REO Speedwagon - Live Plus
2002 / ?? Minutes / 13 Tracks / Live / DVD-Audio
Release Date: August 13, 2002 - Silverline DVD-Audio
Produced by: Joe Vannelli & Kevin Cronin
5.1 Mastering: 5.1 Studios
Website: www.speedwagon.com

Reviewed by Matt Rowe on October 20, 2002

The music machine known as REO Speedwagon releases yet another disc for their fans; this one chronicling a live show in St Louis at the Riverport Amphitheatre on 6/9/00. And yes, that curious design on the cover is the Arch. Over the years, REO have authored some enduring hits, ranging from their early years in the early 70s until the late 80s when their hits dried up.

Kevin Cronin, REO's most visible personality, joined the band in 1972 to release their 2nd album (R.E.O. TWO) only to leave and not reappear until their 6th album (R.E.O.) four years later. Mainstay Neal Doughty has been there from the very beginning. However, REO became a powerhouse, not only by releasing hits in a continuous stream but touring constantly to support their albums.

This title dips into the string of hits and classics to provide a well rounded snapshot of their history. With songs like "Music Man", "157 Riverside Avenue", "Ridin' the Storm Out", and "Keep Pushin'" as classics and the hit machine tunes like "Take It On The Run", "Can't Fight This Feeling", "Time For Me To Fly", and "Keep On Loving You", this live set delivers a satisfying collection.

As a unit that has been around a while, REO shows their undying love for their craft. Rare is the instance where you can hear a band having such a great time as you do here. Cronin works the crowd with banter that introduces each song . You can tell he's having fun. As a musical entity, the band has never been tighter. With additions, Dave Amato (Ted Nugent), dishing out steaming and fiery lead lines, giving REO consistent mileage and Bryan Hitt (Wang Chung) with solid drumming, REO Speedwagon is still at the top of their game.

This disc does not replace the genius and excellence of 1977's "Live: You Get What You Play For". For REO, that album is the live document that defines the band. But this album does stand. While you can tell the band is older, you can also tell that they have it down to a science and that they understand their audience. So, if you're an REO fan, this disc will satisfy with an updated look at where they're at now.

DISC: DVD-A

This hi-res DVD-A title from 5.1 Entertainment via their imprint label, Silverline, details how live albums benefit greatly from the advancement of sound technology. Live shows come alive with 6 channel encoding, creating soundstaging splendor that have to be experienced to be appreciated.

If you watch this with a TV, you get still color photos of the band accompanying every song. The main menu is themed with the cover art of the disc and provides you with eight menu options. The first is the playlist from which you can easily select the song that you wish to hear. The second option features a video of "Music Man" from the DVD of the same name. The third option offers up 10 separate interview vignettes with Kevin Cronin and Neal Doughty ranging from a history of the band to the present tour. This section is not without its problems however. While we have no complaints about the interview pieces, we're a little put off by the accessing process. After an interview, we are led back to the menu to choose another interview when it would have been convenient to automatically go from the one to the next without our interaction.

The next option offers up a photo album of 15 B/W and color shots of the band. Menu option five provides liner notes while the other options are "About DVD-Audio", a speaker set up utility, and album credits.

The sound mixes on this disc are incredible. The six-channel soundstaging is full and vibrant, making for a pleasant listening experience. If you love live concerts and want an immersive experience AND you're an REO fan, then this disc will make you happy. Stereo purists get a great show as well. The engineering process have created a crytalline 2 channel mix that sounds great. Everybody wins.

PACKAGING

This disc is presented in a sturdy super jewel case that is larger than a conventional case used to store CDs. Opening the disc is not a difficult task but the disc is securely sealed when closed. The height of the disc casing takes a little getting used to but storage of the disc was well thought out by the manufacturers by allowing placement of the spine on both side and bottom. If stored at its full height, it will take more space than you're used to but if turned on it's side, it fits nicely in most racks and the spine still identifies the disc.

A 4 page booklet is included that provides ample information;an abundance of disc credits and a cool snapshot of Cronin bathed in lights facing his audience. A track listing is also provided. A bad thing here is the noticeable absence of song timing. It isn't on the disc nor are they on the insert. It seems trivial but some of us actually want that information. Call it a hangover from the past. As this format is in its infancy and still growing, it would be nice to see this included in future releases. Old habits die hard.

THE FINAL SAY

5.1 Entertainment and Silverline Records have positioned themselves to deliver high quality DVD-A product to the market place with not only current material but also the extensive catalogs that are out there to license. Giving many of those titles new life not only in 6 channel sound but also in stereo enhancements that provide for purity and listening enjoyment, DVD-A is a great option. REO have great albums in their catalog that beg to be released in one of the two new formats. If you ask me, two must have titles are "R.E.O. TWO" and "Live - You Get What You Play For". "Live Plus" is a good start.

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