The Old 97’s are by far one of the best live bands performing music today. Lead singer Rhett Miller bounces around the stage with such a sexual swagger that it is impossible to keep your eyes off him. Their music owes as much to The Replacements as it does The Beatles, and crowds go insane when these Texas country-rock stalwarts grace the stage. This DVD finally gives fans a glimpse into the magic energy that the Old 97’s provide when they play live.

This is the first DVD I have ever reviewed that was recorded when I was actually at the show being documented. This particular masterpiece was taken from the Troubadour, in West Hollywood, during an early 2004 performance. The band seems more than excited to be playing together again following Rhett Miller’s brief foray into the solo record world.

“Just like California” starts off the evening and it never looks back. They hit the crowd favorites, like “Rollerskate Skinny” and “Jagged,” and they also preview their latest record, Drag It Up, which came out months after this performance.

By the DVD’s end, the crowd is worked into a manic frenzy. The band could continue on, but the boys know exactly when to call it quits. They leave the stage waving, the crowd breathless and forever wanting more, forever wishing that everybody could witness the raw power of an Old 97’s show. With this DVD, now they can.

Grade: A

Old 97’s Live is currently available.