Rating: Summary: Oh My God Review: Terrific live performance by one of the genuine power-pop finest landmarks. Never be afraid of watching them in 2001, they really look and sound true, surprisingly young and fresh. The playing and singing reach the studio perfection looking effortless. Additional bonus are the astounding Moonesque drummer and the real gem guitar showcase... and almost no pauses between the songs. Essential.
Rating: Summary: The most underrated rock band in history! Review: The Knack, possibly the most underrated rock band in the history of the genre, look and sound incredible on this new live video and audio. Unfortunately tagged as "one hit wonders" by people who know very little about music, this band had 3 Top 40 hits and several other critically acclaimed releases and they're all represented here. Along with Knack staples such as "My Sharona" and "Baby Talks Dirty," awesome pop classics such as "Sweet Dreams," "Harder on You" and "Siamese Twins" are played to perfection. This is a great buy for anyone who wants to know what quality power pop is all about. Bands don't get much catchier nor more talented than The Knack and hopefully, with this release, people will get it again!
Rating: Summary: Serious Fun music, not for the overly serious Review: There seem to be a lot of so-called "experts" reviewing this DVD that A) didn't see the actual DVD, they saw it broadcast on satelite TV, which had extra interviews not on the DVD, B) don't "GET" the Knack and their attempt at recreating in a hokey way the shindig/hullaboo type TV shows of their childhood ala the beatles on Ed Sullivan COMPLETE with stark lighting and cheesy staging. This is typical, since many so-called 'critics' didn't 'get the knack' in the first place. The 1st album, including "my sharona", was a concept album written from the point of view of a 16 y/o boy. C) don't play an instrument and appreciate how hard it is to nail it perfectly, especially when singing! If all Doug Fieger needs is 10 seconds of dubbed corrections out of 13 or so songs, that's pretty impressive. To them, someone needs to say, "It was all done tongue in cheek, you guys! As a 16 y/o when that first knack album came out, I can attest to its accuracy in terms of what was important to and in the mindset of a 16 y/o in 1979. I did notice the OCCASIONAL synching problem with the vocals only, but from what I read most "live" concert videos do this, going back and fixing weak spots. Actually, on most, they overdub the lead guitar a lot too, and Berton Averre seems to be so good they didn't need to do this, at least not to a noticeable degree. Also, some of the video special effects (split screens, slow motion, etc) required re-snyching the video with the audio, so that might have caused some of the problems. Anyone who says the Knack can't play or sing or who leaves the impression this was some sort of lip-synched forgery is way off base. Their multi-platinum debut Album, GET THE KNACK, was recorded live in the studio with minor extra tracks for backing vocals and solos, etc, for just $18,000 in a few days. Try getting any modern era act to do that! They made their reputation playing clubs, these guys can play. I could have done without the awkward and overly brief Jimmy Lemonjello character as well, but it was no big deal. The lack of extra features or interviews was my biggest disappointment in this DVD. The guitar/bass mix was fine. Geez, it's live, not a studio recording. Most live acts are a thump of bass and a badly played guitar scratching in the background. I heard every note lead Guitarist Berton Averre played and could follow the bass line easily. Drummer "Holmes Jones" was fantastic, with a hard hitting, energetic style. I've never seen anyone twirl sticks in between beats and play at the same time like that! He looks like a mad Bethoveen at the piano. Other than a slightly too-fast riff on My Sharona, he was great. There are a lot of Knack haters out there, but then again there are a lot of pretentious people who see paint splashed on a canvas and call it modern art, so keep that in mind. Sometimes you just want to have fun listening to music. The Knack is all about having fun.
Rating: Summary: OUTSTANDING! Review: This group displayed genius in its day, and it's still great now! I cannot get "(She's So) Selfish" out of my head, and of course "My Sharona" and "Let Me Out" are also wonderful. This group was always at the top of the musicianship ladder, and all if its best material is on display here.
Rating: Summary: Why? Review: Why do they release things like this? The Knack in 2001? Good lord! There are about 10,000 preformances and videos than need to be on DVD more than this sad little exabition, even many KNACK circa 1979 Performences/Videos would be welcomed.
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