DVD REVIEW: "Slightly Stoopid - Live in San Diego"
POSTED
ON
07/02/06 AT 6:00 A.M.
By Joe Ciarallo
While they may be sick of the comparisons, Slightly Stoopid inevitably
comes from the church that Sublime built. In fact Bradley Nowell was a big fan
when he was still with us on this Earth, and even signed the band to his Skunk
record label. These California rockers have the chilled-out reggae bluesy sound
that’s perfect for throwing on while drinking beers on the front porch in
the summertime. It’s feel good music, backed by two lead singers (Miles
Doughty and Kyle McDonald) and a tight rhythm section. Recorded over two shows
at San Diego’s House of Blues, the DVD has them laying down their thing
for an appreciative SoCal crowd.
THE MOVIE
Drawing on newer material from their 2005 album Closer to the Sun, as well as
older stuff dating back to 1998, the twenty song set spans the band’s catalogue
of self proclaimed “acoustic rock and blues with reggae, hip-hop, and punk”
style. With many bands claiming to mix these genres lately, Slightly Stoopid
does something to stand out from the cheap, frat-boy, party bands that
have littered the landscape with generic sounding acoustic reggae rock.
Some may disagree and feel that there is nothing new here. However this group’s
material, especially from what I’ve seen on this release, goes far in getting
a crowd revved up, while still doing the pot party vibe thing without too much
cheesiness.
The track listings are:
“Bandolero,” "Everything You Need,” "Ese Loco,”
"Wiseman,” "Johnny Law,” "Officer,” "Running
with a Gun,” " 'Till It Gets Wet,” "Basher" (featuring
Angelo Moore), "Fire Shot,” "She Bangs” (Yes, the Rick Martin
tune), "Cool Down,” "Mellow Mood,” "Ain't Gotta Lotta
Money,” "Couldn't Get High,” "Stoned Saga” and "Anti
Socialistic.”
SOUND AND VISION
No major production complaints for this release, although the video could have
been a bit crisper. Nonetheless, it is cool to see the band in a relatively
small club where you get that feeling of being right on top of everything. The
viewing is 1.85:1 aspect ratio, sound is Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround, and the
tunes are mixed very well.
PACKAGING AND LAYOUT
The clear plastic case has a picture of one of the front men on the cover, raising
his mic to the crowd. On the back is a nice shot of the band from behind with
a good view of their crowd, pressed up against the stage with energy. Track
listings and credits are listed and “Live in San Diego, November 25 and
26, 2005” adorns the front cover.
SPECIAL FEATURES
The DVD includes the now almost customary band interview and footage from the
road - a nice addition to be sure, I always like seeing that “other side”
of a band, even if they’re still in front of the cameras. It’s cool
to see their presence both on and off stage and the adrenaline that carries
one through a packed performance.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I would definitely go check out Slightly Stoopid next time
they rolled through my area, especially in an outdoor setting. This music is
best under the sun, with room to get down and enjoy some herbal meditation,
as they would say. It’s exciting to see bands like Slightly Stoopid
carrying on the torch passed down by Sublime, while adding new subtleties
to the mix and having a good time making music for the people. Some may think
this style is too played out, and in some ways it is. And while Slightly
Stoopid may not be innovators, their live show, as shown on this DVD
is definitely something the young crowd can get into.
Overall Movie Score: B
Overall Sound + Vision Score: B-
Overall Packaging and Layout Score: B
Overall Special Features Score: C Overall DVD Score: B-
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