MUSICDVDs

Latest releases reviewed

VARIOUS
Rock Against Bush, Vol 2 Fat Wreck
**

As if dealing with Iraq, Afghanistan, big oil, Cheney, Kerry, Huckleberry Edwards and pronouncing foreign words was not enough to be going on with, Dubya also has the punk rock kids of America lined up against him. They're out in force on this CD/DVD, aiming to prevent Bush from spending another four years in the White House. Just how unpalatable punk schlock from the risible Dropkick Murphys or the inane Flogging Molly will persuade anyone even to remember to vote against Bush on November 2nd is open to conjecture. There's also a slew of political shorts (mostly secondhand sub-Michael Moore revelations and conspiracy theories), promos from the likes of Bad Religion and NOFX and anti-Bush pops from Will Ferrell, Greg Proops and Patton Oswalt. At least Dubya had Johnny Ramone on his side. www.fatwreck.com

Jim Carroll

DONIZETTI: LUCIE DE LEMMWEMOOR
Soloists: Patrizia Ciofi, Roberto Alagna; Orchestra and Chorus of the Opera National De Lyon; Conductor: Evelino Pido. TDK Media Active
****

Donizetti's tragic melodrama, based on Sir Walter Scott's novel The Bride of Lammermoor, is now best known in its Italian version, but the French version as presented on this DVD was the standard performing version in French-speaking countries in the 19th century. Roberto Alagna as Edgard both looks and acts the part in a very credible manner and his singing of Tombe de mes aieux is one of the highlights of the performance. Patrizia Ciofi is a light and ethereal Lucie, but sings with deep feeling throughout and is most moving in the famous Mad scene. The staging by Opera National De Lyon is sparse and sombre, but with most of the filming being done by means of close up shots of the singers this does not intrude. An interesting alternative version of an established classic. www.tdk-mediaactive.com

Colman Morrissey