She's an original, that Sinead O'Connor, even when taking on a repertoire as old and seemingly as intractable as her homeland's own rocky shore. The Irish singer draws liberally from her 2002 Sean-Nos Nua recording in this... more » Dublin concert, holding her audience rapt while bringing a rich, full, almost New Age sound, strings and synth pads galore, to "Molly Malone" and other haunted "songs of the Irish soul"--as well as to "Nothing Compares 2 U" and "Fire on Babylon," both of which benefit from the update. There are no frills here, just the music (about 70 minutes' worth). That's admirable, but O'Connor's voice--powerful but a wee bit strident--becomes wearisome after a while. Even so, an excellent band, superb sound, crystal-clear visuals, videos of six Sean-Nos Nua songs, and even a 30-minute documentary about the album make this a memorable document, whether or not she follows through on her retirement plans. --Sam Graham« less
One song on here that is always great is Nothing Compares 2 U. O'Conner outdid the great performer Prince that sang and wrote it I believe. I did not really like the other songs that all sounded the same but if you are a hardcore fan, then you will probably enjoy them.
In a September 2020 article, Sinead O'Conner now goes by goes by Shuhada Sadaqat since converting to Islam. She is training to be a "death mid-wife" after seeing her friend die - because she believes she let him down 'very badly' because she was too frightened to 'snuggle' with him at the end.
Going back in history, O'Conner would not perform in America if the United States National Anthem was played before her concerts. I salute and respect all United States veterans that fought for our country and keep us safe. America - Land of the free and home of the brave. Love it or leave it. This will be the last time I ever listen to Sinead O'Conner. Goodbye!
3 of 4 member(s) found this review helpful.
Movie Reviews
Amazing Performence!
P. Fester | Toronto, Canada | 10/03/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When this DVD was released I nearly melted because I had never seen Sinéad live. And seeing this DVD almost made me feel like a part of the audience. The shots of Sinéad and the band are great. I think the best part of this concert is Sinéad's voice. From the opening track to the last, Sinéad whispers her songs and sings as if to attack. Her voice is very rich and has amazing powers.
I think the only problem with the performance is that it was so short. Sinéad could have easily performed a few more songs. She didn't seem exhausted at all! But taking the songs she did play into consideration, I was very pleased with the selection. The only song which I actually considered boring was The Last Day of Our Acquaintance. But songs such as Nothing Compares 2 U (which is reconstructed in such a beautiful way that it no longer is annoying from being overplayed), I Am Stretched On Your Grave, Fire on Babylon and Thank You For Hearing Me made this concert orgasmic! Trust Me! I got chills watching and hearing it.As far as the other features of the DVD, the recording of Sean-Nos Nua was very nice, but the videos were kind of, hmmm, boring. I have to admit I could actually not sit through them.Having said that, the concert is worth the price, if not much more!"
Superb performance
Dr Jeremy Buddle | Battery Point, Tasmania Australia | 05/02/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I love this DVD. Not only do you see a 68-minute live concert given by Sinead O'Connor in Dublin in 2002, but you also have a 60-minute documentary Song Of Heart's Desire made at around the same time. This program describes the inspiration behind the great singer's recent album of traditional Irish folk songs Sean-nos Nua, and it was screened on TV last year. This prompted me to buy this disc. Very few singers I have seen on TV or in concert can convey such emotional intensity as Sinead O'Connor. My favourite track here is You Made Me The Thief Of Your Heart, which is excellent, and she also gives a stunning performance of Fire On Babylon. The folk numbers are also very strong, and I like them a lot. I highly recommend this DVD to people who like great singing and who have any interest at all in traditional Gaelic folk music."
Sinead's performance shines
Wallis Davenport | Ithaca, NY | 01/08/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Sinead shines in this concert, which, thankfully, was not her last. Her voice, as always, is amazing, going from a whisper to a roar. The concert has a personal feel, due to the smallish audience size, which is really nice. During this performance, she sings songs from Sean Nos-Nua, as well as "Nothing Compares to You", and some other favorites (John, I Love You; Fire On Babylon; I am Stretched on Your Grave, Three Babies, among others). The traditional Irish favorites have a new spin on them, beginning with "Molly Malone" that Sinead performs almost as a dirge instead of as the joyful ditty it normally is done as. Upon reflection of the words, though, one realizes that it is about a ghost, after all.
Overall, the tone of this concert is a bit nostalgic. Miss O'Connor billed it as her final performance before retiring to pursue a private life. Thankfully this did not turn out to be the case. But it is reflected in the choice of songs, and the quality of the music. Beautiful as the songs are, and even knowing that it is not her final act, I still find myself getting a bit misty-eyed during while she's singing.
For those of you who, like me, want to not only enjoy the singing, but also get a taste of the personality of the artist, this DVD will not disappoint. Miss O'Connor puts herself entirely into her music while singing, and grins elfishly to her musicians. Her interactions with the audience are pure delight.
There is also some amazing bonus material on this DVD. There are extra videos, and also a documentary about Sinead's music and her love of Irish traditional music. Be sure not to miss it. Fans of Sinead will love this DVD and all the extras. Highest ratings.
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An amazing emotional performance
New Waterford Girl | Canton,OH USof A | 02/13/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After watching this DVD,you will realize that Sinead O'connor is a real human being and not just a controversial rebel who ripped up the Pope's picture and sports a shaved head,but also a loving mother and singer.Sinead's live verision of "Molly Malone" is amazing,every time I watch her perform this song my father and I break down to tears it's so emotional.Sinead nearly cries at the end of most of her songs and the audio on this DVD is just like being there(take my advice,I've seen her live)or listening to the CD,only much more powerful.I strongly recommend all serious Sinead O'connor fans to purchase this moving DVD!!!!"