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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Pure Perfection, July 11, 2004
When I heard about Placebo Soulmates Never Die Live in Paris, Placebo's first musical DVD, around the time of Easter 2004, I was absolutely pumped because in my opinion, Placebo is the greatest band to come out since the Pixies and Sonic Youth. I waited and waited for this mind-blowing DVD featuring the sexiest boys in rock n' roll, Brian Molko, Stefan Olsdal,and Steve Hewitt(along with Bill and Xavior, two awsome guys who help Placebo out) to come out in the US. Finally, on June 29, 2004, my wishes were granted, with the help of Amazon because I live in Hick Town USA, and nobody knows who Placebo is. Let me just say this was one of the best things I've spent $17.38 on. IF YOU ARE A PLACEBO FAN YOU MUST GET THIS DVD because it is truly spectacular.
It starts off with the sexy boys of Placebo backstage, warming up, drinking, smoking, and taking pictures. After a group hug and scream, the guys and 16,000 adoring fans in the audience are finally ready to rock n' roll.
The opening song, "Bullet Proof," a song that is entirely instrumental, sets the mood for the night in three words: marvelous, incredible, and perfection. Each song, ones ranging from old Placebo classics, to "Without You I'm Nothing"'s heart-wrenching love diary entries, to rocking "Black Market Music" to their newest stuff on "Sleeping With Ghosts" is absolutely perfect.
TRACK LISTING:
1. Bullet Proof
2. Allergic
3. Every You Every Me
4. Bionic
5. Protege Moi
6. Plasticine
7. Bitter End
8. Soulmates
9. Black-Eyed
10. I'll Be Yours
11. Special Needs
12. English Summer Rain
13. Without You I'm Nothing
14. This Picture
15. Special K
16. Taste In Men
17. Slave To Wage
18. Peeping Tom
19. Pure Morning
20. Centerfolds
21. Where Is My Mind? (Featuring Frank Black of the Pixies)
Like I said each song is perfect...but different. Brian Molko's voice sounds a bit different from the CD recordings. It's not as androgynous as it used to be, but it's still great. Also, along with Brian's voice, the songs are different from the recordings, especially in "Every You Every Me." The song lyrics are changed in some songs, cortiousy of Mr. Molko. Example: "Damn the government, damn their killings, damn their lies" to "Well f*** the government, yeah f*** their killings, f*** their lies." This happens a couple of times throughout the concert, but who cares? They are Placebo, they can do anything they want. But if you are easily offended (and if you are I don't know why you are listening to Placebo in the first place...?) the back of the DVD case warns you, "This programme contains strong language and material that may cause offence. Parental Guidance is recommended." This might also refer to the images flashed on the screen behind the guys during songs such as "This Picture" and "Centerfolds." A bit of nudity, but it should be viewed as art.
In between songs, Brian and Stef talk to the crowd a bit and it's mostly all in French. I guess this kind of sucks for people who don't speak French like myself, but oh well, they are in Paris.
As you are watching the concert, you can really tell Placebo loves their fans and their fans love them. Stefan gets some lovin' in "Taste in Men" when a beloved male fan finds himself on stage hugging and dancing with Stefan, but is then taken off the stage by security guards. Best part of all of this is watching Brian crack up watching the whole thing.
The guys, Brian, Stefan, and Steve end the show with a smashing rendition of "Where Is My Mind?" A song originally by the Pixies off their amazing "Surfer Rosa" album, which everyone should own. On stage along with the guys is none of than Frank Black, the Pixies front man.
When the concert part of the DVD ends, you feel like you are going to scream from the elation the music has given you. If you shut your blinds, turn off all you lights, turn the stereo on full blast, and sit in your best chair, as I did, you can actually get an idea of what it's like going to a Placebo concert. It's truly an amazing escapade.
After you finish watching the concert you can watch the documentary, which is great. It shows the guys going to different places are the world like Seattle, Las Vegas, and Mexico. You listen to interviews, watch Stefan do his "gay dance," listen to Stefan tell funny stories about the cut under his eye, watch Brain's version of "The Blair Witch Project," the guys signing autographs, Brian showing a tour of his "crib", which made me crack up so hard, and much much much more. It's very funny, and fun to watch.
(...)
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
one of the best dvds i own, August 19, 2004
this is truly a spectacular live dvd that every placebo fan should own. forget any complaints about the editing. sure it's quick and there aren't long substantiated shots, but the editing captures the excitement of the live performance, the excitement of being there. i don't know about anyone else, but when i see a band i love live, it's definitely a thrilling experience, my heart is racing, my eyes are trying to take in everything that is going on around me, in front of me. it's certainly not a stand still moment. if the shots were to just focus on the band, i think i'd get bored and it would feel too contrived.
the views of the crowd only enhances the feeling that this is real and do not over power shots of the band, instead complementing it, showing the exchange between the two and highlighting placebo's brilliance.
the film's "effects" shots done in what may remind some of a subpar .avi, a switch to black and white, etc. and the blend between the visuals playing behind the band work very well. the production itself displays visual artistry as the band shows off its musical artistry- and that in itself is amazing.
placebo is definitely a band that shines live. every song sounded amplified, more powerful and passionate. and when it's all over (if you're like me and keep missing their concerts when they come to town) you're going to want to make sure you see them live.
as for the documentary, it wasn't too long in my opinion, and in any case it's quite amusing, so are the easter eggs. if you're complaining about not getting enough shots of the boys and want to drool over brian molko, well here ya go.
this is a beautiful dvd that i will treasure forever and will surely satisfy every fan. unfortunately i don't think the case will last forever- my only issue with this dvd. the case is too flimsy and is already showing wear (i bought it 6 days ago)
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Soulmates Never Die, August 6, 2004
I will say upfront that I really like this band, as well as this DVD. The show it was pulled from, in Paris France, is an electric one, and a great one, where the band sounds better than they probably ever had. The set list draws well from all four of the studio albums as well as an awesome cover of the Pixies "Where Is My Mind?" with the man Frank Black himself. And they even change a few of the songs("Every me, Every You", "Sleeping With Ghosts") with excellent results. So I strongly recomomend if you are a Placebo fan to get this. Even if you are not, this serves as an excellent introduction to a great, underrated band.
The problem I had with this DVD was the super quick editing. For the first few songs in particular, the editor seems very chop happy, never leaving the camera to linger on the band for then a few seconds at a time. This is bothersome because it takes you out of the performance for moments at a time, leaving you to focus on things you probably wouldn't if you were at a show. Yes, the director did a very good job with camera shots, but we don't need to see every shot he did in the course of one song.
But after a few songs, it calms down(or maybe you jsut get used to it), and you can enjoy it as a fine performance video of a band at their peak.
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