Search - Pete Townshend: Psychoderelict on DVD

'Advance' Review

D. Cooklock | 04/07/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I currently have two iterations of this concert - a VHS tape, and an old Panasonic "CD-I" which to my delight plays on one of my DVD players.

I write this review while awaiting the DVD. It may be silly to review it now, but my hope is to help those questioning the content. Obviously, the 5.1 sound will make this wonderful, along with the additional content of interviews.

To those wondering about the concert itself, it is a must for Pete Townshend fans. First, the length of the concert is well over two hours, the bulk of which is a multimedia perfomance of his Psychoderelict concept album, including live actors. I don't feel the need to go into too much detail into that except to say that it may not be his best work, but a fan is a fan. It is a story of an aging rock star whom revives his career while conversing via fan mail with someone whom he thinks is a teenage girl. Within the story, it appears Townshend works in a diluted theme of his 'Lifehouse' project through the character, which one could only think he has modeled upon himself. Presumably, the interview/commentary on the DVD will bring some answers.

Outside of Psychoderelict, Pete, with his band performs some of his solo work and Who classics. Some songs are rare in performance - such as "Keep Me Turning" and "The Kids are Alright". And its hard to stay away from "Pinball Wizard" and "Won't get Fooled Again". His band is very capable, and allows Pete to remain the focus. Fans will recognize many faces of the musicians who have worked with Pete.

This is the Pete of several years ago. Aging, but certainly not as much as now. It is a very good snapshot of the time.

I eagerly await my copy. Perhaps the commentary and interview will provide more insight."

Outstanding!

George Griggs | New York | 09/20/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The visuals, sound, concert performance are OUTSTANDING.

I feel "Psychoderelict" is far more emotional, dramatic, interesting when seen, and heard, live by these particular actors --(E.g. the ENDING of this piece, as Pete Townshend and actors perform it live, is thrilling, funny, poignant and thought provoking.) These emotions come across much more powerful than the CD recording.

Even if you don't love "plot rock",(I happen to love it),Townshend's songs are terrific. This DVD is worth owning for repeated viewings.
"

Wonderful Modern Rock Orchestration

Duane R. | St. Albans, WV USA | 01/09/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Pete Townshend, after the failed Life House project, gave us Tommmy and Quadrophenia, two of our modern orchestrated rock masterpieces. Psychoderelict, although not in league with the latter two, is a fantastic project driven by Townshend's masterful acoustic guitar and a tight backup band. Those unaware of Life House, which has appeared in bits and pieces throughout the Who's various works (most notably on 1973's Who's Next), now comes to fruition in Psychoderelict, a driving rock play which utilizes some of the same multimedia effects as the Tommy and Quadrophenia touring shows. Although Townshend, in the accompanying interview, denies it is autobiographical (but admits the lead character is partly based upon his own career), Psychoderelict gives hard driving insight into the career of a fading rock star who seeks, at the end, to use his hard-won career knowledge to the greater good. Nothing less could be expected of a true virtuoso such as Townshend."

Stunning Live DVD of Psychoderelict & Classic Townshend Tun

Greg Parsons | 01/19/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although I'm a huge fan of Pete Townshend and his work with The Who, I was quite skeptical about this release. I hadn't seen this performance before because I didn't like Psychoderelict the studio release. I assumed it would be similarly boring live. Fortunately, I was surprised and proven wrong by this performance on DVD. Townshend is in great form and very upbeat throughout this marathon 2 and a half hour performance! The songs performed are more powerful, make much more sense and are more compelling than they were on the studio album. This is an excellent live performance encompassing music, video, technology & theater. Don't be afraid of Psychoderelict! You may find that it's extremely fresh sounding in 2007 and more innovative that much of what Townshend's contemporaries have done lately. This may not resound with the critics or fans of such artists, but when you see and listen to this excellent performance of Psychoderelict, you cannot help but get sucked into the music, the story and the visuals. The compositional value stands as strong as the production values. I really like the song selection outside of Psychoderelict as well. Songs like Let My Love Open The Door, Eminence Front, A Little is Enough & Face The Face really represent Townshend outside the Who well. I recommend this video to anyone who enjoys Tommy, Lifehouse/Who's Next, Quadrophenia or any other great rock theater!"