TOP PICK
Arcade Fire: Miroir Noir
(Merge)
Arcade Fire’s concert DVD is pretty much what you’d expect from a
band that includes about 43 members who play instruments most of us
can’t pronounce. The 70-minute film is an artsy look at the group’s
last tour. Interspersed between song snippets are performances on
street corners, in elevators and in hallways. Wacky Canadians!
BOOK
Black Tooth Grin: The High Life, Good Times and Tragic End
of “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott
(Da Capo)
Writer Zac Crain refers to the day that former Pantera guitarist
Abbott was murdered onstage as “the 9/11 of heavy metal.” That may be
overstating things, but it’s still a tragic end to a short life. Crain
recounts Abbott’s childhood loves (Kiss and Van Halen), his addictions
(he was a heavy drinker) and his music (he was killed while playing
with his new band).
VIDEO
A Bug’s Life
(Walt Disney)
Just in time for Up, Pixar’s second feature isn’t a visual or
storytelling marvel like Ratatouille or WALL-E. But it is
a charming and funny tale about feuding insects. This new Blu-ray
release looks fantastic and features a ton of extras, including the
great Oscar-winning short Geri’s Game, outtakes and a
bug-related Disney cartoon from 1934.
CDs
Del-Lords reissues
(Collectors’ Choice)
These four New Yorkers helped ignite the roots-rock scene back in
the ’80s. Their first three albums — Frontier Days, Johnny Comes Marching Home and Based on a True Story — finally make it to CD. Bonus tracks and liner notes by frontman
Scott Kempner round out the working-class anthems, which haven’t lost
an ounce of relevance in 25 years.
CD
Chrisette Michele: Epiphany
(Def Jam)
R&B singer Michele’s second album is a breakup record. But
Epiphany isn’t looking for an apology, an explanation or even
reconciliation. It’s tough, a little hurt and ready to move on.
Michele’s jazzy voice glides over the subtle swing of the beats,
stopping along the way for gentle oohs and coos. It’s sexy stuff, but
don’t get too close — she’ll break your heart.
This article appears in May 27 – Jun 2, 2009.