Search - Puddle of Mudd - Striking That Familiar Chord on DVD

Always delivers a great live show

George Dionne | Cape Cod, MA | 06/21/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Good
Puddle of Mudd always delivers a great live show (I've seen them twice), and this performance is no different. Normally they're in an opening slot, but with the Key Club show, Wes and company rifle through a fourteen song set list that keeps the energy, excitement, and enjoyment going for 90 minutes. Not only do you get the hits "Blurry", Drift and Die", "Spin You Around", "Control", "Away From Me", and "She Hates Me", but you also get lesser known, but just as encompassing songs like "Think", "Bleed", and "Basement".

The bonus material included on the DVD is comprised of an acoustic studio session that took place days before the show. Even though Puddle of Mudd is predominantly acoustic anyway, to hear "Blurry", "Think", Drift and Die", and "Away From Me" with absolutely no electric accompaniment is truly impressive. The songs taken on new forms and in some instance become better. There was talk of a Puddle of Mudd unplugged CD down the road, after hearing this I hope it becomes a reality.

The Bad
Although the DVD brags of insightful interviews with the band, they are very brief and not very interesting.

The Verdict
Striking That Familiar Chord only solidifies the fact that Puddle of Mudd has a knack for writing catchy, well-written acoustic based songs. They pull off each live track as if you were listening to the original recording.

"

Not What I Expected - A Fan's Perspective

R. Medeiros | Seattle, WA | 07/01/2005

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Love the group and the studio versions of their songs, but I must say, having not seen them live before, this band does not do a good job of recreating their studio work live. Most tunes were slower than their studio versions which removes some of the emotion. good example is Drift and Die. Played very slow. Another gripe is the guitar harmonics at the start of Blurry. Wes starts playing the intro but once the drums and second guitar cut in, Wes stops playing the harmonics and relies on a recording or click track to play it. Finally, Wes' voice just seemed off. I couldn't put my finger on whether the group was tuned in a little lower than should be, but Wes' voice was off.

Enough of the negative....overall the DVD is good. The recording is done well for the non-acoustic set. the bass comes in a little too heavy on the lower registers, but overall pretty good sound. video is average, but you can tell the video crew didn't have much lighting to work with or even space where this was recorded.

The acoustic set (or closed set since it is not truly live) is good on this disc as well. Although it is heavily edited and reproduces the studio versions well, its just missing that live venue feel.

If I had the opportunity to decide on buying this disc based off of what I know now, I would probably pass, but would recommend this disc for those who are true fans who don't necessarily care about faithful reproduction of studio versions and OK video."

Excellent Performance

Christian6 | Quincy, IL USA | 06/08/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The reason I rate this 4 stars instead of 5 is because at times, Wes' voice could be a little better, but you've got to remember that these guys have been playing with all their energey for almost 1 and a half hours. The performance overall was amazing, it really rocks.

If you get this DVD, check out "Abrasive", which isn't listed, but is played right after "Bring Me Down".

As for the acoustic set, all of the songs are great, except the way "Think" was sang, I thought was kinda annoying. Also for the live and acoustic sets, the guest guitarist for "Drift & Die" may impress some, but in my opinion, I think it made a pure rock n roll song turn phony and lame... just an opinion.

Well, I'm not very good at writing reviews, and at this hour (3 AM), I don't really feel like trying. But I will just cut the crap and tell you that this DVD kicks some major butt... Definetely a must have!!"

Great Rock Concert

Kenneth | Denmark | 06/26/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Positive Things:

This dvd ROCKS. The setlist is good. Of course a few more tracks wouldn't hurt, but in the end a good mix of new songs and old hits.
Its a very intense and high energy concert all the way through.
Especially drummer Greg Upchurch is stunning with a hard-hitting super performance.
The video is great shot and awesome quality, only to be topped by the sound. All instruments are so clear and loud.

Negative Things:

The song "Drift and Die" features a guest guitarist with a long solo thing and it just ruins the song for me. Too bad.
Some will find the acoustic set great. But I like the electric versions better.

Conclusion: If you like rock and/or POM this dvd won't dissappoint you.
"