Mick Hucknall calls it "one of the finest live performances of my career," and it's tough to argue with that assessment after viewing this two-hour concert by the singer-songwriter and his group Simply Red. Recorded in 199... more »8, Live in London offers a generous 26 songs, most of them Hucknall's own (including the superb "Holding Back the Years") but also including some interesting covers (the Hollies' "Air That I Breathe," the O'Jays' "Money's Too Tight to Mention"). The 12 musicians and backup singers offer able support throughout, giving the music both a funky edge and a smooth groove (perhaps a bit too smooth--the middle of the road occasionally beckons). There's little in the way of frills or theatrics here; this is nothing more or less than a filmed concert performance, and Hucknall and Simply Red are plenty good enough to pull it off. --Sam Graham« less
Genres:Music Video & Concerts Sub-Genres:Pop, Rock & Roll Studio:Rhino / Wea Format:DVD - Color - Closed-captioned,Subtitled DVD Release Date: 10/22/2002 Original Release Date: 01/01/1998 Theatrical Release Date: 01/01/1998 Release Year: 2002 Run Time: 2hr 0min Screens: Color Number of Discs: 1 SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Total Copies: 0 Members Wishing: 2 MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated) Languages:English Subtitles:English
Skip this low quality loser...get Live In Italy instead!
Capt. Freaky | Oakland, CA | 09/12/2004
(1 out of 5 stars)
"The sound was incorrectly recorded on this live performance and the technicians should be fired! The disc has very poor Dolby Digital 5.1 which kills the whole reason to own this DVD. Instead, buy Simply Red's new DVD recorded in 2003 in Italy! It has excellent picture and sound quality...he sings basically the same material...and you can enjoy it loud! Unfortunately, the very poor sound quality on this DVD is probably the reason they had to release another live concert DVD only one year later!!! It really deserved zero stars but Amazon's rating system doesn't give me that option!"
Excelent performance & song choice, but poor sound
Capt. Freaky | 03/24/2003
(2 out of 5 stars)
"When I got this DVD, I was pleasently surprised by track listing - lots of songs from first 3 albums - which are, on my opinion, the best of their entire career. The performance is also very good and interesting, but the sound is another story...
I have pretty good hi-fi (with surround) system and I just couldn't believe how poor this DVD sounds. Stereo sound (which I prefer) sounds like an old audio tape and surround is even worse with lots of "uncontrolled" echoe.
With better sound, this dvd would get much better rating (4-5 stars)..."
POOR POOR POOR SOUND
ZIGI | Slovenia | 04/29/2005
(1 out of 5 stars)
"Simply Red is a great band and all but the sound on this DVD is so so bad it destroys the whole point of this performance.
The other DVD (Live in Sicily) has 5.1 DTS-so clean sound it makes you really feel like you are there so buy that one"
Forget dolby 5.0 -pcm option is way to go for great results
M. Giunta | salem, ma United States | 05/04/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Dont even think of using 5.0 audio on this dvd.Before you start it pick the pcm audio option and enjoy.One of the most fulfilling concerts Ive seen.the band is in top playing mode,the selections are excellent and it builds to a satisfying conclusion.I found the quick editing on this DVD to actually add to the performance and im one who hates fast cuts on concert dvds.the picture is outstanding and the lighting is the best ive seen in a concert.Yes I agree someone messed up royally on the dolby 5.0 audio so forget it and go straight to the full,clear and well detailed pcm option.If you have any interest in this band or rock with a jazz feel to it dont pass this up.I loved the Live In Sicily DVD with its great sound but this one from six years ago presents a band full of youthful energy and you get to hear the older material.Stars performed on this disc is so good i watched it three times before continuing on through over 25 songs."
Jumpy camera work, lackluster sound
M. Giunta | 02/24/2003
(1 out of 5 stars)
"This DVD took me back to the days of rock and roll when the camera operators would rapidly zoom in and out, tilt the camera from side to side and foolishly try to create a sense of urgency or excitment. What this camera work created was a mild sense of nausea. I turned the TV off and listened. Much better, but the quality of the sound doesn't live up to its potential. This was indeed a great performance. If you are a collector of all things Simply Red, this is for you - I enjoy the music tremendously, but the irritating camera work keeps me from recommending this DVD!"