Big Audio Dynamite—Live: E=MC2

Formed in 1984 by lead singer/guitarist Mick Jones after he was let go by Brit punk pioneers The Clash, Big Audio Dynamite split up in 1989, and then reformed as BAD II, releasing their most popular album ever—The Globe—in 1991. This 1992 eight-song set from a performance at London's Town and Country Club features a trio of tunes off The Globe—including the title track and “Rush,” the band's biggest hit—as well as three songs from their 1985 debut This Is Big Audio Dynamite, including “E=MC2” and “The Bottom Line.” After the departure of Don Letts (who would later direct the excellent 2005 documentary Punk: Attitude [VL-11/05]) and others from the original BAD, Jones added Nick Hawkins on lead guitar, Gary Stonadge on bass, and Chris Kavanagh on drums and percussion. Here, they do a nice job of mixing the band's driving beat with their signature spoken word and sound effect samples used in intros and bridges, wrapping up with a rousing rendition of Prince's “1999.” Although too short by half at a mere 50 minutes, this is the only BAD music DVD currently available. Presented in Dolby Digital stereo, this is recommended. Aud: P. (R. Pitman)