Stunning Live Shows
Foo Fighters are renowned for the passion that weaves through their music. This has never been made clearer than whilst the band play live. Their latest release, 'Skin and Bones', is a sublime CD and double DVD set that anyone with knowledge of a handful of Foo Fighter songs will want to own. Featuring 15 acoustic tracks that are so well polished it's a delight to listen to, the album will appeal to die-hard fans and curious newcomers alike.
Recorded at their Los Angeles dates in the Pantages Theater, the CD puts a wonderful new spin upon classics such as "Times Like These", "Best of You" and "Next Year". Set against the backdrop of the eight-piece line up formed especially for these acoustic shows, Dave Grohl's voice carries even more power than usual. Possibly the best example of this on the album is "Best of You", which sounds just as feisty as the album version. The track also highlights the skill that has gone into the recording and mixing, for whereas most live CDs begin to sound dire with the slightest hint of crowd noise, 'Skin and Bones' captures the atmosphere perfectly. With a good set of speakers, you could almost be sat listening to the set yourself.
With the double DVD of the same name, you're offered a front row seat at both the Acoustic set from America and their incredible Hyde Park concert, a distinctly more upbeat offering. With a blend of cameras around the stage and scenes from the crowd, all shot in High Definition and 5.1 surround sound, this is more than your average live DVD. There are no frills, no interviews or adventures with the band on tour, just pure, unadulterated rock, for the Foo Fighters know that facing 85,000 fans upon a massive stage is where they belong. "All My Life" shows the band giving it their all, but despite the looks of concentration upon their faces, it's obvious they are loving every second.
Hit follows hit follows hit- "Best of You", "Times Like These", "Learn to Fly" give way to the deliciously laid back "Learn to Fly", making it almost impossible to select your favourite tracks from such an array of musical masterpieces."Breakout" however, does stand out, it's upbeat, anthemic chorus lifted to new dizzy heights by the voice of the crowd. "Shake Your Blood" features special guest Lemmy, the distinctive voice of Motorhead booming out across Hyde Park as the song draws to a close, Dave Ghrol gives Lemmy a hug before launching into a furiously energetic rendition of "Stacked Actors". Brian May and Roger Taylor assist the Foo Fighters with "Tie Your Mother Down", whilst drummer Taylor Hawkins provides main vocals.
The Hyde Park set concludes with "Everlong", its triumphant build-up the perfect conclusion to
If you enjoyed the blissfully mellow second CD in their latest album, In Your Honour, then you will certainly the CD and DVD of their acoustic set. However, it's their Hyde Park concert that really stands out, a set studded with hits that you will find yourself singing along to before you realise it.
You can read the Room Thirteen review of the concert here.