Latest DVD releases reviewed

CAT STEVENS Majikat Eagle Rock ***

Just before he packed it all in and became Yusuf Islam, Cat Stevens had a bit of a Spinal Tap moment. He decided to tour the US with a bunch of live magicians (as you do), design a really elaborate stage set and use loads of synchronised film projection. Remember, this was back in 1976 and people tended to do these sort of things then. What you can't avoid here is the sheer class of the songwriting. It's not for nothing that Stevens sold some 50 million albums before his retirement.

Tracks such as Moonshadow, Peace Train and plenty more besides really shine through. It's just a shame about all the distractions - the simplicity of the songs is overwhelmed by the stage design. Some really good extras include a recent interview with the man, which does shed some light on the difference between the person on this DVD and who he is now.

Brian Boyd

MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE Life on the Murder Scene Reprise ***

For fans of modern goth rock, it doesn't come (or get) any better than New Jersey band My Chemical Romance. Prone to wearing the contemporary goth-punk uniform of black and red (replete with splashes of smeared lipstick and faux blood here and there), MCR's plan to bring their taut rock music to the masses goes one step further with this, a two-DVD/single CD set. The first DVD is a two-hour treat for followers of the band's career: members and their inner circle entourage feature in a fly-on-the-wall documentary that is as honest as it is funny. The second DVD is a display of live, online and television performances, ranging from your average MTV spots to a slot on Conan O'Brien's show; also featured are three videos and their "making-of" clips. All this and a live album - goodies a-go-go for the goth community.

Tony Clayton-Lea