Search - Pietasters - Live at the 9:30 Club on DVD

Love the Band, Not Crazy About the DVD

Marc Lipitz | NY burbs | 08/26/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"There are several problems with this DVD, which is already in my dust bin. First, let me assue that I am a Pietasters fan. Heck, at 51, I am probably one of ska's oldest fans.

The Pietasters are a definitive ska band with their constant backbeat on guitar and keyboards rockin reggae feel. Their albums and live shows are fun -- sort of a throwback to the party band you'd hire for your frraternity (or 50th birthday). However, I'll be the first to admit that from singer to last horn player, they are weaker musicians than many ska outfits, from Streetlight Manifesto and Mad Caddies, with their interesting horn arrangements, to the more bubble gum Reel Big Fish, with their tight arrangements and finely honed staged presence.

This DVD has two glaring problems: it exposes the weakness of the band when the sound is not "sweetened" in a studio (as most groups do), and worse of all, it sounds as though it was recorded on an old camcorder by your Uncle Louie. The look and sound are rather disappointing. If a band wants to showcase themselves, record off the main feed and mix it. Don't push onto the public a weak sounding DVD reminiscent of the pirate tapes people make in movie houses.

That said -- Pietaster fans will enjoy the side commentary. And maybe just maybe they were looking for the "home movie feel." But I suspect this release will cost them fans, not make new ones. They know how to do better -- as we can hear on their live CD's.

Still, if you are a fan of this band, which can never seem to get a break, buy this DVD as a way of showing support. It's also the only chance some will have to see them perform. I just hope they take one more stab at producing something at least as good as the average wedding tape.




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