Customer Reviews

Pietasters - Live at the 9:30 Club

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There are several problems with this DVD, which is already in my dust bin. First, let me assue that I am a Pietasters fan. Heck, at 51, I am probably one of ska's oldest fans.

The Pietasters are a definitive ska band with their constant backbeat on guitar and keyboards rockin reggae feel. Their albums and live shows are fun -- sort of a throwback to the party band you'd hire for your frraternity (or 50th birthday). However, I'll be the first to admit that from singer to last horn player, they are weaker musicians than many ska outfits, from Streetlight Manifesto and Mad Caddies, with their interesting horn arrangements, to the more bubble gum Reel Big Fish, with their tight arrangements and finely honed staged presence.

This DVD has two glaring problems: it exposes the weakness of the band when the sound is not "sweetened" in a studio (as most groups do), and worse of all, it sounds as though it was recorded on an old camcorder by your Uncle Louie. The look and sound are rather disappointing. If a band wants to showcase themselves, record off the main feed and mix it. Don't push onto the public a weak sounding DVD reminiscent of the pirate tapes people make in movie houses.

That said -- Pietaster fans will enjoy the side commentary. And maybe just maybe they were looking for the "home movie feel." But I suspect this release will cost them fans, not make new ones. They know how to do better -- as we can hear on their live CD's.

Still, if you are a fan of this band, which can never seem to get a break, buy this DVD as a way of showing support. It's also the only chance some will have to see them perform. I just hope they take one more stab at producing something at least as good as the average wedding tape.

I am a huge fan of The Pietasters and I was at the concert when this DVD was filmed. So, I will try to keep this review as unbiased as possible.

This DVD is awesome!!!!

At first, I was expecting it to be a straight-forward concert film. To my surprise, it was a lot more! Woven in-between the concert footage, are documentary snippets which give the viewer insight to how the band was formed, how they got their name, and many of the highs, and lows, of their 15 year existence.

The songs selected are fine. Some of my favorites were not selected. But the songs that were chosen are a true representation of their music and reflect each of the albums they've released. "Chain Reaction", "Malmo", and "Somebody" are some of the many highlights. Plus 2 songs with DJ Selah are included.

I was really impressed with the documentary snippets. These shorts allow each member to introduce themselves to the viewer, tell a little bit about the band's origin and remember bits of their colorful history. You share in their excitement over the opportunity to be James Brown's backing band as well as their heart-felt loss over the sudden death of Todd Eckheart in 2001.

If you know nothing about The Pietasters, this DVD is a great way to introduce yourself to their music and the band members themselves. If you are already a Pietasters fan, this DVD will not disappoint! It's like having a Pietasters show in your living room....without the spilled beer and crushing throngs of fans.


(Parents should be aware that some of the documentary footage contains adult themes that probably would not be appropriate for children under 13.)