Customer Reviews

Saosin: Come Close (DVD/CD Combo) (Amaray)

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

 

 

I had been hoping for a Saosin concert DVD for some time now, and here it finally is. Unfortunately, this is not all I had hoped for, but I still do enjoy it. The sound quality is, to be polite, disappointing, and the performance quality, with the exception of drummer extraordinaire Alex Rodriquez is a bit raw. Harmonies are SOMETIMES beautiful and other times a little sour. The bass guitar is inaudible in all but a few of the songs. But despite these shortcomings, the incredible energy and musical originality of Saosin comes through. Rodriguez ties everything together with an incredible performance that alone is worth the price of this DVD.

As an old boomer who saw Hendrix and the Doors in person at their peaks, I have long had an appreciation for truly creative and musically talented bands. Saosin has restored my faith that such great bands can continue to appear. And, by the way, Morrison and Hendrix were pretty raw in person also!

i hate their new music but this compilation and show is awesome. biz part of this deal was perfect nothing overly positive or negative to report. as expected.

In my opinion the sound quality was good, I also really enjoyed the DVD, the way it was recorded and put together really puts you in the mood to rock out to it. The cool thing about this set is that there are songs on it that aren't recorded (in that way, and by Cove) anywhere else (3rd Measurement in C ..etc). I was very pleased. Go ahead. Buy it.

Saosin is one of the best upcoming bands out right now. I've seen them live before and they have so much energy. This dvd makes you feel like your right there. The camera angles are fantastic (wish they would have showed Alex more but still outstanding). This is a great set for old and new Saosin fans because they play songs from their LP and some old songs from the TTN EP. Overall a great DVD/CD for the big fans like myself or a great pickup for new and upcoming fans out there.

I must say, that I have really enjoyed the live DVD. The CD is a little short and is missing a few key songs from the concert, but the addition of "3rd Measurement in C" and "Mookies Last Christmas" on the CD were nice. The DVD includes songs that I had really only heard of, or had never heard Cove sing, and I am now a much bigger SAOSIN fan because of it. Songs like "Translating the Name" and "Lost Symphonies." This DVD has also made "I Can Tell..." my new favorite song by this band. If you are at all a SAOSIN fan, I would suggest you purchase the DVD and CD. If you are into old or new SAOSIN, there is a good mix or the old and new so it should be enjoyed by all.

Short review: Subpar sound, boring show, strictly for diehard fans.

Long review: I am a casual fan of this band. I have never seen them live. I am attracted to their raw energy, compelling guitar work, great drumming, and first rate vocals.
Unfortunately this recording doesn't really stack up to their studio work. My biggest complaint is that the vocals sound strained and overwhelmend by playing live. The worst track is the intro to Voices, where the "harmony" is waaaay off. Were the monitors broken that night? Did the lead singer forget how to breathe?
Also, the mix is pretty weird. It sounds really compressed. The guitars are soft and too distant and separated into the right and left channels, so overall the instruments don't sound like they are in the same room. The drums have a nice fat sound, at least (I am a drummer and love this guy's style) but are too loud. And do they have a bass player or not? I can't tell.
It sounds almost like the recording was pulled straight off the board and pressed to cd. Compare this with a live punk masterpiece like NoMeansNo's "Live and Cuddly" and you will see what I mean.

I was hoping the DVD would offer insight into the band member's personalities, and was really looking forward to checking it out. I was disappointed. It jumps straight into the show and, well, none of these guys talk. Ever. They certainly have loads of energy, and seem to be having a good time. But guys, it's ok to talk between songs. Really. Crack a joke, smile at one another, talk up the bartenders, have some beers, single out a hot chick, ANYTHING. The whole show feels quite scripted, though the video has a pro look to it at least. My wife summed it up best when she said it looks like a Tiger Beat video for a "Cute Guys in a Band" special.

I have a feeling this CD/DVD wasn't really intended for a casual fan like myself, but instead for someone (likely female and under the legal drinking age) with fond memories of seeing them live and wanting something to reminisce with.