Customer Reviews

Dave Matthews Band - Listener Supported

5 star:		(96)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

For students of film, this is a remarkable example of how to build a concert video. I'm not sure I've ever seen concert footage which does a better job of reproducing the feeling of actually being there. It's accomplished by several clear means.

First, there's the very smart choice of venue. Matthews and company are performing here in the center of their audience. This theatre-in-the-round allows the camera free range from any direction. This is no static, three-camera set up, but a visual dance around the stadium. There are cameras all over the joint, and they are determined to be a part of the music as much as the band members themselves. Also, because there are people all around the performers, viewers get the sense that they actually are in the middle of an audience. Put this thing on Dolby Digital 5.1 and you will truly understand the meaning of "surround sound".

Second, there's the very nifty use of the DVD multiple-angle feature which allows you better access to whichever band member strikes your fancy most. This is an innovative use of the feature, which until now has largely seen use only in the porn industry. This freedom of choice over camera angle is yet another way in which you can approximate the live experience with the DVD, in that if you were there in real life you could crane your neck and see a band member from different angles. But it does real life one better in that some of the angles really wouldn't be available to you from a single location in the audience.

Finally, though, I think what comes across is how much fun the band is having. They are performing with obvious passion this particular evening. The level of appreciation the audience has for this musical emotion is equally infectious. The band is playing for the love of their audience, not the love of the potential revenues from the sale of the video. Long instrumental sections, indulgent riffs, teasing warm-ups to popular songs-these are all things that might have been sacrificed on the editing room floor with another group. But for this band they are obviously integral elements, and help tell the story of how the group engenders so much fierce loyalty amongst their fans.

If you're not a Dave Matthews fan, start here. Don't go with a music-only recording. This does a better job than any other thing the band has done of showcasing their talents. If you walk away from this unimpressed, nothing the band has will tickle your fancy. If you are a fan, get this immediately. It will only confirm what you've always known: South Africa's loss is America's clear gain.

[DVD NOTES: There are a few niggling problems which should be mentioned. One odd thing is that there aren't liner notes on the case, so you can't find particular tracks without going to the scene selection menu. A minor complaint, to be sure, but it's exceptionally odd that the DVD packaging gives you no clue as to the tracks performed. It's also unfortunate that such a stunning musical performance wasn't captured in DTS as well as Dolby 5.1. Also, a band interview, making-of-the-concert video, or maybe a history of the band documentary would've added considerable value to the whole package.]

"Listener Supported" Is a live show of their 9/11/99Performance In East Rutherford N.J. Dave Matthews Band and Other Guests Do a Remarkable job in this unbeliveable 18 song set list including Old Favorites like "Crash into me" and "Too Much". The show also includes awesome rare tunes like "Granny", "Long Black Veil", "#40", and violinist Boyd Tinsley's "True Reflections." The show also adds personal favorites of mine such as "The Stone", "Warehouse" and many others. The band not only does the tunes well, they have long jam sessions to add to the songs. Any Dave Matthews fan will absolutely love the show, and the show will certainly add even newer fans to the mix. Dave Matthews Band lives in my soul forever! Never Stop Jamming!

I was lucky enough to attend this concert in New Jersey and it was outstanding. The band just jammed and the video captures the best way to see dave, LIVE!. This is the first video out for the Dave Matthews Band and I hope to see more in the future.

I was hooked on the Dave Matthews Band about 5 years ago, and since then I've grown to be a HUGE fan. I believe their music is best presented in a live environment, that's why I feel that DMB in concert is one of the best shows on earth. The true power of the video comes in being able to watch all of the bands incredible musicians play. The CDs are great, but seeing these incredible musicians live is even better. I also enjoyed the set they played. "The Long Black Veil" and "The Stone" are awesome, and take the listener to another side of DMB. Being able to see the interaction among the band members is also something you don't get with the CD. The video delivers both a fantastic audio and visual package, and all listeners should be very supportive of DMB's effort.

The show starts out, the same as all other shows I've seen, with a "tip of the iceberg" opening jam that features all the usual members. The best thing about this show(and all other DMB shows)is there's not an act on stage. No fire. No motorcycles. Nothing but musicians and their instruments. You don't see a front man with a macho attitude in a leather jacket. Everything about this show and band is centered around the making of music. The members' musical emotions can easily be seen through their varous postures, dances, and stage orientation. The video and sound quality is unsurpassed by any DVD concert I've seen.

As a DMB fan, my only real complaint are the back up singers and keyboardest. They are not part of the original five. Although they are very talented musicians, I feel they would be better suited on a subway platform. Dave Matthews, Carter Beauford, Stefan Lessard, Boyd Tinsley and Leroi Moore do not need any help. They are that good! Boyd Tinsley plays the violin with accuracy and precision. Just to see him play any one of his many solos throughout the show will keep anyone watching. The rest of the band members are just as excitng and phenominal. Each of these musicians are good enough to lead their own(very successful)band, yet somehow they ended up in the same band. If you have never heard The Dave Matthews Band, do yourself a favor and listen to them. Anyone seeking to build a reputable DVD library should mark this one high on their list.

I went to the actual concert and the video is just as awesome. It was a great show and the energy is successfully captured in this video. Dave and the band are amazing and the crowd is really into it. I love watching the video because it reminds me so much of actually being at the concert.

Pinch me am I awake? DMB's Listener Supported is the BEST live recording of its genre. YOU ARE THERE! The Digital Video Disc production evolves beyond "just" great sights and sounds. For example, you can choose the viewing angles of band members. DVD technology helps make a wonderous concert more fun as you "play" along. Admittedly, Stay, Don't Drink the Water, Jimi Thing, Too Much, Crash...yada,yada,yada, kick whatever your choice of media playback. But be good to yourself, you deserve it: Get this DVD...it's the Darned Biggest Bang for the buck. Sweet dreams...!

Wow. This video shows Dave Matthews Band at their very best. Every song on that video is just a little sweeter and has a ton more energy than the albumn versions. DMB is in a musical catagory of their own. Wonderful editing, awesome boom shots, and a great crowd make this video a must have.

I have only seen Dave Matthews Band live once in London, which is such a pity because I belive there would be a big market for his music over here, anyways I saw him on video at woodstock which was great and when I heard that he will be doing a live Video I couldn't belive it, i recived it 2 days ago and it is absolutely superb, it is just a bit more mello than his usally stuff which is good for a change, I loved #41, All Along the.....and Two Step was the best for me, all i can say is go buy it you will not be dissapointed, you guys over in America are very luckly to get so many concerts, so this is the only way I can Experience such a great band is on video, enjoy

This band's consistency in churning out excellent music over the greater part of the past decade has only served to strengthen my appreciation for Dave, et al. Great picture, great 5.1 mix, great music, and you can tell from watching these guys at work that they have a blast doing their stuff.

My only gripe is the same as a couple of others', the camera, while not hyper, is a bit too active. I have a huge library of DVD titles and this is the one I have watched the most, it's like owning the complete Listener Supported CD in rich Dolby Digital sound and being able to watch it, all for CHEAPER than you would pay to buy the CD.

BTW, for those who think this isn't in 5.1, it is, it just defaults to stereo sound to make sure those who don't have a 5.1 setup can get the most out of it, too.