The Blasters Live - Going Home

Starring:Blasters
Studio: Shout Factory
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
Virtually a Southern California institution since the 1970s, the Blasters may not have achieved the wider recognition enjoyed by fellow Angelenos X or Los Lobos, but these guys have always known how to rock--a basic truth that's evident from the moment they hit the stage in this 2003 concert. Billed as both a reunion and a farewell (although to hear them tell it, there may well be more of both in the future), the show finds the original quintet, led by battlin' brothers Phil (guitar, vocals) and Dave (lead guitar, songwriter) Alvin, charging through an 18-song set that showcases their blend of rockabilly, blues, R&B, and good ol' rock & roll. It's a rootsy sound perhaps best described simply as "American Music" (also the title of one of Dave Alvin's better-known songs); but whatever you call it, there's no denying that this is a high-energy, highly entertaining performance, which also features guest appearances by Sun Records rockabilly guitarist Sonny Burgess, bluesman Billy Boy Arnold, and members of doo-wop groups the Calvanes and the Medallions. Bonus materials include footage of the band in the early '80s and today (Phil Alvin and bassist John Bazz are still holding the fort). All in all, a rockin' good time. --Sam Graham
Description
The Blasters emerged from Los Angeles' rock scene in the late 1970s. Led by brothers Phil and Dave Alvin, their contemporary twist on America's not-so-distant past set new standards for American roots rock. Frequent shows with fellow Angelenos X helped earn the band legions of loyal fans whose numbers continue to grow.

In August 2003, the original members reunited (once again) with both Alvin brothers intact, to perform at The Galaxy Theatre in Santa Ana, California. In August 2003, the original members reunited (once again) with both Alvin brothers intact. Notorious for their raucous stage show, this DVD is the long overdue debut of The Blasters on film. The 19-track set finds the band in top form, showcasing such band staples as "Marie Marie," "Border Radio" and "I'm Shaking." Adding to the magic of the evening are guest spots by a few of the band's idols: Sun Records recording artist Sonny Burgess, harpist Billy Boy Arnold, and surviving members from doo-wop legends The Calvanes and The Medallions. The Blasters Live! Going Home documents the band nearly 25 years after its formation. They've never sounded - or looked - better.

Program:
1. Show Opening
2. Marie Marie
3. Real Rock Drive
4. Red Rose
5. So Long Baby, Goodbye
6. Trouble Bound
7. Don't Lie To Me
8. No Other Girl
9. Help You Dream
10. Have Mercy Baby
11. Crazy Baby
12. Border Radio
13. I'm Shakin'
14. Red Headed Woman
15. Sadie's Back In Town
16. Wandering Eye
17. I Ain't Got You
18. American Music
19. One Bad Stud

Amazon.com

Virtually a Southern California institution since the 1970s, the Blasters may not have achieved the wider recognition enjoyed by fellow Angelenos X or Los Lobos, but these guys have always known how to rock--a basic truth that's evident from the moment they hit the stage in this 2003 concert. Billed as both a reunion and a farewell (although to hear them tell it, there may well be more of both in the future), the show finds the original quintet, led by battlin' brothers Phil (guitar, vocals) and Dave (lead guitar, songwriter) Alvin, charging through an 18-song set that showcases their blend of rockabilly, blues, R&B, and good ol' rock & roll. It's a rootsy sound perhaps best described simply as "American Music" (also the title of one of Dave Alvin's better-known songs); but whatever you call it, there's no denying that this is a high-energy, highly entertaining performance, which also features guest appearances by Sun Records rockabilly guitarist Sonny Burgess, bluesman Billy Boy Arnold, and members of doo-wop groups the Calvanes and the Medallions. Bonus materials include footage of the band in the early '80s and today (Phil Alvin and bassist John Bazz are still holding the fort). All in all, a rockin' good time. --Sam Graham

Description

The Blasters emerged from Los Angeles' rock scene in the late 1970s. Led by brothers Phil and Dave Alvin, their contemporary twist on America's not-so-distant past set new standards for American roots rock. Frequent shows with fellow Angelenos X helped earn the band legions of loyal fans whose numbers continue to grow.

Customer Reviews:

Blasters Impressive.......2007-01-12

A welcome CD for Blaster fans.....The reunion sound is great to hear live....Sound quality is a B-.... but overall I am most pleased with the purchase....I like their new 4-11-44 even better........I hope they return to Denver soon.

Great concert DVD.......2007-01-05

Phil Alvin is in this reunion concert. I actually enjoy both Dave and Phil as solo artists but this is great old Blasters stuff

Live Video of a Great Live Band.......2004-08-03

I'll be honest right from the beginning, that I've been a Blasters fan for years. I was in high school when the Los Angeles punk movement was at its zenith. Seeing a band like X, Black Flag or the Minutemen was easy to do because shows were happening all the time.

The Blasters were a little different and proved why the punk movement at that time was so special. There truly was musical innovation going on at that time so that a blues/rockabilly/folk/country band could be on the same bill with a thrashing punk band.

The other difference with the Blasters is that they featured one of the great American songwriters in Dave Alvin. Dave has since left the Blasters and his brother Phil and earned a Grammy a few years ago for his folk CD In The Public Domain. Recently, as a bid to firmly establish and memorialize the Blasters' unique role in rock history, Dave rejoined the band for a limited tour and for the release of their compilation CD.

This DVD contains the band's most recent final show at the Galaxy Theater in Santa Ana. In short, a great show with special guests and a great example of why the Blasters were a great band that performed a number of incredible songs.

As a longtime fan of the band, I can't give this DVD five stars because of a couple of quibbles that shouldn't be a problem for casual fans. My first problem is that this live DVD and companion CD does not live up musically to the Trouble Bound CD that was recorded about a year earlier during another part of their touring. Trouble Bound was recorded at the House of Blues on the Sunset Strip and is one of the best live CDs of any band. Going Home is great too, but I only wish they would have filmed the show where Trouble Bound was recorded.

What is really great about this DVD is the other stuff that is thrown in with the performance. The interview with Dave rambles a bit but I enjoyed hearing from him. The video of the band in the 80's also provides the historical perspective that demonstrates why this was such a great band.

Great Band - but that guy's teeth...........Yikes!.......2004-06-17

These guys sure did put out some cool music. It's too bad they didn't seem to have a decent dental plan because it was much needed.

If you are a fan, you already know........2004-04-08

What a treasure this DVD is. If you are a Blasters fan, you already know that these guys are good. And you knew it twenty years ago. You propably hum the words to their songs while you are at work like I do. Worth the purchase price just to see and hear Dave Alvin play. Buy it and you will see what I mean.

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Vernascht!