Best. Concert. Ever. [Audio CD/DVD]

Jonathan Coulton | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 30, 2009)
• Original Release Date: 2009
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: What Are Records
• ASIN: B0029WGIV2
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #60,199 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tossing Around Superlatives, June 30, 2009

By 

Danny Smolenski (Northridge, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Best. Concert. Ever. [Audio CD/DVD] (Audio CD)

Warning: Wordy, But Heartfelt Review Ahead...

Being recently introduced to the Jonathan Coulton phenomenon, I watched the concert on this DVD unfold with a mixture of exhilaration and despair. Despair? I'll explain.

The exhilaration came because within less than a month after discovering his music this past spring through a friend of mine, I learned that he was giving a concert here in L.A. I grabbed a ticket and found myself on the evening of the concert seated smack in the middle of the third row. I have never had so much fun at a concert in my life. (Name dropping: Felicia Day and Sandeep Parikh of The Guild and Al Yankovic were in the audience, and Wil Wheaton introduced the concert - the perks of living in L.A.) And then to find that he had a concert DVD that had just (and I mean *just*) become available and they were being sold in the lobby? I snapped one up (along with a Mandelbrot Set fractal t-shirt, but not a Skullcrusher Mountain one, curse the luck - they ran out of my size).

Watching the DVD confirmed that my live experience was not a fluke. Jonathan Coulton is gifted on every level - as a composer, lyricist, musician, singer, performer, entertainer, you name it. His tunes are the kind that you just can't get out of your head, in the good way. His lyrics are brilliantly written. His wistful guitar, warm voice and shy, yet sly, persona add up a throughly engaging presence, both on his recordings and in person. He has an easy intimacy on stage that clearly comes through on video, and if you get the chance to meet him and talk with him face to face, you can tell it's the real deal.

I have been proselytizing to everyone I can about Jonathan Coulton, in part for the many reasons I have mentioned, but also to give my support to a man who did what most of us only dream of doing. He quit his day job to follow his dream, to do what he was "supposed to do" as he puts it, and found success in doing so. More power to him, and to anyone who takes the same chance.

**Which leads to the ultimate point of writing any glowing review: BUY THIS NOW! Seriously. You will *not* regret it. You get the DVD of the concert loaded with extras including a full commentary and extra audience-filmed footage, PLUS the CD of the concert as well. If you only know the "album" versions, many of the songs are done in new ways that give you fresh takes on things you thought you already knew.

So don't think about it anymore, just buy it. Then you can watch it, come back here, read this all again and think to yourself "Wow, he was *so* on the money."

Oh, and where does the despair come in? The fact that I live in L.A, and this concert was filmed in San Francisco more than a year before I had ever heard of Jonathan Coulton. I dearly wish I had been able to be there. It's plain to see that everyone in the audience and on stage is having a ball, and that it was definitely a very special night and an experience to treasure for the lucky few that were there.

And there was cake.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars amazing, June 30, 2009

By 

Debra Pollack - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Best. Concert. Ever. [Audio CD/DVD] (Audio CD)

I saw Jonathan Coulton in concert this spring in NYC, and this DVD/CD set truly captures his inventive, witty and beautiful songs, and his wonderfully loyal and creative fans' reactions and participation. He is a troubadour for our time. I can't get his songs out of my head, they haunt me, and I find myself quoting them--and friends, young and old can appreciate his music--there are songs for every taste, every level of sophistication. Buy it--you'll love it!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best - Concert - Ever , yes it was!!, June 30, 2009

By 

J. Pitta (Bay Area, CA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Best. Concert. Ever. [Audio CD/DVD] (Audio CD)

This was an amazing show to be at and I loved watching it again!
I was able to be at the filming for this concert in SF and there was no way they could pack it all into one DVD. All of the best moments are here and you can feel the excitement of the crowd. Long live Andy Bates!!!

The production of the DVD was great. I enjoyed the bonus material and seeing some behind the scenes things. It was fun to see all of the crowd shots, alternate versions of things and funny inside jokes. The audio was great and it totally different then what you can download from Jonathan Coulton.

If you were at the show I am sure you already pre-ordered the DVD and have watched it by now. If you were not at the show GET IT NOW!!! If you have ever seen or had JOCO this will exceed your expectations. It is a must buy for any fan.

For people who are not fans, never heard of JOCO, maybe heard a few songs - this is a great way to get introduced to it. After watching this you will be marking your calendar for the next show in your area.