like his long-estranged counterpart Roger Waters, and that's a good thing, a great thing in fact. They are both world-weary veterans having finally arrived at similar crossroads in their lives after drifting apart in their not-so-distant youth. Both men's voices are thinning, sometimes straining to reach notes. While Waters is still the bleeding-heart poet, and Gilmour still the guitar virtuoso, both seem tired of the bloated excesses of the rock n' roll machine that had welcomed them with open arms all those years ago, instead opting to embrace a more deconstructed approach to performing. Even moreso than Waters' latest hits tour, Gilmour has unearthed rarely performed gems and obscure covers, and has re-invented overplayed classics. The result is breathtaking. His take on Syd Barrett's seminal Terrapin is pure magic, and Dick Parry's sax solo on Shine On is a freeform revelation. It's this sense of experimentation that has been missing from Gilmour's repetoire since he and the Floyd recorded Dark Side. He's even managed to take his latter-day Floyd tunes into exciting new directions. Take High Hopes for example, what once sounded somewhat inflated and bombastic confined to its awkward Floyd-by-numbers construct, has now taken on a more stripped and organic flavor. Even his lyrics play better without the baggage of the brand name. It's also wonderful to see Richard Wright, playing Breakthrough from his own Broken China album, sounding relaxed and beautiful. Much of the beauty of the performances is in the rawness of the sound; often times you can hear each finger slide down the fret, each bend of the string. It's a clear and pristine recording to be sure, but it's not sterile and perfect, it's live, alive. Listening to the 5.1 surround, you could swear Gilmour is just feet away, acoustic guitar slung over his shoulder, entertaining guests at an intimate gathering. The bonus features are equally rewarding. Gilmour's cover of "Don't", the Leiber and Stoller song made classic by Elvis Presley, is heart-wrenchingly beautiful, and his rendering of Shakespeare's Sonnet 18, with Michael Kamen, is sublime. I was quite frankly shocked at how much I enjoyed this DVD. I've already played it more times than I've played Waters' excellent In The Flesh Live. I'd nearly forgotten how definitive Gilmour's guitar sound is, and how much I missed his voice. It's truly the sound of a wisened man with nothing to prove, a man no longer haunted by the ghost of Roger Waters. If this release is any indication of things to come, I will be waiting with just as much anticipation for Gilmour's next solo album as I am for Roger's, and praying for old friends to make amends.
Rating: Summary: Awesome Review: I got a European version of this DVD and am buying the US version now - it is stunning ! I first saw a teaser video on Apple's QuickTime website and was blown away ! I especially like the Shine On track and the Comfortably Numb (although I wish Bob Geldoff didn't need to read the lyrics:). Check out the teaser - this DVD is awesome !
Rating: Summary: A great DVD for Pink Floyd Fans Review: We have to thank a lot to David Gilmour for spending time in rewriting all these songs in accoustic versions. Can't tell how attractive may be this DVD for new listeners, but it is a great gift for many Pink Floyd fans. I must admit it is much softer than what I expected, but there was no dissapointment at all. The video starts with David Gilmour alone in the scenary with his guitar. After a brief jaming he plays SHINE ON YOU CRAZY DIAMOND with his acoustic guitar and little midi effects controlled by himself. I can't figure out how and when he realised/thought he could play this song alone. Spectacular. For the first time I was able to see him play the guitar solo of SOYCD part 6 (the begining of the second half). The other songs are great too, but as they are much easier to imagine how they will work out in an acoustic version I don't write about it. Obviously there are some songs I find boring, and there are lot of songs I wish were included, but the DVD is a 4 STAR. Another thing I liked a lot is that the crowd is heard clearly, but not enough to be anoying. Makes you feel you are in the concert. You can feel you are sharing emotional high points with them. Finaly, I hope this review helps you to take the right decision.
Rating: Summary: Still one of the best guitar players around! Review: I found this dvd of David Gilmour to be a vital addition to my floyd collection.David still plays and sings just as well as he ever has!If you are looking for a heart pounding high energy concert in this dvd you may be disapointed,but if you enjoy a very well played and layed back concert from one of the greatest guitar players,from one of the greatest bands,THAN YOU WILL LOVE THIS ONE!!The only reason I gave it 4 stars is because it left me wanting MORE!!as in another hour or two!
Rating: Summary: Echoes from the past Review: time is the utimate critic. what hit roll n roll songs of today will people be listening to 5 or 10 years from now. A couple of the songs off this DVD are 25-30 years old. Yes David has aged, as we all have, but his music is timeless. The focal point of Pink Floyd's conncert performances has always been David instrumentals. This DVD is a rock masterpiece.
Rating: Summary: David Gilmour and Richard Wright Break Through... Review: ...into a whole new kind of performance style. It was like the best of dreams, and I can say with full honesty that of all of the concerts I have seen Pink Floyd members give, this one heads my lists of the kind I would like to be in the audience for. I could see how happy everyone was, at that concert...there was a clear electricity in the air. To me, that can make or break a concert--whether the artists are *feeling* their work. It was very clear to me how much everyone was enjoying what they were doing. That's very important to me. I think there is something special about a smaller venue. I liked how the DVD showed comments to the audience, to emphasize that connection. Mr. Gilmour was enjoying himself greatly. I think his audience comments show that, in addition to the playing itself (which is definitely a product of passion). And his voice was excellent. This really showed on "Je Crois Entendre Encore". There are two other individuals who deserve to be mentioned in this respect. One is Bob Geldof. I couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm...note that funny dance at one point! All smiles...it's infectious! Plus, his singing wasn't too bad, either. And, of course, there is Mr. Wright. Someone told me, right after attending the concert in person, that he had *never* seemed so happy as he did then. It was obvious to me he felt wonderful performing "Breakthrough", and I'm sure the audience's very warm reception helped out. He was so animated it was an absolute joy to watch. I think the band responded to him; that song was so full of passion from all who performed it--and I'm sure this has something to do with the lead singer (same kind of effect that makes the difference between the two Comfortably Numb's). I noted on the lyrics that come with the DVD, that the lyric change Mr. Wright made is official. "You feel alive, your heart untied, and loved forevermore." I think, personally, that it suits the soaring nature of this version...perhaps "beatified" was appropriate for the languid voice of Sinead O'Connor, but not for the passionate singing of Rick Wright--that was so *alive* that I can't think of any better word choice for that moment. As if I had not already loved that album, based on this I would LOVE to see the whole of Rick Wright's Broken China performed in a similar sized venue--obviously it will need a little more on the technical side (and perhaps a bit more visually, given that the story does lend itself nicely to that), but I would think there'd be a way to keep it a small and intimate performance. Would be very nice. :-) I very much liked the new arrangements. In my opinion, the highlights were: Coming Back to Life, High Hopes, Comfortably Numb with Mr. Geldof, the second part of Shine On You Crazy Diamond, Smile, and Je Croix Entendre Encore. And, of course, the absolutely impeccable Breakthrough. I cannot explain it--to me, High Hopes became even more than the studio album or PULSE! That does not mean any version of that song is bad at all--in fact there is no bad version of it. I really do love the sound of the choir there and in Coming Back to Life (which takes a very cool gospel feel to it, and having sung in a similar choir myself, I really enjoyed it).That second part of SOYCD...that's just phenomenal, almost savage in the way it roars to life. "Smile"...I am very happy for the inclusion of lyrics. That's such a neat, simple song, and I hope its folksy simplicity is preserved going into the studio, because that's what I love so much about it. That's the kind of song that can get stuck in your head for days--and you do not wish to chase it out! ;-) Only a few "quibbles" to mention, and one of these is minor. One, on WYWH, I could hardly hear Mr. Gilmour's voice during the part where he sings with the guitar; that could perhaps have been mixed a bit louder. The second...I'm afraid I will be skipping the first Comfortably Numb with Robert Wyatt; I didn't care for the singing, and I don't think the musicians responded to him nearly as well as they did to Mr. Geldof, so this version lacked the energy the second one did. I wished the audience, during the first SOYCD, would've been quieter--that honestly struck me as rude, yelling out as often as they did. At one point, when the audience got loud, I saw Mr. Gilmour smile at their antics...but I'm sure it was also very frustrating. :-( So please note that, all you future concert goers...this doesn't mean to not show enthusiasm, but I think there are appropriate times for it. An example of good audience behavior would be "Breakthrough". Wild applause at the beginning, of course, which I am sure was much appreciated. Except for one yell as the music got started, they're pretty quiet during the song, which I think is the respectful thing to do. Here are a few non performance-related things that were interesting. I can't explain it exactly, but the colors on the stage are absolutely striking, and definitely inspired the menu art. Someone did a fantastic job with the lighting at RFH. I also thought the sound clips as you navigate the menus are just unearthly...very neat mixes and distortions. This is definitely a good DVD, all around, even with my "quibbles"--I was definitely not disappointed...FAR from it! Hats off to Mr. Gilmour and Company for this excellent production!
Rating: Summary: Delicate Sound of Dave Review: Aging guitar master of Pink Floyd puts on an acoustic show that leaves you wanting more. The set list included many of the fan favorites re-worked into a very intimate soft sound. His voice faulters a few times, and his guitar playing sometimes gets overshadowed by lofty expectations of his fans, but DON'T let that spoil anything for you. Go out and get this DVD. I enjoyed all of the songs. The "non-Floyd" songs add so much to this concert. Digital transfer was a bit grainy in spots, but the sound is GREAT. The Home Video and Spare Digits section is a great extra...Plus: Pink shows up to sing Comfortably Numb.
Rating: Summary: In a word, "Beautiful." Review: The appreciation of music is a highly subjective matter; what I might love, you can feel free to hate. But, in the age of "American Idol" (and the "mega-stars" who are the inspiration for those who seek the title), it's nice to see that real art has a staying power. This music is all about touch, from the craftsmanship of its performance to its grip on the heart strings of the listener. Ratings are meaningless, especially (I checked) when so many releases accrue 4.5 stars as an average. All I can say is that if you were ever a fan of David Gilmour's playing, there is absolutely nothing here to turn you away (gorgeous tone, as always) and he is accompanied by a BRILLIANT ensemble. This is simply one of the finest performances I have ever heard/seen (let's not forget the video production which is first rate). This is not Pink Floyd; this is a mature musician baring his soul (no Wall here) and, apparently, loving every second of it (as did I). I highly recommend this DVD and I am deeply grateful for its release. I shall never tire of it. Thanks Dave!
Rating: Summary: A MASTER AT WORK Review: No whistles or bells here - just pure talent. To watch and more importantly hear David Gilmour is absolute pleasure. I wish I was there.
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