World Famous Comics: Jaz Coleman Killing Joke - XXV Gathering: The Band That Preys Together Stays Together
Jaz Coleman Killing Joke - XXV Gathering: The Band That Preys Together Stays Together
Starring: Jaz Coleman, Geordie Walker, Paul Raven, Ben Calvert (II), Nick Walker (IX) Directed By: Eugene O'Connor Average Rating: Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1 Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated) Binding: DVD Format: Color, Dolby, DVD-Video, Extra tracks, NTSC Label: Eagle Rock Ent Number of Items: 1 Region Code: 1 Release Date: November 01, 2005 Running Time: 124 minutes Theatrical Release Date: November 01, 2005
Description: Killing Joke need little introduction. Taking their name from a British phrase referring to an ironic or paradoxical situation or event, their brand of apocalyptic post punk and fiercely intense live shows fast established them as one of the most original bands to emerge from the UK in the late 70’s. Fronted by self confessed misanthropist Jaz Coleman, his influence, along with guitarist Geordie and bass players Youth and later Raven, can be found in bands such as Metallica, Marilyn Manson, Nine Inch Nails, Therapy?, Nirvana and many more.
Killing Joke - XXV Gathering: The Band That Preys Together Stays Together was filmed on their sold out 25th Anniversary show at the Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London and captures the band at their very best. Singer Coleman’s intense stage presence is unmatchable still after all these years while the titanic guitar sound of Geordie is awe-inspiring. Tracks like War Dance,Wait, Psyche and Song and Dance seem more relevant now than the day they were written, while opening track Communion is mesmerizing. Finally it’s now Killing Joke’s time.
Killing Joke- XXV Gathering: The Band That Preys Together Stays Together is the only DVD available from Killing Joke.
Tracklisting: 1) Communion 2) War Dance 3) Song and Dance 4) Primitive 5) Total Invasion 6) Blood Sport 7) Requiem 8) Asteroid 9) Wait 10) Whiteout 11) Psyche 12) Pandies 13) Complications 14) Sun Goes Down 15) Are You Receiving? 16) Love Like Blood 17) Pandemonium
Can't play I'm sure it's a great dvd but unfortunately I can't play it on my dvd recorder in Belgium. Is it exchangeable for a suitable version in europe ?Killing Joke - XXV Gathering: The Band That Preys Together Stays Together
Still have the goods This DVD gives a pretty good feel of a KJ show. Is it perfect? No, not exactly. I would prefer that Geordie's guitar was up in the mix a bit more, and there's a couple of tunes that I would exchange for others...but, overall, it's very well done.
A must have for any KJ fan.
Must have for any KJ fan OR lover of power music Absolutely one of the best performances, both of band and fans I have ever seen (and I've been to some great shows). The DVD includes all the favourites including a lot from the first album, but my favourite and a real rare treat, is to see them play their very first single - ARE YOU RECIEVING which just explodes with this version. SUPERB camerawork and editing, showing all band members in their glory. Their new drummer Ben, shines as great as original Big Paul which is a treat in itself.
Only thing that is a minus - and this is completely UNFORGIVABLE is the audio mix which reduces the great Geordies guitar to a whisper. If I didnt already know the songs, I would never hear the beauty of his playing as it is lost somewhere in the background of the mix. A new fan might just make out the basics, but the growling is lost and that was frustrating for me. No fault of the band - but whomever did the mix SHAME ON YOU!!!!
This is DJ Mont (from Kitchen Club Miami '80's) recommending this to all KJ lovers everywhere.
WHAT A SHOW !!! Shot at one of several sold-out nights of their 25th anniversary reunion gig at the Shepperds Bush Empire in `04, this is a hell of a dvd. The setlist covers all of their career focusing on the heavier songs; some early classics, some mid-period, and 2 from the second `03 S/T album. The concert itself clocks in at a vigorous 88¨+ but it's so good you'll swear your clock is broken coz it actually feels like 45' ! . It's shot in widescreen but owners of conventinal TV's (like myself) should not worry coz the aspect ratio is not filmic so black bars are not that restrictive. The stage is very narrow to accomodate the massive stack of output lateral speakers which are covered from sight by hanging drapes with the name of the band lit from behind. The shots of the audience are numerous and cleverly done . Editing is dynamic but not MTV jerky.
The band are very static throughout the concert except for Jaz's stacatto marching motion and other antics. His face is covered in the coolest makeup he's ever used and his long, curly hair is now flatenned against his neck for effect; he's in a plain pilot-like brown jumpsuit . His now hoarser voice is very low in the mix and this suits the current trend in this kind of music. Good move.
Geordie's guitar is not as high in the mix as it should but this flaw is corrected after the 2 first songs, although whoever mixed this panned it so a lot of the time it is irritatingly louder on the right channel ( as oppossed to KJ 2003 in which it was on the left side). Patience. He still uses a hollow body but gone are the Marshall amps and the sound is now exactly like on the last album.
Paul Raven's bass guitar rumbles as a virtual earthquake and young drummer Ben Calvert wished he could reach Paul Ferguson's heels. Patience again. He's a competent fill-in......if you can forget the past. The toms and bass drum have an amazing presence but the rest of the kit is somewhat lost in the mix, especially all of the cymbals. Pity.
A special mention for incredible keyboardist Nick Walker whose instrument, now higher and more prominent in the mix, gives KJ a yet more industrial feel.
This dvd has an incredibly high output level so even the tiniest of amps will be able to attain realistic volume level. A nice treat.
The stage is flooded in monochrome red light, which in this case has been given a pinkish hue so as to not develop the usual dot crawl video artifacts; it darkens the stage somewhat taking away some of the impact but contributing to the gloomy atmosphere. 5 stars for the show, 3 for the sound. A must have.
There's a 35'PRICELESS interview with Jaz as a bonus but I can't find the easter-egg for the bonus rehearsal and souncheck at the end of it. Bummer. If you want another KJ dvd, there's a gorgeous VHS transfer from a show filmed for german tv show Rockpalast at an american festival in `85, on which they presented their recent ¨ Night Time ¨record. That one is corker and better than this one in many an aspect.
True to form... The boys are back in motion and tighter than ever, it seems. The anger and frustration with the business of making MUSICK and "Getting it out there" seems to keep one of my favorite bands coming back for more. All hail Killing Joke! Without them modern music would have deep holes...
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