Placebo - Soulmates Never Die - Live In Paris (DVD)

.../>
I've seen Placebo three times and have tickets now to see them a further two. Whilst they have fallen out of fashion with the music press in the UK, their reputation as an awesome live band has not been forgotten. The performance on this DVD doesn't disappoint either. My primary criticism however is that average material from the 'Sleeping with ghosts' album is included at the expense of classics from the self titled debut album, from ...
...Frank Black appears to join Placebo on their cover of the Pixies classic 'Where is my mind?' It's an inspired collaboration with both vocalists complementing each other well.

The extra content includes some hidden features such as Brian getting shots in his ass(!) that aren't really worth watching. However, the documentary is excellent detailing the band's biggest tour to date in support of 'Sleeping with ghosts'.

If ... more

After four albums this is the first live DVD from Placebo. The concert featured on this DVD was recorded on the tour in support of their 'Sleeping with ghosts album' in a 16,000 capacity venue in Paris in 2003.

I've seen Placebo three times and have tickets now to see them a further two. Whilst they have fallen out of fashion with the music press in the UK, their reputation as an awesome live band has not been forgotten. The performance on this DVD doesn't disappoint either. My primary criticism however is that average material from the 'Sleeping with ghosts' album is included at the expense of classics from the self titled debut album, from which only the spiky and bittersweet 'Bionic' is taken. Obviously this gig was in support of the 'Sleeping with Ghosts' album, which was for the most part a very good record, but tracks such as the mid-paced 'Special needs' and the slow burning lovesong 'I'll be yours' don't really work live.The same could be said of 'Plasticine'. On the album the buzzsaw guitar and snarling vocal sound great, but seem stilted in a lie environment. However, this is a minor gripe because for the most part this captures a band at the height of their powers.Brian Molko has put the dresses back in the cupboard and is letting the music do the talking rather than relying on a drag act. The best songs are from Placebo's standout record 'Without you I'm nothing.' The title track sounds like a funeral march, grinding and powerful. 'Allergic' and 'every you every me' are delivered at breackneck speed.

The more tender, piano led songs such as 'Peeping Tom' and 'Centrefolds' don't get lost in the huge arena and sound every bit as discomforting and intense as when played in an intimate setting. The visuals and lighting are as spectacular as the music with dazzling lazers and strobes, as well as background visuals unique to each song.The final song is the highlight as Frank Black appears to join Placebo on their cover of the Pixies classic 'Where is my mind?' It's an inspired collaboration with both vocalists complementing each other well.

The extra content includes some hidden features such as Brian getting shots in his ass(!) that aren't really worth watching. However, the documentary is excellent detailing the band's biggest tour to date in support of 'Sleeping with ghosts'.

If you aren't a Placebo fan then this probably won't change your mind but for any fans of the band this is well worth investing in as it's come down in price significantly since its release and can be found for under £10.

Setlist

bulletproof
allergic
every you every me
bionic
protege moi
plasticine
bitter end
soulmates
black eyed
i'll be yours
special needs
english summer rain
without you i'm nothing
this picture
special k
taste in men
slave to the wage
peeping tom
pure morning
centrefolds
where is my mind?(with Frank Black) 

...less