Live at Montreux 2005

Quite good - another good Montreux release
The "Live at Montreux" dvd/blu-ray series, which has already given us several outstanding releases, racks up another one with a 2005 Patti Smith performance. Given that there's not a whole lot of Patti official dvd concert material available, this one is most welcome. Really good band (her core band of Lenny, Jay Dee, and Tony Shanahan plus Tom Verlaine) and there are some choice cuts here (for me, i liked the two "Horses" tunes plus "25th Floor") - the sound on this release (5.1) was particularly sharp and really sounded great on my system. No hesitation to recommend if you're a Patti fan.

Thirty Years after "Horses," Still a Phenomenon
This is the best Smith concert DVD that I have seen. Unlike the Live in France DVD, which featured compelling performances but problematic video production, this is a professionally crafted product with no discernible flaws. Smith's performance is that of a mature artist who is in command of her material. Her articulation is finely honed and the band is tight. This DVD offers fine performances of a number of Smith favorites. The fervor of the France DVD is not recapitulated here, but this is a different venue with a smaller, though nonethelesss appreciative audience. My only regret is that "Gloria" is not included in this set, but if you are a Patti Smith fan, don't let that deter you.

It's About Time!
I've been yearning for a great, live Patti Smith concert on DVD forever. Here it is. Some performers need to be seen to be heard, if you know what I mean. She is one of those. I became a fan instantly the first time I saw her live, even though I'd listened casually to her music before that. Her presence is gigantic. Lighting, editing, and sound are all top notch here. Song selection is great too, although I could have named a dozen more I wanted to see & hear.

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