The weather outside might be frightful, so it’s the perfect time to curl up with a delightful book, DVD, or box set from a favorite musical artist. Whether you’ve got a rock, pop, country, metal, hip-hop, gospel, jazz, or classical music fan on your list, there is something here that they will be happy to find in their stocking — and then, hopefully, in the spirit of the holidays, share with you.
DVDs
Our pick:
James Brown: “Live at Boston Garden April 5, 1968”
It was a fraught time, not unlike the tension we’ve seen this week surrounding the events in Ferguson, Mo. James Brown, a soul superstar at the peak of his powers, appeared in Boston on April 5, 1968. The show almost didn’t happen. Martin Luther King Jr. had been assassinated the night before — setting the stage for one of Brown’s most powerful performances.
Advertisement
Amid unrest across the country, Brown addressed the crowd at Boston Garden as if delivering a sermon, asking for everyone to pay respect “to the late, great, incomparable” civil-rights icon. His speech is one of the many uplifting and moving moments on display in “James Brown: Live at Boston Garden April 5, 1968,” which Shout! Factory will rerelease in an extended edition on Dec. 9.
The concert film is an extraordinary document not only of Brown’s music, but also of the era. Following Brown’s opening remarks, Boston City Council member Tom Atkins and Mayor Kevin White also give impassioned speeches.
From there, the concert, which WGBH shot and broadcast live to the city at the time, takes on a celebratory tone as Brown and his band rip through a diverse set: “I Got You (I Feel Good),” “That’s Life,” “Get It Together.”
This new release runs more than two hours and restores missing footage, along with performances by Bobby Byrd and Marva Whitney. It’s hard to take your eyes off of Brown, who lives up to a hope he had expressed early in the show.
Advertisement
“I work each and every day to make you proud of me,” Brown said. “Because my fight is to make a black man see that he can be first class and think first class.”
JAMES REED
More DVDs:
Nick Cave, “20,000 Days on Earth” Part documentary, part dark night of the soul, this film takes a deep dive into the psyche of one of rock’s most enigmatic figures. Arriving on the heels of its theatrical release a few months ago, the DVD/Blu-Ray/digital edition includes deleted scenes, extra performances, interviews, and a behind-the-scenes account of the film’s making. (J.R.)
Depeche Mode, “Live in Berlin” Directed by filmmaker Anton Corbijn, this concert documentary finds Depeche Mode in action during two shows at the O2 World arena in Berlin late last year. The English band was touring behind its latest album, but the set list stretches to its 1980s heyday. This CD/DVD combo also includes a second film, “Alive in Berlin,” with interviews and backstage footage, plus a companion CD of the shows. (J.R.)
Drive-By Truckers, “Black Ice Vérité” As part of the deluxe edition of the alt-country band’s latest album, “English Oceans,” this DVD captures the Truckers live at the 40 Watt Club in Athens, Ga., earlier this year. The plan was to play the new album in its entirety in front of a small crowd, and the freewheeling vibe reflects that. An ice storm struck the South the day of filming, but the show went on. (J.R.)
Advertisement
Whitney Houston, “Live” It is inconceivable that up until now there has been no major compilation of the late singer on stage. This remarkable collection of live performances, both in concert and in television appearances, triumphantly rights this wrong and is a must-have for fans, capturing Houston at her very best. (S.R.)
Jason Isbell, “Live at Austin City Limits” The demands of TV tapings often leave rich material on the cutting room floor. This disc captures the entire rollicking set list from Isbell, riding high on his superb 2013 album “Southeastern,” and his band the 400 Unit including a brawny take on the Rolling Stones’ “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking.” (S.R.)
R.E.M., “REMTV” Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the scrappy college rock band that went on to massive success is in this superb six-disc collection. The whopping 14-hour-plus set includes both “Unplugged” installments, “Storytellers,” awards show performances, an excellent new documentary, and more. (S.R.)
The Rolling Stones, “From the Vault: L.A. Forum (Live in 1975)” Is there anyone easier on the eyes than Mick Jagger circa ’75? Wiggling his tush and wearing more makeup than your grandmother on New Year’s Eve, Jagger is in lean, feral form as he leads the Stones through classics including “Brown Sugar,” “Honky Tonk Women,” and an especially smoking version of “Sympathy for the Devil.” (J.R.)
Advertisement
Rush, “R40” If you want to get closer to the heart of a Rush fan, this 10-DVD (or 6 Blu-Ray disc) set holds the key with two hours of unreleased footage, featuring performances from throughout the group’s entire career — including a complete “2112,” as well as a rare pre-Neil Peart gig with John Rutsey on drums. (S.R.)
Tom Rush, “No Regrets” Making its way from film festivals and special screenings, this loving documentary about the influential folk musician is finally available for home viewing. Filmmakers Todd Kwait and Rob Stegman follow Rush from his emergence in Cambridge’s 1960s folk scene to his recent shows at Symphony Hall, where he will return to perform on Dec. 28). Ahead of its official release early next year, Rush is selling the DVD through his website (www.tomrush.com). (J.R.)
Various artists, “The Midnight Special” Music fans who liked to stay up late on Friday nights in the ’70s and early ’80s will fondly remember this eclectic TV showcase. Now, a whole new generation can enjoy vintage performances on this six-disc set, featuring Marvin Gaye, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Aerosmith, and more. (S.R.)
Gift Guides:
• DVDs
• Holiday gift guide: Best boutiques in Cambridge, Newton, Scituate