Latest CD releases reviewed
VARIOUS
Live 8 EMI ****
It took 20 years for the first Live Aid to be made available on DVD; no such delays here as this four-disc set hits the shops just four months after the worldwide July 2nd concerts. Whatever your own feelings about the nature of such an event, what shines through here is how the sum of this is much greater than its parts. What you get are the full London and Philadelphia shows (although some acts are edited - thankfully, in some cases), plus key highlights from the seven other events staged on the day. Ironically, one of the highlights here is the infamous Elton John/Pete Doherty duet; it's terrifically bad. But look out for Richard Ashcroft joining Coldplay and a show-stealing performance from Pink Floyd. As with the original Live Aid concert, the US end doesn't really hold up (what where you thinking, Will Smith?) but there are some hidden gems across these discs. Look out for Björk in Tokyo, and didn't The Kaiser Chiefs do well in Philadelphia? Brian Boyd
FRANZ FERDINAND
Franz Ferdinand Domino ****
The title mirrors their debut album, but that's where the duplication ends. The Scottish band's first DVD is an embarrassment of live-show riches, and will surely be as much a taster for those catching the band in the flesh (next Friday at Dublin's Point) as a memory aid for those throbbing post-gig afterglow moments. The double DVD focuses on the global live experience, with disc one taking in sets from various venues in the US, Europe and the UK. Disc two catches the band in all their swirling, sweaty and full performance glory at London's Brixton Academy and San Francisco's Regency Grand. You want bonus features? You got 'em: karaoke tracks (Matinee, Take Me Out), back of the bus interviews, and the smartly titled behind-the-scenes footage package, Tour de Franz. There are even a couple of easter egg clips with rare FF performances. A bumper DVD pack from a bumper band, and surely one of the biggest DVD sellers between now and the end of the year. www.franzferdinand.co.uk Tony Clayton-Lea
