Customer Reviews

Phantom Planet - Live at the Troubadour

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Not GREAT
Here's the deal with this DVD
If you've seen Phantom Planet live, this is just a vivid reminder of your experience, and a chance for you to rejoice. You can watch some of Alex's signature dance moves in "Big Brat" and his usual climb during "All Over Again."
If you've never seen Phantom Planet, this is a nice, cheaper than buying a ticket, way of deciding if they're your live cup of tea. You can listen to some of the new songs, and watch them play your old favorites live.

Because it's only ten bucks, I really don't have much against this DVD. It has more music than some of these new CDs out there for the same price.
Not many features... that'da been nice.
So would've keeping "Badd Business" on the DVD.
Okay, I'm outee.

...then don't get this. Opt instead for the newer 'Chicago, Chicagogoing, Chicagogone', which contains TWO full-length live shows and so much bonus material it's almost as if they're overcompensating for the scant offerings of 'Live at the Troubadour'. With the exception of 'The Guest', all songs performed on 'Troubadour' also appear on 'Chicago', often in tighter form, especially the newer songs.

However, upon revisiting 'Troubadour' after viewing 'Chicago', there is some merit to this earlier release, since it features Phantom Planet Mark II, i.e. before guitarist Jacques Brautbar quit to become a full-time photographer. As seen in the 'Chicago' DVD, the band chose not to fill his spot they did when drummer Jeff Conrad replaced Jason Schwartzman, so 'Troubadour' is a reminder of what they were like as a quintet. When you compare the two DVDs, you can really tell what Brautbar brought to the band's sound, which has been retooled to accomodate the four-man lineup on 'Chicago'. As a result, if you like their studio albums, then 'Troubadour' is a closer replica compared to 'Chicago'. But if paying for just six songs is too much for you, you could also get the CD version of this show from www.phantomplanetbootlegs.com , though it doesn't include 'California' (their signature song) like the namesake DVD does, oddly enough.

In a nutshell, the 'Live at the Troubadour' DVD is more suitable for hardcore fans only, or as a useful companion piece to the 'Chicago' DVD for anyone who wants to see how losing a major contributor to a band's sound doesn't have to spell the end.

I'm so happy! I have never been able to see Phantom Planet live so this was a great opportunity for me. The DVD is very professional and the sound is great! I enjoyed seeing the performers work in a real concert environment as opposed to being staged in a video. I loved the energy of the performers. Who can not love Jacques jumping up and down? I think they sounded absolutely fantastic. I like that the music is rocking harder and the new drummer was very good.

I think this DVD is pretty much a must-have for the type of Phantom Planet fan who likes to collect their stuff, which is initially why I bought it in the first place. With that being said, to be truthful, "Live at the Troubadour" is nothing extraordinary.

They sound fantastic live, but it just wasn't as exciting watching it on DVD as it was seeing them in person. The DVD doesn't seem to really capture the energy that I know this amazing band is more than capable of showing. There also aren't many extra features to enjoy besides a picture gallery. Despite this, I enjoyed all of the songs they played and the picture quality is good. It's not the best, but I would recommend it for anyone who is a big fan of the band or a Phantom Planet collector.

Songs included:
1. The Happy Ending
2. The Guest
3. California
4. Big Brat
5. Turn Smile Shift Repeat
6. The Meantime
7. All Over Again

Obviously, I haven't seen the DVD yet because it hasn't been released. However, I was at the show when it was filmed. Phantom Planet is an amazing live band, so this DVD is bound to rock. If you don't know who Phantom Planet is, you should. Buy the 2 albums they have out now and be sure to buy the new album when it comes out early next year. And definitely, check them out live if you haven't already. They are worth every penny.

The Guest is one of my favorite albums. It is excellent. This DVD is not. The band sounds awful, the singer is quite often out of tune, and the picture and sound quality is bad. Listen, I'm a huge fan of this band but this just is not worth $10. Pass on this and save your money for their next album!

i love them live. alex is really fun to watch. he's sexy and cool and an incredible performer. this dvd is definitely worth buying.