Search - Emmylou Harris - Spyboy Live on DVD

Great performance; a must-have for all Emmylou fans

C. Heinrich | Oyster Bay, NY USA | 04/09/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you're a fan of Emmylou Harris (and you probably are if you're reading this), then get this. Nothing more needs to be said other than it's essential for EH fans. The performance here is much better than the live recordings put together for the "Spyboy" CD. This entire DVD is from one show at the Exit/In in Nashville, while the audio CD is a collection of performances from the "Wrecking Ball" worldwide tour. The songs sound much better here, and the band sounds much better here than on the CD (and when I saw them in Atlanta in 10/2000). The CD doesn't have the greatest sound (I get the feeling I'm in the very very back of a large auditorium), but the DVD is just great. And, yes, it could/should have been much longer. But I won't penalize it for that. This is a must for EH fans. If only to see/hear the tearjerking performances of "Prayer In Open D", "My Songbird", and "Calling My Children Home"; but it's all great."

She gets better with age

Scott Holland (dupontchiro@erols.co | Washington, D.C. | 09/02/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have been an Emmylou fan since I first saw her playing small bars here in Washington, D.C. and she just keeps getting better. This is by far her most musically adventurous band coming on the heels of her Wrecking Ball recording. Since I missed the Spyboy tour this is the next best thing. Emmylou sings with more power and soul than ever and Buddy Miller is a truly unique musician. If you like the Spyboy recording this is a must."

If you don't like this, you don't like home cooking.

Bernard C. Pattie | Christiansted, VI USA | 12/19/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I really liked the Spyboy CD (not to mention Emmylou's entire catalog), and when I saw this DVD, I figured I had nothing to lose. Well, she came out of the box singing Spyboy over her acoustic guitar, and the [dang] thing was so completely gorgeous that I literally started crying. The whole thing is great, and the musicianship is awesome. The only reason I don't give it five stars is that it is not in digital surround, and it needs to be longer. Buy this."

No Flash, All Substance

Occasional Reviewer | Pittsburgh, PA United States | 12/02/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's rare these days when an artist commands attention without resorting to stage antics, special effects, unusual sets and outrageous costumes. This band, so simple in its delivery, does just that. Harris, Miller, Blade and Johnston shine in this live performance. There are no star turns. There are no screaming, adoring fans. Just a house full of people enjoying good music.
Strong cuts here include "Prayer in Open D," "Born To Run" and "The Maker." I also enjoyed Harris' commentary between cuts because it's mainly praise for her band (and it's succinct). Minor disappointment: The DVD does not include "Boulder To Birmingham" and "Tulsa Queen" - two of the strongest cuts on the companion live CD. Hopefully, an expanded DVD is is in the vaults awaiting release someday."