GG AT THE GG

Just like Giant on the Box, this DVD is a must have to any Gentle Giant fan. It has been filmed in the 'The Missing Piece" era, which most of you don't seem to appreciate as much as their previous outings, but I find is still up to par.

On with the DVD.

It kicks off with a VERY, VERY groovy rendition of Two Weeks in Spain. Great track. Free Hand is simply amazing. The studio version was already complex enough, they were able to make it even more complex AND more groovy. Definitely one of the strong moments of this DVD. On Reflection is, in my opinion, THE best song here, from the first note to the last. Finally seeing this song being played live is jaw dropping to say the least. I'm Turning Around is ok, I personnaly prefer the original studio version. Just the same is great, Playing the Game is another matter. Ray Shulman picks up the guitar in this one and the bass is actually an ugly synthetic bass sound, which causes the song to lose all kick and punch. Definitely better on The Power and the Glory. Memories of Old Days is a unique Gentle Giant piece, and is breathtakingly performed here, with everyone playing guitar (even John Weathers!!!) except singer Derek Shulman playing bass and singing. A great song. Betcha Thought we Could'nt do it rocks, but it has sound issues. Kerry Minnear plays rythm guitar and his guitar overpowers Gary Green's guitar. Derek Shulman apparently forgot some lyrics, as he repeats the same verse all through the song ! Funny Ways is introduced by a hilarious John Weathers (I would like to thank Preparation H, without which I would not be performing here tonight!!!) and is as good as the Giant on the Box version. Again, Minnear's vibraphone solo is a majesty to behold. For Nobody is the hardest rocking track here, and the vocal harmonies in it are very well sung. Mountain Time closes the show in a feel good vibe. The videos, well, are videos, on which the band play and lip synch to the studio recordings. Nothing groundbreaking but fun to watch a couple of times.

All in all, an excellent addition. If, however, you had to choose between this one and Giant on the Box, go with the latter. The song selection contains songs from Octopus and In a Glass House, need I say more ?