The Uncomfortable Camera

Customer Reviews:

A tragic breakup, a glorious end........2005-12-13

Taking Back Sunday's been quoted to say that "Northstar is the greatest band ever"... and since then, TBS's name has been associated with Northstar in most published articles and other media for the band. For good or for poor, the two bands did start off together... but where TBS begins to lose it's luster, Northstar shines.

I will admit, I'm quite biased. Northstar is hands-down my favorite band, at least, they were. Nick Torres is an amazing lyricist and both of the band's records are loaded with amazing songs and an unwavering infectious energy. The band has been talked about a lot live, though - and this DVD is quite a nice display of their live show.

All of the songs played are good, many fast and hard with amazing, memorable choruses that throw fan's hands in the air. The band is noticably giving everything they've got, dripping sweat and wearing their voices thin by the end. Some of the songs have interludes, nice little interview snipplets about growing up in Alabama and becoming "the greatest band ever" with such a small scene around them.

The live footage is excellent. If you're a northstar fan, you'll likely be singing every word along. The DVD also has nice special features as well - all of their music videos, "Pollyanna", "Rigged and Ready" and "For Members Only." You can also enable audio commentary by Nick and Tyler during the videos. There's an in-studio segment, with much of what Matt Squire had to say about the band as their producer for their second album.

My favorite part of the record, though, are the two acoustic renditions of two of their older songs: Train Hopping in Dixieland and Taker Not A Giver. Both are just acoustic pieces with Nick singing into the mic and strumming the guitar, but they're great.

From the beginning of the first song, Broken Parachute, to the encore of Two Zero Two, this DVD is great for any fan of Northstar - old or new. It's a shame that they broke up, as they were easily my favorite band - but at least they put out something excellent to remember them by.

Nick and Tyler's new project: http://www.purevolume.com/cassino

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