I love watching great performances or well-made documentaries featuring my favorite artists from the comfort of my couch. In 2011 a number of fantastic music-related films came out and it was nearly impossible to pick the 10 best efforts, so for 2011’s list of my favorite concert films of the year, I expanded the list to 15 and there were still a few fine efforts which didn’t make the cut.
So with that in mind, we continue our long-standing tradition of detailing my top music-related DVDs/Blu-Rays of the year…
15. Eddie Vedder – Water on the Road
The Pearl Jam front man offers a mix of deep cuts from his main band’s catalog as well as covers and solo tunes on this live concert film directed by Christoph Green and Brendan Canty of Ashes of American Flags (Best Concert Film of 2009) fame.
14. Billy Joel – Last Play at Shea
Long Island native Billy Joel was the last artist to perform at Shea Stadium before the venue was torn down to make way for Citi Field. This riveting documentary looks at both The Mets and Joel’s career and features plenty of footage from Billy’s performances as well as interviews with guests such as Paul McCartney and Tony Bennett.
Phish put out one of their more interesting performances of 2010 this year with the release of Live in Utica. Featuring all of the quartet’s October 20th performance at the intimate Aud, this 2-DVD set shows off the “Guyutica” craziness which went down that night as well as the full-on “hose” jam that developed during a Split Open and Melt sandwich.
PAGE TWO = #12 – #9
12. Peter Gabriel – New Blood: Live in London
Peter Gabriel performs tracks from throughout his career as well as a few covers from his Scratch My Back LP backed by the 46-piece New Blood Orchestra on his latest concert film. Filmed in London earlier this year, New Blood shows off the brilliant arrangements which breathe new life into old songs.
11. Doobie Brothers – Live at the Greek
Live at the Greek captures the legendary Doobie Brothers in action at the final stop of the group’s “Farewell Tour” in 1982. Filmed just miles from where the band was formed, this hit-laden show featured appearances from original members Tom Johnston, Tiran Porter and Michael Hossack and contains plenty of Michael McDonald’s songs for fans of White Lightning.
Rush has finally put out a concert film from an American tour stop with Time Machine 2011 – Live in Cleveland, which was recorded this past April in the city where the Canadian power trio first broke in the States nearly 40 years ago. While there’s plenty of hits to satisfy casual fans, there’s also deep cuts and new tunes for the hardcores.
9. David Byrne – Ride, Rise, Roar
Filmed during David Byrne’s phenomenal Everything That Happens tour in 2008/2009; Ride, Rise, Roar mixes behind the scenes footage with outstanding full-song performances of both solo tracks and classic Talking Heads material. The documentary also gives a better understanding of the modern dance elements that were featured at Byrne’s brilliant shows.
PAGE THREE = #8 – #4
8. Rolling Stones – Some Girls Live in Texas
Hot on the heels of last year’s exceptional Ladies & Gentlemen The Rolling Stones release, the group has dug into their archives for another killer concert film – Some Girls Live in Texas ’78. Filmed at Fort Worth’s Will Rogers Memorial Center, Some Girls shows off the Stones’ supposed “scaled back” stage setup, ridiculous wardrobe choices and the suave lead guitar work of new(ish) addition Ronnie Wood. Not only are the performances of some of the group’s best songs outstanding, but the bonus features are must-see material.
7. Paul McCartney – The Love We Make
Legendary filmmaker Albert Maysles and co-director Bradley Kaplan put together a stirring look at the preparation that went into The Concert For New York City, which was held just over a month after the destruction of the World Trade Center on 9/11/01. Mayles and Kaplan follow Paul McCartney through the streets of NYC as he discusses the tragedy with both celebrities and everyday New Yorkers leading up to the triumphant concert.
6. Nirvana – Live at the Paramount
Nirvana was just about to become one of the biggest bands in the world when they took the stage at the Paramount Theater in their hometown of Seattle on October 30, 1991. Filmed with multiple cameras, Live at the Paramount shows the grunge pioneers in their prime and features definitive versions of About A Girl, Lithium and Breed.
5. Bridge School Benefit: 25th Anniversary
Twenty-five years after Neil and Pegi Young first put together a mostly acoustic concert to benefit the Bridge School comes a 3-DVD release which collects some of the best performances from the annual event. There’s legendary musicians galore within this all-killer, no-filler compilation.
4. Kings of Leon – Talihina Sky
The timing of Stephen C. Mitchell’s documentary about Kings of Leon couldn’t have been more fortuitous. The movie came out just as the group was self destructing. Talihina Sky illustrates where KoL came from, an incredible backstory, and shows off a number of the elements that threatened to tear the band apart.
PAGE FOUR = #3 – #1
Cameron Crowe scoured Pearl Jam’s archives and interviewed the band at length for his fantastic documentary about the group’s first 20 years. Focusing mainly on Pearl Jam’s first five years, Twenty adeptly mixes concert footage with interviews and behind-the-scenes clips over the course of nearly two-and-a-half hours.
The Talking Heads were one of the best live acts of their generation and Chronology shows why. This concert film collects live performances from the period between 1975 and 1983, along with a version of Life During Wartime the Talking Heads played at their 2002 Rock Hall induction. Over the course of Chronology’s 18 tracks you get to see the group’s evolution and growth. Plus, Dick Clark’s awkwardness while interviewing the band on American Bandstand is worth the price of the DVD itself.
1. Foo Fighters – Back and Forth
James Moll’s unflinching look at the Foo Fighters’ history will make you look at them in a different light. Unlike Pearl Jam Twenty, this movie isn’t a love letter to the filmmaker’s favorite band. Dave Grohl faces any and all criticisms head on and the film includes interviews with every former member of the group about the circumstances surrounding their departure. Even if you’re not a fan of the band going into Back & Forth, you probably will be by the time the movie’s over.
Honorable Mention: Adele – Live at Royal Albert Hall, Spectacle w/ Elvis Costello – Season 2, 1991: The Year Punk Broke, The Hollies – Look Through Any Window,
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