Every man and his dog seems to be hastily throwing together a DVD package in the run up to Christmas, so much so that we almost get as many DVDs to review as CDs now. Some of them have been good, others have been good but not exactly value for money. Thankfully The All American Rejects latest is one that is an interesting viewing for fans and music lovers alike. There's enough here to keep even those who aren't AAR fans happy, even for at least one viewing.
The jury may still be out on AAR, but this disc shows they can cut their teeth in the live department. 'Too Bad For Hell' offers a live set, featuring practically their entire album, promo videos and a short documnetray too. In this sense there's enough to keep people interested and it doesn't appear to be too much of a case that fans are being ripped off, like some bands have done in recent months. Tyson Ritter has a decent live vocal, nothing too outstanding but it's competent all the same, and the likes of 'My Paper Heart', 'The Last Song' and the obvious 'Swing, Swing' are all cheeky slabs of cool guitar pop, too inoffensive to be punk but at the same time gritty enough to be liked by those of that persuasion. The guitars bop and buzz as the guitarists duck, weave and jump around, and the crowd, made up on many a teen girl, show their appreciation by screaming. A lot.
The videos also included are a decent addition, the 'Swing, Swing' clip has been shown on all the major channels yet is still one that makes an impact, because let's face it it's a good power pop song, while 'The Last Song' is also included as it starts to do the rounds here. The documentary also shows the band taking a trip round their home town in Oklahoma, stopping off at their former high school, their homes and at practice and rehearsal rooms. It's not must-see stuff, but for a fan it's certainly interesting and informative and it's all good fun.
'Too Bad For Hell' is a decent DVD release that is probably a must buy for any fan and will also be enjoyed by anyone who thinks either single is a catchy slice of melodic guitar pop. It's all well polished and well presented and there's not too much to complain about. One of the best music DVDs I've come across this year.
www.theall-americanrejects.com
Paul
