Nomeansno/The Hanson Brothers: Would We Be...Live?

Rating:
Summary: It's about time!
Review: 25 years on, and at last the fans have a video document of the mighty Nomeansno in action... almost two hours long, and covering every album they've recorded outside of "Mama," this concert is exactly what NMN fans have been waiting for... high energy, amazing sound, incredible performance...

and if that wasn't enough, you've also got a full Hanson Bros. performance on here as well... a bit more ragged onstage than NMN, but still a very high energy performance of a bunch of their "puck rock" anthems...

My only complaint is that this DVD was recorded in 2002... I would have LOVED some footage from pre-91 with Andy Kerr on guitar... outside of that, though, this is easily the best concert DVD that I have purchased since, well, ever...

Rating:
Summary: It's about time!
Review: For the NoMeansNo fans who have seen them live, this DVD is like being at the show with the obvious exception that the sound experience will not be as powerful. For fans who may not get an opportunity to see them live, this DVD is an essential purchase.

The timing of this DVD release was perfect for me because I was getting withdrawal symptoms from their not playing a show in Toronto for about three years, and until they came for two nights in March, I was beginning to worry that they retired from playing altogether. (It's interesting to note that Rob turned 50 in March but he, John and whatever the guitarist's name is, easily blows away the so-called punk bands that are less than half their age)

The song selection on this DVD covers a decent array of their vast catalogue and of course the band, as always, is tight, intense and exhilarating.

All in all, the DVD reflects the band's no-frills approach. In other words, what you'll get is ordinary sound and cinematography, but that doesn't take anything away from the fact that NoMeansNo put on an incredible show.

Rating:
Summary: Long overdue...
Review: I was hoping they'd put out a retrospective of live material spanning the band's career, but instead what I got was two solid live sets from two phenomenal bands, canadian punk legends NoMeansNo and their hockey stick wielding alter-egos, the Hanson Brothers. Really great selection of songs from each band, some material I've never seen them do before during their live shows. Could make for a great way to introduce people to both of these bands, once you get them past the "whoa man, these dudes are old" feelings.

Only complaints, DVD menuing is sorta wonky and cheesy, and the photo gallery for the Hanson Brothers didn't work on my dvd player, but the way the songs are cut is into chapters is perfect and makes the whole thing very enjoyable, but I would have liked them to cut all of the hilarious on-stage talk and interaction from Johnny Hanson into their own chapters, it's great! Maybe some short interviews or backstage beer drinking footage too, but as it stands, the thing is worth every penny!