BMS Shopping Guide: Music DVDs of 2010

With the number of days until the holidays rapidly disappearing before your eyes, you may be scrambling to find the perfect gift for the music lover(s) in your life. But scramble no more, because we have a list of some of the hottest new music DVDs of the season just for you!

The 25th Anniversary Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Concerts (3 DVD): No less than 3 DVDs could fit all the music legends who appeared at this show, which included Mick Jagger, Bruce Springsteen, U2, Billy Joel, and Paul Simon just to name a few. The names alone make this an excellent purchase but the collaborations are what make it a must-have.

Eric Clapton – Crossroads Guitar Festival 2010 (2 DVD): Another DVD featuring a stacked lineup too extensive for one DVD. Besides featuring some of the best ax-slingers of all time (Clapton, Jeff Beck, Buddy Guy, etc.) the best thing about this concert is a showcase of skill in various genres- from blues to rock to country this DVD set has it all covered.

The Best Of Soul Train (3 DVD):  Flashback to some of the funkiest moments of the 70’s with 5 hours of performances and 3 hours of bonus footage. This DVD was released to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Soul Train and with performances from The Jackson Five, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Ike & Tina Turner and Aretha Franklin amongst a whole slew of others you’ll have plenty of reason to celebrate as well. And if that’s not enough, there’s also the complete 9-DVD set.

Michael Jackson’s Vision (3-DVD): Over the course of his career as a solo artist, Jackson made 35 short films. Now, for the first time, these films are available on a DVD together. This set also includes seven additional videos with artists including The Jacksons and Sir Paul McCartney. Combined in this beautifully restored and remastered film, you are able to catch a glimpse at what Michael Jackson’s vision really was.

Michael Jackson: This Is It: From the theater to your home theater, see the King of Pop one final time in this behind-the-scenes look at the late star’s preparation for his residency at London’s O2 Arena.

Ladies & Gentlemen: The Rolling Stones: Fans of the legendary band can now indulge in a fully restored and remastered version of this famous concert film from their Exile On Main Street US tour in 1972. Also included in the deluxe edition 3-DVD numbered box set are the “Stones in Exile” DVD and an exclusive third disc with rare and never before seen footage from their Dick Cavett show appearance, along with interviews and footage from the Australian Exile On Main Street tour; a Rolling Stones scarf, reproduction of the original film poster, two 35mm film cells from Ladies & Gentlemen and a 60-page book with never before seen photographs are included as well.

Stones in Exile: How about some more Stones? In the spring of 1971, the band left the UK to take up residence in France as tax exiles. Keith Richards settled at a villa called Nellcôte in Villefranche-sur-Mer and this became the venue for the recording of much of the band’s masterpiece Exile On Main Street. The whole process is documented here with this acclaimed DVD full of archived footage.

Rush – Beyond the Lighted Stage: Listening to Rush may seem awesome enough, but it doesn’t even compare to seeing them live. If you haven’t had that opportunity, this is the DVD for you with its career spanning performances and intimate look at the band behind-the-scenes. And for you diehards, this too is the DVD for you thanks to its hour and a half of never-before-seen live performances.

U2 – 360° at the Rose Bowl (2 DVD): We thought U2 was phenomenal when they rocked Gillette last year (check out the review here). As big as that show was, this one in California’s legendary stadium was even bigger as U2 played their largest show ever in the US. The only thing bigger was the entertainment value.

New Kids on the Block: Coming Home: Watch the Boston-bred favorites from home with this DVD documenting the New Kids return to the stage. See live performances and plenty of backstage hijinks from this fun-loving gang as they keep the atmosphere loose and the performances tight.

Metallica / Slayer / Megadeth / Anthrax – The Big 4: Live From Sofia Bulgaria (2 DVD): Couldn’t make the trip to Bulgaria for this one? Yeah, we didn’t think so. Take in this experience of metal’s finest from the comfort of your own home instead, just make sure you have a good set of speakers!

Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band: London Calling: Live in Hyde Park (2 DVD): We think every Bruce show deserves a DVD seeing as the Boss always makes each performance a unique experience. This massive show at Hyde Park is no exception as Bruce and the band mix hits from throughout their career as well as some classic covers.

Beyonce: I Am… World Tour: Comprised of 30 tracks put together from various recordings during her 108-show/78-city world tour with bonus behind the scene’s footage, this DVD gives you a glimpse into life as Beyonce. Also included in the deluxe edition of this DVD is a Live CD of the concert and a 40-page book of exclusive photographs.

The Avett Brothers: Live, Volume 3: There’s a reason why you hear Avett Brothers live tracks about as often as their studio cuts: these guys are incredible live. Add this one to your collection and enjoy it while you wait for the next.

Feist: Look at What the Light Did Now: The Canadian Indie rocker had her first breakout hit in 2007 after her song “1234” appeared on an iPod nano commercial, which led her album, The Reminder, to hit gold in the US.  Now for the first time, fans can watch the journey of this successful album. Starring Feist and her “amplifiers”, this set includes the feature length documentary Look at What the Light Did Now, and a CD containing 12 tracks.

R.E.M. – Live From Austin TX: On March 13, 2008, nearly 30 years after the formation of R.E.M, the band delivered on their best performances for the acclaimed television program, Austin City Limits. Find out why many called it their “performance of a lifetime” from the comfort of your home.

Phish: Coral Sky: Phish of course are known for their live performances and there aren’t many better than this fan-favorite show from 1996 that includes special guests Karl Perazzo from Santana and Butch Trucks from The Allman Brothers Band.

Kenny Chesney: Summer in 3-D: Comprised of footage from six of his stadium shows in the summer of 2009 (including Gillette Stadium), this DVD takes the theatrical release in 3-D and delivers it in the 2-D format. The setlist is filled with greatest hits and fan favorites filmed from cameras all over the stadium (including the Goodyear blimp!). This is currently a K-Mart exclusive.

Boys of Fall: A Film From Kenny Chesney and Shaun Silva: While “Summer in 3D” showcases Chesney’s talents on the stage this film will show you his talents behind the camera as well with this football documentary featuring the likes of Sean Payton, Troy Aikman, Bobby Bowden, Bill Parcels, and much more. This is currently sold exclusively through K-Mart.

Blood Into Wine: Last year we told you about the great gift of Rock inspired wines. This year we are telling you about a documentary film featuring Maynard James Keenan, best known as the frontman for Tool, A Perfect Circle, and Puscifer, and his wine-making ventures. A very interesting film for fans of both music and wine.