Saturday, 24 November 2012

REVIEW OF THE MOVE DVD

http://www.pennyblackmusic.co.uk/MagSitePages/Review.aspx?id=8755



Move: The Lost Broadcasts
Reviewed By: Carl Bookstein
Label: Gonzo Multimedia
Format: DVD
The Move's 'The Lost Broadcasts' DVD offers a compelling look back at one of the most colourful bands of the 1960s. Originating from Birmingham, the Move were influential in the UK, but went virtually unnoticed in America. In 1967 the Move were the very first band played on the newly launched Radio 1 from the British Broadcasting Service.

The original five piece line-up of the Move in 1965 was bassist-vocalist Chris “Ace” Kefford; guitarist, singer and songwriter Roy Wood; vocalist Carl Wayne; drummer Bev Bevan and guitarist Trevor Burton. When Carl Wayne left in 1970, he was replaced by Jeff Lynne- later of ELO (Electric Light Orchestra) and Traveling Wilburys fame.

With footage both in black and white and in colour, the DVD covers the Move at various points in their career. This edition of 'The Lost Broadcasts' is a fascinating video time capsule.

'Blackberry Way', a number one hit in the UK is psychedelic and charming- shot in black and white and recorded with a strobe light type of effect. A very much 1960s vibe is captured (in the vein of the Small Faces’ 'Itchycoo Park'), along with a dose of magic: “Goodbye Blackberry Way/I can’t see you/I don’t need you.”

The next clip is in technicolour. On 'Brontosaurus', the band’s hair is much longer and the music harder rocking, somehow in the spirit of early Led Zeppelin or the Jeff Beck Group. The DVD continues to chart the Move’s history and progress, with 'Brontosaurus' heavy on electric guitar and drums.

'The Words of Aaron' is the first appearance here of Jeff Lynne on vocals and piano, tickling the ivories. (The Move, it should be noted always featured multiple singers.) This number is a creative, complex and still psychedelic tune, with strong drumming, multiple keyboards and guitar.

'Down on the Bay' is rocking blues with Lynne on lead vocals and guitar- creating a sound that would later morph into ELO. As Lynne sings “Down on the bay/That’s where I’ll stay”, the listener can hear the influence of early Chuck Berry roots rock and roll. Take 2 features a psychedelic light show in the back-drop.

'Curly' is a fanciful hippie tune, and 'Ella James' features some tasteful Jeff Lynne guitar licks. 'When Alice Comes Back to the Farm' is a hard chugging blues infused rocker with the band in synch.

The closer 'Wild Tiger Woman' is more solid rock from a steady, quite impressive band that arguably should have made more waves in the United States. 

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