Roger Hodgson – Take The Long Way Home: Live In
Montreal (Eagle Vision DVD)
Picture:
C+ Sound: B- Extras: C+ Concert: B-
Though
some of their songs worked better than others, Supertramp was a better band
than many gave them credit for in their during their peak run (1975 – 1985) and
before they ended their run, lead singer Roger Hodgson left for a solo career
in 1983. He was and remains their voice
and on the new Take The Long Way Home:
Live In Montreal concert VDD from Eagle Vision, the voice is undiminished
for the most part.
The
concert covers the big hits, including:
1) Take The Long Way Home
2) Give A Little Bit
3) Lovers In The Wind
4) Hide In Your Shell
5) Oh Brother
6) The Logical Song
7) Easy Does It
8) Sister Moonshine
9) Love Is A Thousand Times
10) Breakfast In America
11) Don’t Leave Me Now
12) Dreamer
13) It’s Raining Again
14) School
15) Two Of Us
16) Give A Little Bit
Formed in
1969, the band eventually signed with A&M when they were known as one of
the most artist-friendly record labels around.
I am one of those who felt the earlier songs (Logical Song) were better than later hits (It’s Raining Again) which made them sound more like a weak 1980s
adult contemporary band than the kind of Rock band that made the genre exciting
to begin with. Still, Hodgson has an
infectious joy throughout his performance that makes this concert work
consistently, no matter the song. All
are live and well in his hands, reminding us of how far the record industry has
fallen when it comes to talent.
If you
like any of his songs with the band, you will want to give this concert a
chance. It is one of the few Rock legacy
artist releases that works.
The 1.78
X 1 digital High Definition image was shot in digital video, likely HD and has
some detail limits, part of which could come from the downtrade to DVD, but
otherwise cannot be evaluated until the title arrives in the HD formats. This would be very interesting in both. The DTS 5.1 mix just falls short of the best
DTS DVD concerts we’ve experienced, but is a good recording, with the Dolby Digital
5.1 and 2.0 mixes falling shorter in that order. Extras include bonus tracks Even In The Quietest Moments, Dreamer (with orchestra,) The Logical Song (excerpt with
orchestra) & Fool’s Overture
(excerpts with orchestra) plus stills, sound check piece, behind the scenes
interview, fans impressions and backstage pass piece. The DVD case has a nice if brief paper
pullout too.
- Nicholas Sheffo
