MTV Unplugged - Bruce Springsteen in Concert
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DVD details
Actor: Bruce SpringsteenBrand: Sony
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown), Dolby Digital 5.1; English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 5.1
Format: AC-3, Color, Dolby, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 114 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2004-11-09
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Sony
DVD Reviews of MTV Unplugged - Bruce Springsteen in Concert
DVD Review: Can't Compete With an E-Street Show...Or the Other Boss DVDs
Summary: 3 Stars
Saying anything from The Man, Bruce Springsteen, is disapointing automaticly implies "disapointing" is a relative term. What is a dispointing effort from the Boss would generaly be the apex of many-a-lesser artists' careers. Also, Bruce usually has enough high points on even his lesser performances to elevate it above disapointing, no matter what the low points. While "Plugged" is no exception, it is still ultimately a disapointment.
Yes, most of the problem here is the fact that it is, at best, odd watching Bruce try to summon up his legendary energy with a different, lesser band; at worst it feels downright wrong.
Seeing Springsteen along side any other band would, and does, feel somewhat blasphimus, but along side this band, which includes a long-haired guitarist who looks like a Guns N' Roses reject and a lame chorus of doo-wop back-up vocalists, the whole thing feels more like a sin.
I understand artists wants to grow and try new things with new performers, but Springsteen's concerts and albums at this time were not indicative of someone growing. They were a step backwards - or at least in the wrong direction. It may not all be because the E-Street Band was absent, Bruce may have suffered this relative career lull with or without them at his side, but when you look at what was different at the time, what else can one place the blame on?
Now, BEFORE SOMEONE WRITES A REVIEW TRASHING THIS ONE AS NARROW-MINDED - DON'T GET ME WRONG! - keep in mind, when I say "wrong direction," the phrase, again, is relative. Maybe a better way to put it is 'vearing off the path for a moment.' I still have a lot of fondness for many songs from "Human Touch" and "Lucky Town" - I love "Human Touch," "Better Days," "Leap Of Faith," "Big Muddy," and "Lucky Town" - and this DVD has pleasurable moments to be sure ("Red Headed Woman" is a kick and it is the only place you can hear live cuts from the aformentioned albums, including the aformentioned songs), but neither of those albums, or this DVD, can rival anything including the E-Street Band.
This band is not bad. They seem quite good. But they don't fit. Maybe its because we are used to, and want to, see Bruce with E-Street - I'm sure that's a big part of it - but a big part is also the fact that Springsteen just doesn't look like he belongs with them no matter who he has played with before. They look as if they are from two different musical eras (Like seeing Bob Dylan on stage with Outkast - I hope I dind't just give anyone any crazy ideas because I see record execs constantly trying crazy sh*t like this ). They don't look alike, they don't play alike and worst of all, they don't seem comfortable with one another. All the effortless comradere of the E-Street Band is completely missing here and classic, genuine moments with E-Street - like three band members gathering around one mic - couldn't feel more forced and out of place here.
The Unplugged, sorry, "Plugged," setting is also a problem. Bruce is confined to a small stage, working a small room. Never a problem for him at an acoustic show, in fact, some of his sitdown performances with just a guitar or a piano rank with some of his best, but this is a plugged show in an unplugged setting. He can't realy cut loose, but he knows he's suposed to, so we get a Bruce-lite performance; an imitation of the real thing. Again, the effortless energy of other performances is lost in translation and everything else feels forced or tired. What book ends the concert, an acoustic "Red Headed Woman" for an opener and an acoustic "Thunder Road," are the best moments; and go figure since it is just Bruce with a guitar and the audience - the acoustic show that it feels like the whole show should be.
And lastly, none of this sounds as good as when it is performed with E-Street. I love Springsteen live. LOVE HIM! I don't just mean being at the concert, but I love the other two Live DVDs. I have only had Barcelona for a year and I have worn it out in spots. Many times I don't even watch, I just put it on with the surround sound while I'm doing whatever, like a live album (if you are wondering how I can say this while some reviews here imply that this DVD is better, I think they are refering to the audio, to which I say, go see my review of that DVD - I'm still dumbfounded by what some have said about the sound). If you need proof, just put 'em side by side. The chintzy-sounding "Atlantic City" on this DVD, or the thundering, emotionaly-charged version on the New York DVD? "Light Of Day" from New York is a funny and invigorating powerhouse! The version here feels like someone else's pale imitation. Granted, with both tracks, maybe they just aged better as he ironed out these obvious wrinkles over the years.
At any rate, of the DVDs, why get the one that feels like an imiation or a work in progess? Better yet, why get one that doesn't show Bruce in his true element with the best band? Not just his best band, but maybe the best backing band in rock history.
Now, I am a completist fan of Springsteen, so I enjoy having this item just as a collectable. And, again, I like a few of the performances here. I hate to sound too down on it. Think of it this way; I gave the New York and Barcelona DVDs 5-Stars. If I could have given them 15-Stars (or more) I would have. This one I'm giving 3. And that feels just about right.
Description of MTV Unplugged - Bruce Springsteen in Concert
Studio: Sony Music Release Date: 11/09/2004Pop Music CDs
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