The Black Crowes Album: “Freak 'N' Roll... Into the Fog [DVD]”

...long, lingering shots of the band and of individuals; not the herky jerky, quick pan and switch of most concerts. This one is spot on and brilliant, EXCEPT...except for the grainy homemade stuff, like the guys walking the streets during the incredible groove the band is in performing MY MORNING SONG. I would MUCH rather have watched Marc Ford, Rich Robinson, and Steve Gorman onstage than some amateur video doodling. I was honestly in another world listening to that song...it's THAT trippy!

This is a great...make that GREAT...show. For the price, it's a steal, and, unlike many of the over 200 concerts I have on DVD, this one will find its way to the player many times. Whether you're experiencing it alone, or playing it over or under a party, it's a no-brainer...and this is coming from someone who gave up on the Crowes after the second album. Imagine that!

It is impossible to put into words where the Crowes fit into the history of Rock & Roll, and that's mainly because there's never been anyone who does EXACTLY what they do.

From the liner notes:

""It would be one thing to competently reproduce others past glories but what really puts the Crowes in the same category as the Beatles and Stones is the quality of their own material."

This DVD will make you feel good - it's just that simple. I can't believe you can get this much value for $10. The band could have charged 3 times that, and I wouldn't have blinked an eye. Everyone is in top form on this disc, and the performances are incredible. This band can make even the most grizzled and jaded music listener smile from ear to ear. Buy the disc, and then go see them live - it will change your life.

This DVD blew me away. The HD is crystal clear. The DTS sound will blow you away. The Setlist is straight from heaven. I saw them later at the Alabama Theater from this tour and the only song that is missing here is "Thorn in My Pride" with the incredible drum solo. Other than that, this DVD has it all. The "Sunday Night Buttermilk Waltz" will drop your jaw...I was a little worried about the film shots of the band on the bus and around town they show while the band is playing. I'm not a huge fan of this but they don't over do it so all in all I think it works. I think its best to see that stuff on the bonus footage reel. Wiser Times is amazing. Every song is amazing and the horns really lift you up especially during "Seeing Things". You can tell that the Fillmore has a way of inspiring musicians to play at the top of their game. The bold encore choice is also perfect with the horns. Chris taps into Levon's spirit as he sings "The Night they Drove ole Dixie Down" with the true spirit of THE BAND. That's what this tour was all about...the BAND reuniting for the love of the music. That's what its all about and that's what we as fans love to see and hear.

Love the Crowes and this is one great show among many they played over the last year or so. Especially liked the inclusion of Morning Song, which for me is their best song generally and most powerful live track as well. That leads to my one problem with the DVD -- cutting away from the stage during the Morning Song jam to show instead some long inane camcorder footage of the band walking around town. Just a total buzz kill. You want to be right there with the band on stage as the jam builds to Chris' scream and the big finish. Camcorder footage distracted from a couple of other jams as well, but this was the worst infraction. The place for this kind of candid footage is in the bonus feature section, where in fact there is more of it accompanying snippets of the band playing "He's Gone" in a loose Jerry tribute (it is SF after all). Otherwise, a solid DVD with a good, clear surround mix and of course the HD picture is a pleasure.

The Black Crowes certainly never treaded any new territory, musically speaking...and they never claimed to. All they do is play great rock-n-roll, and they do it very well. This relatively inexpensive dvd captures them intimately. The sound is very good, and there are very few cheesy film effects in this dvd. What you get is a classic rock band performing their songs. No gimmicks. For $15 usd, you can't go wrong.