The latest releases reviewed
THE NATIONAL
A Skin, A Night
Beggars Banquet
****
Those seeking reasons why The National have become
everyone's favourite indie band may find some clues on
A Skin, A Night. It's an hour- long documentary directed
by Vincent Moon, the French film-maker probably best known for his
online
Take-Away Showsfeaturing such acts as Arcade Fire, REM,
Sufjan Stevens, The Shins and others performing in a variety of
ad-hoc venues. Moon has past form with The National, so there is
considerable empathy between director and subjects. Ostensibly,
it's the story of a band making their new album (and much of the
footage comes from the recording sessions for their last album,
Boxer), but Moon prefers to dwell on other aspects of the
creative process and to delve into the psychology that keeps a
group of individuals focused on a common goal for so long. The DVD
also comes with
The VirginiaEP, a 13-strong selection of B-sides, demos
and live tracks.
www.americanmary.com
JIM CARROLL
FALL OUT BOY
Live in Phoenix
Universal
***
You've got to be more than just an emo
band these days - witness Panic at the Disco's musical about-face
on their latest album. Where Fall Out Boy differ is in their
creative approach - they still retain their ferocious intensity
while remembering to lace their assaults with a strong dose of
melody. Captured in June of last year at Phoenix, Arizona's Cricket
Pavilion, there's little doubt that the Chicago act know how to cut
it on stage. The live show encapsulates some neat sleight-of-hand
visual touches ("we wanted to deliver a show that was all
marshmallows and no cereal," says vocalist Patrick Stump, clearly
never having heard of Dr Gillian McKeith). Extras include a rake of
promo videos, a bonus CD, and behind-the-scenes footage. A very
decent package for
Heroesfans, then.
TONY CLAYTON-LEA
