The latest DVD releases reviewed.

VAN MORRISON
Live at Montreux 1974/1980
Eagle Vision
***

He may be in cruise control mode these days, but it's no harm to remember that there was a time when Van Morrison was a superlative live performer, full of vim, energy and high-kicking brio. Remember, too, that one of the best live albums of the past 35 years is Morrison's It's Too Late to Stop Now. Which brings us to this interesting little artefact: his first DVD release, and a double one, at that. Having dispensed with that live album's Caledonia Soul Orchestra in favour of a stripped down unit, the order of the day is divided into two: the 1974 show is "experimental" (read typically cantankerous), while the 1980 offering (featuring musicians from then current album, Common One) is more of an audience-pleaser. What binds the two gigs together is Morrison's obvious enjoyment of the live performance (of which little has been witnessed in recent times) and the preponderance of the moustache (which now sadly appears to be making something of a comeback, courtesy of Killers). No extras - just the facts, ma'am. Tony Clayton-Lea

PLACEBO
Placebo: 10th Anniversary Collectors Edition
Virgin
***

Despite being pilloried in some UK music magazines as a band long since past their sell-by date, Placebo continue to dumbfound their critics by being incredibly successful (no more so than in South America, where they are treated like rock gods). Their debut album, recorded in the main at Dublin's Westland Studios, gets the anniversary treatment. Along with the album (damned good sleaze punk, your Honour) is a selection of DVD clips culled from live gigs (Alexandra Palace, Glastonbury, Wembley Arena), television shows (Big Breakfast, Top of the Pops, White Room) and videos (36 Degrees, Teenage Angst, Nancy Boy, Bruise Pristine). Visually arresting, aurally exciting, and, in lead singer Brian Molko, one of the more genuinely interesting rock stars of the past decade.  www.placeboworld.co.uk    Tony Clayton-Lea