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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
37 of 37 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Musical History,
By Driza (Hull UK) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Old Grey Whistle Test - Volumes 1-3 Box Set [DVD] (DVD)
It's a concept that quite simply would not exist today-live band in studio with no audience no lighting, no stage show,just the band-but as an archive of how things were done so differently in terms of music and music programming,some of this is unmissable essential stuff.Take the Edgar winter clip for example.The brief was, turn up, plug in and the next ten minuites is yours-do what you will.So, he hung a huge keyboard around his neck, played that AND saxophone AND drums (even though he had a drummer)and created thejazz/rock/God alone knows monster that was "Frankenstein".Or Focus, who had hard rock and Finnish yodelling with seasonal wishes as a bonus.Every fan who watched marvelled at the prog rock madmen,everyone else who tuned in by default-parents mostly- stared in barely disguised bewilderment and asked what in the name of the Lord they were watching.It just wouldn't happen now in these days of corporate sponsored MTV rock, but then it was unique, a thing of beauty and occasional deliberate perversity,alienating and enthralling in equal measure. Live audiences,light shows even were added to the mix, but the sense of avant garde and risk taking continued.Highlights include magnificent performances of "Give my compliments to the chef" by the quite bonkers Sensational Alex Harvey band, Jesus and Mary Chain's "in the Hole" "Freebird (of course) and so many others. Top of the pile though, by a long long way-an absolutely incredible "Rosalita" by a young, hungry and not-quite-so -ego- bloated Bruce Springsteen and the E street band. What an unbelievably accomplished and fiery performance from a band on top of their -or anyone elses-game. I defy you not to be swept away by this.Meanwhile at the other end of the spectrum is John Otway and Wild Willy Barrett redefining minimalist on "Really Free"Or PIL's searing "Careering".OGWT broke Meatloaf in this country-forgive them if you must-and of course the legendary New York Dolls "mock rock" appearance has rightly gone down in history.This DVD is a MUST for music fans of every stripe. It is wondrous.Oh, and Robert Wyatts "Shipbuilding",and the Undertones, and the Jam, and...and...oohhh just own it. Please.
107 of 111 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Five star kicker,
By knowledeayton (Hereford, England) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Old Grey Whistle Test - Volumes 1-3 Box Set [DVD] (DVD)
The Old Grey Whistle Test began its 16-year televisual run in 1971, largely as a vehicle for assorted singer-songwriters and groups of hairy men with guitars. After Annie Nightingale replaced Bob Harris as presenter in 1978, the music of the prevailing post-punk / new wave era began to take centre stage, and during the 1980's Whistle Test then shifted its focus further towards 'chart' music.This box set brings together the three previously-released DVD volumes into one complete collection. The first volume was itself released on two discs; disc one concentrates on the period from 1971-78 and disc two on 1978-87. The remaining two volumes were single disc affairs that each covered Whistle Test's entire lifespan. If, like me, you were born in the 1970's or earlier, there's a fair chance you'll remember the programme to some degree, and if you're a fan of music from across the Whistle Test era, then there's an even greater chance you'll find a wealth of material here that's of interest to you. Of the aforementioned singer-songwriters, the late, great John Martyn (twice) and a very sweaty Bill Withers are standouts, while Dr Feelgood's appearance from '75 hints at the seismic musical shift that was soon to follow. The new era is ushered in by the likes of Talking Heads and Siouxsie And The Banshees, peaking with a performance from PiL which is so astonishing it practically defies description. Tubeway Army's arty electropop and The Specials' ska provide a segway of sorts to the more commercially-orientated Whistle Test of the 1980's, though The Jesus And Mary Chain's incendiary In A Hole from '85 proves that the programme continued to dip its toes into more alternative and outré waters on occasion. There's a lot more good stuff besides; in fact, pleasingly little is unwatchable, and some performances surprise. I've never been a fan of The Police or Supertramp, but until I watched this DVD I never appreciated that Can't Stand Losing You and Dreamer are actually...well...decent songs. And how tight (musically speaking) were the '73 vintage Fairport Convention? The extras aren't hugely bountiful, although the interviews have a curiosity value, and some of the chat from presenters and performers is interesting and insightful, if a little long-winded at times. Overall, an excellent package.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
OGWT Collection DVD,
By
This review is from: Old Grey Whistle Test - Volumes 1-3 Box Set [DVD] (DVD)
What a great few hours to reminisce, if you watched the OGWT first time around this DVD set contains some memorable moments, evoking the past again. If its new to you, it's well worth the price to understand the foundations of real music and how today's pop culture gained a footing with new bands like Roxy music & the advent of punk, from some sterling and magical moments of the early seventies bands, including a Thin Lizzy before the name and the Wailers before Bob took hold and Pete Tosh as on guitar. A great present for Granddad or Dad this year.
If there is a negative aspect for me it is that there are too many introductions by past presenters, where a few more sessions could have been included, Small introductions from Bob, Annie and the crew would have sufficed for me.
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