Dave Chapelle’s Block Party

Dave Chapelle’s Block Party

written by terri sapp

There are a few times in my life when something makes me say, “Damn, I wish I’d been there!”  Watching Dave Chapelle’s Block Party DVD made me want to delve into the world of time travel!  Anyone who ever watched Dave Chapelle on cable television, or on the movies, and laughed should head out to the video store immediately and rent or buy Dave Chapelle’s Block Party.  Especially if you like Hip-Hop music, you WILL NOT regret it.  I loved this DVD so much, I watched it twice in the time I had it.  Dave Chapelle’s comedy is not the only reason to catch this documentary style hip-hop comedy mix.  Among other reasons are, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Kanye West, Common, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Dead Prez, The Fugees, and the Roots acting as the house band!  I had no idea what I was in for when a friend popped this disc into the player. Continue reading

Green Day “Bullet in a Bible”

Green Day “Bullet in a Bible”

By terri sapp
 

Ever since I heard “Dookie” back in 1994, I have had a respect for Green Day that has been set in stone with their latest release, “Bullet in a Bible.”  This set comes with a fantastic live album, as well as a DVD with a video of the biggest Green Day tour, to date.  A total of over 130,000 Londoners were the luckiest to have been privy to the two in a row sold out shows that led to “Bullet in a Bible” in June 2005 at Milton Keynes National Bowl in England.  For sure, the peak of the tour in support of “American Idiot!”  Billie Joe Armstrong (lead vocals, guitar), Mike Dirnt (bass, vocals), and madman Tre’ Cool (drums, vocals) stepped up to the plate as one of the best punk/rock bands of our generation with this representation of their onstage energy and flawless talent.  Weather or not you have ever seen Green Day perform live, their production of “Bullet in a Bible” transcends the lack of intimacy that usually comes from watching live concert video recordings.  These guys have such a strong presence that they command their audience, even from the comfort of your living room couch or favorite chair. Continue reading

Tori Amos “Welcome to Sunny Florida”

Tori Amos “Welcome to Sunny Florida”

By: terri sapp
“Welcome to Sunny Florida” is a very special DVD, weather you are a Tori fanatic or just a fan.  Tori Amos has a quality about her that is mesmerizing, so if you have never seen her bring her “babies” (the way she refers to her songs) to life at the same time give an enormous Bosendorfer such an animated voice, you should check “Welcome to Sunny Florida” out, as it is a wonderful depiction of her immense talents and love of what she does.  Filmed at the final performance of Tori Amos’s “Scarlet’s Walk” tour at the Sound Advice Amphitheatre in West Palm Beach, Florida on September 4, 2003, “Welcome to Sunny Florida” was previewed for fans in Atlanta and San Francisco on May 12, 2004 (an example of Tori’s dedication to her fans) and released to the masses on May 18, 2004.  Having seen her performance the night before she recorded this DVD, and several other times on her extremely long Native American inspired “Scarlet’s Walk” journey, I can honestly say that this was a tour that deserved to be memorialized. Continue reading

311 Live in Concert New Orleans 3-11 Day, 2004

“311 Live in Concert New Orleans 3-11 Day 2004”

By terri sapp
Every year for the past few years, 311 has come together with their fans in New Orleans at the UNO Lakefront Arena to celebrate 311 Day, March 11.  The original idea was that they would play 3 hours and 11 minutes worth of the best 311 you could hope for.  That was fine and good at first, but this year, on March 11, 2004, these boys went above and beyond the call of duty, playing over four hours (64 songs to be exact) of some of (amazingly enough, not all) the best 311 songs of their time.  There are a few songs that I was surprised not to see on the DVD, and a few B-sides and rarities I couldn’t believe they played!

Nick Hexum (vocals and guitar), P-Nut (bass), SA Martinez (vocals and DJ), Chad Sexton (drums), and Tim Mahoney (guitar) have really topped themselves with this “311, Live in Concert” DVD.  Just when I thought they couldn’t do it any better, they finally give me my favorite song live (they haven’t played “Running” at all 40 of the shows I’ve attended!) along with 63 other wonderful live songs…AND on DVD!!!  If that weren’t enough, we even get a bit of the behind-the-scenes with the band and their fans, which is always more interesting when you put 311 fans at a general admission show with limited room on the front row. Continue reading

Tupac Resurrection In His Own Words

“Tupac Resurrection In His Own Words”

by terri sapp

The 2004 release of “Tupac Resurrection In His Own Words” marks a true heartfelt nod to one of the most intelligently powerful lyricists of all time.  Tupac, in his life, touched many people’s hearts through his words, music, rhymes, and his many characters, both on and off screen.  In his death, he has touched so many more with his overall message that will forever remain alive in those who truly understand it. This DVD captures the intensity surrounding Tupac Shakur by having his own voice speaking his own words all through.

From start to finish, “Resurrection” displays the raw emotion that encompasses its main character.  From start to finish, we are invited to experience the life and death of Tupac through photographs throughout his life and of his death; through videos of public appearances and home videos over the years; and through clips of his one of a kind artistic expression.  Having been born and raised a true Revolutionary by Revolutionaries, Tupac’s message has always remained strong, no matter what the topic. Continue reading