The latest releases reviewed

OMD
Architecture and Morality and More - Live
Eagle Vision
****
As 1980s synth-pop bands go, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark were always neglected. Dismissed by "serious" fans as too pop, and not really understood by the pop fraternity, OMD had a beguiling alternative dance sound even if they sometimes gave off a New Romantic whiff. This DVD finds the reformed Liverpool duo playing the Hammersmith Apollo in 2007. The first half is given over to a complete rendition of Architecture and Morality, their biggest selling album. The standouts are Souvenirand Joan of Arc, both of which sound like they could have been recorded in the past few years. The second half is their greatest hits, and sometimes you forget just how many great songs OMD had. Why aren't this band playing any of the Irish festivals this summer?
BRIAN BOYD

DANIEL LANOIS
Here Is What Is
Red Floor Records
****
Canadian Lanois is a rare kind of sonic artist - he hears things in his head that translate into coherent if slightly not-there rhythms. This documentary, a selection of the Toronto and SXSW film festivals, is an odd travelogue, largely stagebound by its scenic limitations. Lanois potters around his studio, making wry comments about his skills and instruments. Occasionally he veers off point to chat with his sometime art-collaborator, Brian Eno; or he joins his regular musician friend Brian Blade to visit a Baptist church. Not much happens, but you are nonetheless sucked in to the musician- producer's life and work through the artful mix of his passion, intelligence and musicianship. Guest appearances include Garth Hudson, Sineád O'Connor, Billy Bob Thornton and U2. www.redfloorrecords.com
TONY CLAYTON-LEA