by donald dusinberre imartsyfartsy@gmail.com
As we all know, J, Lou, and Murph have all promised to play nice and say they’re sorry to each other. Surprising as that was, Dinosaur Jr. has now released a live DVD of their reunion, which is not so surprising. Obviously, we expect to be presented with a batch of new products when a band reunites. What is most interesting about this DVD is how clearly it reveals the band’s outlook and stays true to their same old (and new) style.
If you haven’t had the chance to see their live show recently (or ever), this DVD will get you as close to being there as possible. I’ve seen their live show twice since their reunion, and they look just as fat and old in the DVD as they did from the pit. But don’t worry, Dinosaur Jr. has never been about looks. People go to their shows to witness, not examine. Live in the Middle East gives us an accurate look at the band and shows us that, despite their physical appearance, they have lost nothing to the passage of time. Murph pounds the drums with as much muscle as ever, and Lou continues to look like his old apathetic self. It’s a little creepy to see J’s long, shaggy silver hair bounce back and forth just like Ted Nugent, but we can clearly hear how much fun he is having with those solos.
The video production is clean and simple. With a few cameras mounted around the stage, they capture Dinosaur Jr’s live set just as you’d see it in person. Any flashiness comes solely from the stage lights, which drench the band in green and purple. In comparison to live DVDs released by other groups, its near-amateur quality is annoying at first. They’ve got enough cash and support to put out a huge-budget DVD, but all we get is stripped down production. After a few songs, however, it quickly becomes apparent that we get all we need. The footage is presented true to Dinosaur’s form and style. Other than their music, Dinosaur Jr. has never pulled off anything slick, and Live in the Middle East wouldn’t be as good if it were.
The DVD features 18 songs from Dinosaur Jr’s first three albums, which are presented energetically and with no sense of boredom. It’s always disappointing to see a group slog through their old songs, but all three members seem to get a kick out of playing them again. Funny highlights include a few stage appearances by an ugly but lovable mascot monster. It reminds us that the old days are not over, and the band clearly doesn’t think they are either.
In addition to the songs, the DVD also includes an interview section with appearances by Kim Gordon, Mike Watt, Matt Dillon, Thurston Moore, and Kevin Shields. It’s a little boring and fakey, but if you’re a fan, you’ll most likely watch it. For that matter, I suppose we’ll watch anything else that comes on the disc at least once, no matter how stupid it is. Besides, who doesn’t want to hear what Kevin Shields has to say?
Casual fans might enjoy owning Live in the Middle East if they are also a fan of owning DVDs. Rabid fans who can’t remember being at the actual concert might also enjoy owning this DVD, if only to help them recall what they’ve already seen.
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EU Critic’s Choice Awards
