Get It Faster...
Now this DVD is a little late, it chronicles the making of Jimmy Eat Worlds phenomenal 2001 multi platinum breakthrough 'Bleed American' (later re-titled Jimmy Eat World due to the atrocities of September 11th), and has the 12 song concert recorded at the legendary 9.30 club in Washington DC. But in America it's been out for a very long time and fans of Jimmy Eat World's latest album 'Futures' may be a little disappointed that none of that material is included on this DVD, however this is still pretty much every Jimmy Eat World fans dream deal with tales and trinkets you'd never find in such detail anywhere else.
'The Making Of...' feature is the clear highlight on this DVD. It tells the tale from the very beginning by the band members themselves, containing video footage from very, very early performances from their hometown of Phoenix Arizona, how they recorded Bleed American out of their own pockets, their escapades in Europe for the first time. There are stories of practically everything from their history- how they all met and formed, to influences and how they dealt with being signed and dropped, then resigned by another label as well as the making of 'The Middle' video. It includes interviews with all the band members, Mark Trombino (as to why he worked for the band for free on this particular record) and shows the band interacting with their fans to the point where it's truly amazing how much this band will do anything for their fans. It's enough to give any person the ultimate insight into who and what Jimmy Eat World are about and it will keep fans gripped. Whilst watching this DVD it becomes clear the type of people Jimmy Eat World are and it displays just how normal and down to earth they are, the quality that endears them most to their fans who, were the ones who kept the band alive once dropped from Capitol Records as shown on this DVD. You can see from this that the band share the 'do whatever it takes' attitude with their fans. Whether it's recording a stunning album by themselves to the point where they were "hoping the last cheque didn't bounce" once they cut it for the mixing or touring Europe just so they could say they had been able to play for their fans over there. It's the integrity and honesty of the band that shines through so clearly on this DVD. If you didn't love the guys in this band before you saw this DVD, you'll finish watching it in love with their music and them as people.
The Inner Ear studio performances of 'Hear You Me' and 'My Sundown' shot in black and white are quite simply stunning, even if you don't appreciate the stripped down simple, heartfelt versions of the songs, the manner in which this is shot is spectacular, watch it on mute if you have to, but you need to watch this.
The Studio Retrospective is funny, divulging details of the recording process, and how songs come about for this band in particular, after the recording of Bleed American with the band and Mark Trombino (the producer of Bleed American and Clarity) reunited in the studio in which they recorded the album. For more technical fans this is incredibly interesting as it shows the drum set ups, the guitar effects and how the development of the lyrics came about from the mouths of the band themselves. The band discuss the progression from Clarity, the leaking of their demos, how no one should be allowed to play guitar solos, what a Jimmy Eat World song should be, and how their biggest hit to date 'The Middle' started off as a joke. This is probably the most honest you will ever find an artist being about their music and recording process Definitely something you need to watch if you're in a band influenced by Jimmy Eat World in anyway.
Most of this DVD is dedicated to the concert. Now I know Jimmy Eat World live shows like the back of my hand, so perhaps I'm being overly critical by saying by recording the sound for this straight from the monitors wasn't the best idea in the world as hearing the fans sing a long is one of the most amazing parts of this bands show, and from this DVD you don't get that experience, it does still show how tight Jimmy Eat World are as a live act. Their set is filled with their hits from Clarity and Bleed American, highlights being the truly breathtaking 'Get It Faster', 'Praise Chorus' and 'Bleed American'. On 'Get It Faster' it gave me chills during the solo when all Tom had to do is play with the feedback. The intro to 'Praise Chorus' is so heart warming to any fan live its even more spectacular, and 'Bleed American' live is so raw. Seeing this will make you buy tickets to see them play next time, just for this one song.
Other memorable moments include 'Goodbye Sky Harbour', the truly epic 14 minute masterpiece adapted live, is something you must see if you love this band and 'Blister', 'Sweetness' and of course, 'The Middle' all come across incredible live. Noticeably there are quite a few fan favourites missing from this set such as 'Your New Aesthetic' and much material from Static Prevails, but this by no means lessens the quality of the performance this band put on. The best thing I find about this portion of the DVD is that you see the passion these four gentlemen exude on stage, they aren't rock stars until they walk on stage and that alone, is so endearing, they don't waste time on pointless small talk in between songs, they let the music speak for itself, which is exactly how its should be. I maintain you haven't really understood Jimmy Eat World until you've seen them live and this DVD takes you that much closer if you haven't been that lucky.
All in all this is a wonderful DVD for avid fans and those with a passing interest alike. Pick it up; at the very least you'll learn a lot about where hard work, drive, dedication and talent can get you. Believe In What You Want will inspire you to go see this band live and you can do so at Green Day's shows in Milton Keynes in June, at T in the Park and at the Reading/Leeds festivals. You won't be sorry.