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DVD: The What Goes On Show
(www.whatgoeson.tv) 43 min.
Reviewed by DJ Johnson
"The antidote to mainstream pop videos," it says right here on the box. This is the first in a planned series of DVDs that feature live performances by unknown New York bands, playing before only the camera crew, on a sparse set that is all about lighting and space. Between the visual effect that creates and the unusual nature of some of these acts, the overall result is a little like watching a talent show on acid. Luckily, the talent is quite good, for the most part. Chris Moore opens the show on acoustic guitar, performing a clever song called "Tumbler," and he shows up twice more on drums with two other bands. Busy guy, that Chris Moore, and talented, too. While the show tilts heavily toward the singer/songwriter style, there are a few hot bands you might have missed without this DVD, including The Hi-Risers, an excellent trio who perform a cool and powerful instrumental surf/spy tune and then segue right into a 60s-esque pop number that turns out to be the show's theme song. Fans of all things quirky will love Curtis Eller, who performs solo on banjo and vocals and moves around the stage in a bizarre way, something like a cross between Buster Keaton and Harold from The Red Green Show. There are a few semi-clunkers, but even they at least have something fresh and unique going on. All the performances are bridged by strange little bits that set up the next band. They certainly went all out and had some fun, from the look of it. Bands are introduced by a tormented patient in a dental chair, a woman at a subway platform hurrying to get the words in as the train rolls away, and even the director's landlady, who has just dropped some laundry from the clothing line out her window. What Goes On, the company, is just getting started, but this is already better than a whole lot of what's clogging the music DVD market these days. Not top notch as of yet, but worth having and worth being aware of for future releases.
Featured Artists:
Chris Moore, Skyrocket, Dina Dean, Curtis Eller, Miche Fambro, New Delhi Monkey Man, Chandra Oppenheim, Pete Galub & The Annuals, Bill Pierce, The Hi-Risers.
© 2005 - DJ Johnson