Friday, October 26, 2007

Music DVDs

The latest releases reviewed

OASIS Lord Don't Slow Me Down Big Brother ***

You should know by now what makes Oasis tick; they were meat'n'veg more than 10 years ago and they're meat'n'veg now, albeit with a hugely successful back catalogue. Filmed during their year-long Don't Believe the Truth tour, this is equal parts well-made documentary and bird's-eye view of lary lads on a stag-night bender. The on-the-road sections are very funny; say what you will about the quality of the music, but there is always value to be had in witnessing the gruff wit of Noel Gallagher and the bleary-eyed dimness of baby brother Liam. Extras include an amusing commentary track and a bonus disc featuring smartly captured footage of an Oasis gig in Manchester - a reminder that when it comes to modern rock anthems, Oasis have quite a few.

STIFF LITTLE FINGERS Still Burning - The Story of Stiff Little Fingers Fremantle Media ***

Much maligned in their native Belfast for allowing an English journalist to help them out with lyrics for some of their early songs, Stiff Little Fingers have soldiered on for decades. Don Letts directs with a steady, assured hand and delves into the history of the band as told by founding members Jake Burns, Brian Falloon and Ali McMordie. Along the way Letts also catches up with Daily Mail journalist Gordon Ogilvie (the co-writer of those early firebrand songs), Belfast contempories Brian Young (of Rudi) and Greg Cowan (of The Outcasts), and admirers Steve Diggle (Buzzcocks) and Mike Peters (The Alarm). All in all, it's a good story told well of an Irish band whose influence can still be heard today. Extras include the 30th anniversary performance of SLF's debut album, Inflammable Material. And yes, the songs still rock. TONY CLAYTON-LEA