Search - Arctic Monkeys :: At the Apollo (CD with Bonus DVD)

Fantastic DVD (and the bonus CD ain't too bad either)

Paul Allaer | Cincinnati | 05/17/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Arctic Monkeys shot to fame out of nowhere in their native England on the strength of their 2006 debut album "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not" (still the biggest selling debut album in UK history). Only a year later the band already issued a second album, "Favourite Worst Nightmare", which in my book is even stronger than the much hyped debut album.



The DVD (20 tracks; 75 min. plus 45 min. extras) was filmed at the Apollo in Manchester at one of the band's shows in support of the new album. The set is of course heavy on songs from the "Nightmare" album, and what a delight that is. Let me admit that I was somewhat apprehensive of buying this set, not knowing how the concert footage would be edited and always worrying that it will be a hack job shifting camera angels every second or so. When the first song "Brianstorm" came on, I knew immediately that my fears were unfounded as the camera starts from behind the drum kit, and stays there for at least 15-20 seconds without moving an inch. This is true in the entire set: the camera may scan but there is no dizzying "MTV-style" editing. Instead of having the editing speaking for the music, instead the songs are allowed to speak for itself. Among the many highlights: Teddy Picker, Fake Tales of San Francisco, Do Me A Favor, and the closer If You Were There Beware, but in reality there are no weak spots in the set. The extras include the first 8 songs in a multi-camera split among the 4 guys; 2 extra songs (Balaclava and Bad Woman) and the trailer.



The live bonus CD (10 tracks; 36 min.) is a curious affair: it was recorded in June, 2006 in Texas, during the band's tour in support of the first album. Hence 9 of the 10 tracks are from the first album. This live CD has as such absolutely nothing to do with "At the Apollo", but in an of itself it's quite nice of course.



In all, I couldn't be more pleased with this set: the DVD is nothing short of fantastic, and in and of itself more than worth buying this. The live CD is just the cherry on the cake. I saw Arctic Monkeys a couple of times during their 2007 tour of the US, and this release is an excellent memento of that tour. Highly recommended!

"

The Kids Are Leaving With Their Smiles On

Daniel M. Honeywell | 05/06/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I do not have the version with the CD so I am only reviewing the DVD. It is awesome. If you turn this thing up you will get a sense of the onslaught that is the live show. I love the camera shots from behind the drums as well as the overall retro feel. The cameo from Miles from The Rascals works nicely. So much young talent on one stage. This is one to watch over and over.



I've seen them play twice in Atlanta. The 2nd time I took two of my teenage kids and we were right up front and they left with big old smiles on their faces. Love these guys and love the DVD."

Best Live Band Around

William P. Spicer | Bloomington,IL | 05/15/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These guys are the best live act around these days. They will surely be a highlight of Lollapalooza '09 this summer in Chicago.

They are the fastest selling band in the U.K. for a reason. Their first two albums don't contain a stinker and are gems. Looking forward to what they have to offer on their third LP.

"