Live In Lisbon (2005) Review by Karl Watson

Many BA fans rave about this DVD, and they’re right to do so, but there’s something about it that just doesn’t quite resonate with me, and I’m not sure why. Maybe it was because I was incredibly hung over the first time I watched it, which stifled its initial impact.

Or maybe it’s because the set list was the same set list BA had used for months that we all got bored of. After seeing shows like Earls Court ’05 where he started mixing the set lists up again, the Lisbon show doesn’t have the same edge as the more recent concerts. I reckon if they had left “Lonely Nights” on the DVD, the set would seem a lot better.

Another thing I felt the first time I watched it was the band, and BA in particular, seemed to be a bit nervous and on the edge, as if they were too aware that the show was being filmed to go on DVD for the rest of time. For example, during “Kids Wanna Rock” when BA misses the mark for coming in with “Turned on the radio…” (having said that, the guitar battle in it is quality!).

I was so excited that the DVD featured the upbeat version of “Heaven”, thinking I would finally have a great pro-recording of it. Unfortunately, it’s probably one of the worst versions I’ve heard. During Keith’s really chilled out solo (after “I’ll be standing there by you oh!”), the crowd try and clap along, but end up getting well out of time which completely spoils the mood. Then BA messes up the lyrics in the chorus. Then when the band kicks back in, BA comes straight in with the chorus again instead of letting the band jam for a bit like they normally do, which (to me) sounds nowhere near as good.

Also, Keith’s solo in “It’s Only Love” lacks a climax and I’ve heard him do a lot better, just listen to the solo from Madrid he did a couple of nights before hand.

Now I know this is really, really, REALLY nip-picking; but these little moments can make or break a good concert recording for me. As for the extras, the secret “When You’re Gone” bit is excellent, but the rest are pretty pointless. A couple of dull music videos and an interview that is far too much like hard work to watch.

The DVD is incredibly well shot and edited and if you watch one song by itself it looks simply fantastic, it’s a superb piece of filmmaking. However, as a complete concert, the super 8mm and 16mm footage becomes overkill, and it leaves you feeling detached from the concert. For me, an excellent concert DVD makes you feel like you’re there. The stylistic choices BA made for this DVD achieves the exact opposite of this, which is why for me, this DVD only gets 3 stars.

Key Tracks:
Kids Wanna Rock
The Only Thing That Looks Good On Me Is You

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