Search - Double Dynamite on DVD

Historic shows from the '80s

Phil S. | USA | 12/31/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The earlier show celebrates Studio 54 (on its' closing night) and the mid-'80s showcelebrates 40 years of James Brown in Show Business.

The show from New York, at this point for longtime fans and JB is the one *on* the one! An absolutely terrific performance with the new JB, if you will - riding high on the Yuppie-Club Circuit, with a new, scaled-down, "Disco Soul" approach, with a softer-edge on the vocals: much less emphasis on screams, moans, and other nonverbalisms. He's trimmed down and funky as he wanna be.

Audio-Video quality below standard but no "pop" is lost. The edits incorporate some audience, which adds dimension. The Chastain Park show has been recycled nearly into oblivion but the print is good. The show itself is typical of the period - no surprises - but even at age 52 the superstar's energy level is amazing. The show includes one of the greatest "Georgia On My Mind"(s) you'll ever hear. I've always said that Brown's arrangement is just as good as Ray Charles'; it's a shame it got lost on a B-side.

Disappointing that "Hot Pants", "Super Bad", and "Disco Rap" are not included.

The '80 show is more guitar-driven, whereas the '85 mix showcases the horns (meaning that St. Clair Pinckney and Maceo "Father Popcorn" Parker have arrived early for the party)."