The Hives are the greatest band in the world. Just ask frontman "Howlin’"
Pelle Almqvist – he sure as hell thinks so. And since we’re talking
about the best band in the world’s first official DVD release, you should
know it’s the best music DVD in existence. And he’s not the only one
who believes that.
Tussles in Brussels is the real deal, packing never-before-seen music videos,
television performances, a documentary and a concert on one disc. Plus, it’s
all tied in with some of the weirdest (but completely enthralling) menu screens
you’ve ever seen.
The concert – filmed in October 2004 – takes the viewer through a ton
of hits from the band’s catalogue starting off with a trouncing "Abra
Cadaver" that kicks so hard, it’ll leave spat marks on your face. After
a few more scorchers, the salacious Swedes slow things down with a shredding "Diabolic
Scheme" (complete with their signature stage pause) and tie up the show with
"AKA I-D-I-O-T." The performance really gives viewers the full Hives
experience, although it still dwindles in comparison to seeing the band’s
frenetic show in person.
The short film, DW Johnson’s The Hives, Hinduism and Me, reveals the history
of the band through a narrative (featuring the 1930s-ish drone of Little Steven).
The unique, sometimes humorous, but always strange film is fun to watch for a
little while, but after the first (and maybe second) time, the monotony becomes
overwhelming.
Music videos for "A Little More for Little You" and "Abra Cadaver"
finally see the light of day and the video for "Two Timing Touch and Broken
Bones" sticks you in the middle of a bad acid trip. Extra performances include
two spots on "Top of the Pops."
If you love the Hives, chances are you probably already own this release, but
if you don’t, spend the cash because you really can’t go wrong with
the punk rock hypnotism these dapper Swedes dish out.
Grade: A
DVD: Music Reviews [Hives: Tussles in Brussels]
The Hives: Tussles in Brussels
By Niyaz Pirani
Article posted on 1/30/2006
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