Movie/DVD Review

Live At The Fillmore, the new DVD from Vida Blue and the Spam Allstars, celebrates the marriage of these two distinct bands on stage. Recorded June 5, 2004 at the famed San Francisco venue, Live at the Fillmore features thirteen tunes that sway as differently in genre as they do in rhythm. Spanish flavored jams (“Ochimini,” “Little Miami“), New Orleans funk (“Just Kissed My Baby“), rock cover tunes (“Sheep,” “Pick Up the Pieces“) and Vida Blue signatures (“CJ3,” “Where’s Popeyes?,” “Electra Glide”), create a full sound showcase of various eclectic tendencies.

Interestingly enough, at the show’s onset, the band’s namesake and former Oakland A’s lefty hurler, Vida Blue, is seen meeting the band for the first time. Embracing the players, he graciously presents bassist Oteil Burbridge with a cool San Fran Giants jersey. A fitting moment, but he somehow neglects to wear it in favor of his tank-top tie-dye. Go figure.

But once the show begins, the footage brings you up close and personal to McConnell’s project, giving the humble chairman of the boards a rare shine in the light. Alongside, the seven piece Spam Allstars rise to the occasion, splashing a funky dub breathe of life into the trio in the most opportune of songs. An easy highlight of the DVD is the version of Pink Floyd’s epic “Sheep,” complete with trippy sound effects and ambient mood swings, were McConnell’s soft voice hits some nice Roger Waters magical moments.

Bonus footage even includes Team Vida Blue at a Crash Test Derby and Enduro Race, with team owner McConnell building the car for driver Ian McClean to take no prisoners on the oval.

Live At The Fillmore won’t have you pushing pause or rewind too often, but it'll bring a unique collaboration into your living room. Hopefully we haven’t seen the last of this pairing - on stage or off-roading.