Latest releases reviewed

BRIAN WILSON Smile Rhino Home Video ****

In the relatively short annals of rock music, the story of Brian Wilson's album Smile is its most Greek, but with a happy ending. In 1966 the 23-year-old Beach Boy wonder began an album of prodigious genius, which he was then forced to shelve because of family jealousy, band rivalry and mental illness. Fast forward through 30 years of emotional and psychological dissolution until Wilson finds love, health and a new family and finally completes Smile (with original lyricist Van Dyke Parks). The two-DVD set, with its four hours of material including some jaw-dropping solo performances by Wilson; David Leaf's remarkably candid documentary, Beautiful Dreamer; and the joyous Smile live concert tells with rare heart and humour the heroic story of Wilson's rediscovery of his art and his soul. Wilson and Leaf will attend a screening of Beautiful Dreamer, followed by a Q&A session, on Tuesday, June 28th at 7pm in the Temple Bar Music Centre, Dublin. Tickets are €20 (plus booking fee), and all proceeds go to the Chernobyl Children's Project.

Jocelyn Clarke

RAZORLIGHT This Is a Razorlight DVD Vertigo  **

Indeed, it is a Razorlight DVD; it's functional, it does exactly what it says on its plastic cover, and it's quite dull. Razorlight are close to the front of the new Britpop vanguard with their blend of user friendly rock, Television-lite angular guitars, an image indistinguishable from most other modern rock bands. In Johhny Borrell they have a lead singer so dull-as-dishwater ordinary it makes you wish for a New Romantics revival. That said, there's a doughty spirit in the band (as evidenced by their full-length concert at the Brixton Academy) and a certain degree of inventiveness in the songs (notably Rip It Up and Stumble and Fall). What lets down all the hard work is a lack of visual style and a noticeable dearth of flair and imagination. Extras include their seven videos and early live clips. www.razorlight.co.uk

Tony Clayton-Lea