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IN THIS ISSUE:
DVD Review Jeremy Arth: The Bootlog True Experience: Friends of Ezra TTOY Hall of Fame BTE Impressions
Volume 2
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DVD REVIEW (CONT'D)
Recognize (Cont'd) And we’re off! The song kicks nicely into high gear. The addition of the Horns D’Amour (Mark Mullins on trombone and Eric Lucero on trumpet) give the song an added one-two punch. And as many message board posters have pointed out, you can actually hear Jim Payne’s rocking guitar in the mix. So often at a live show you can see him, but you can’t hear him. As for stage moves, Kevin does a little "slow motion" walk and a mid-song pirouette (when was the last time you saw that word in a rock review!). It’s frustrating for fans not to see and hear a cover of Depeche Mode’s "Personal Jesus" during the breakdown portion of the tune, but I’m sure there’s very good (financial) reasons why it’s not on there. Nevertheless, this moment does allows the camera a close-up of Jim "tickling the ivories." This is a view fans have sadly never seen before. As Travis crashes the cymbals, the song concludes with everyone in high gear. Misunderstood Why wasn’t this song a hit single? It’s a great rocking tune about (allegedly) a great rocking lady. This is BTE’s power pop at it’s best. Did you see how Tom slowly walks by the front of the drum kit and he and Travis exchange an "oh yeah!" look? They’re in the groove now. Later on he looks a little apprehensive, perhaps feeling the attention of the camera. It can’t be a comfortable feeling knowing there’s several cameras recording your every move for posterity! Nevertheless, he deftly manages the "finger point" before the bridge of the song.
Good The energy that this song brings to both the band and the crowd is unmistakable. It’s great how to the camera comes in and moves out over the crowd. Seeing the shots from the crowd area toward the stage, I’m also thinking I’d probably have blocked an entire camera if I had been present! |
Rolling After a "rock ending" for the previous song. Travis kicks immediately again into a steady beat. KG welcomes the crowd and gives some serious props to the "piano talents, the prowess of James Arthur Payne Junior and the drumming talents of Travis Aaron McNabb" as "Rolling" begins. "Uncle" Mike Keel also lends a hand on guitar. I must confess, I never liked "Rolling" as a purely guitar-oriented song. My opinion totally changed when it revealed its true self on "Closer" with cool keyboard parts and backing vocals by Toddy Walters. And this live version has the added bonus of the Horns D’Amour. I’ve never appreciated KG singing along with the guitar solo during the song, but the addition of the horns make that right this time around.
"Rolling" is another great tune from "Closer" that should have been a single. We can only hope that one day it gets its due even if it is only in a car commercial. Maybe when the Cadillac people stop using Led Zeppelin’s "Rock ‘n’ Roll?" Live Again Either way, it’s a fan favorite that demonstrates just about every aspect of the BTE live experience – e.g., mellow, thoughtful and rocking. KG is in fine voice, isn’t he? And how great is it to see Travis counting off the beats before he comes in. It’s cool how Kevin takes a moment to shake the hands of fans during the song too. And what can I say about Tom’s bass solo? As usual he does an outstanding job and seems carried away with the moment. Ode difference between the DVD and Live CD is that the delay effect on "Moonlight illuminates your stare" is amplified on the later, possibly reflecting the differences in the media. Allison Foley Get You In Extra Ordinary
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