David Cassidy: Greatest Hits Live

David Cassidy: Greatest Hits Live comes more or less on the heels of his 2002 David Cassidy: Live in Concert (VL-5/04), with similar material and a similar United Kingdom audience (the earlier show was shot in Glasgow, this one in London). It is, however, somewhat better, as Cassidy seems more comfortable, cloaking himself in his respectable body of chartmakers from the 1970s while putting a personal stamp on well-chosen cover songs in this near-two-dozen song set. Beginning with the bubblegum drama of "Heartbeat," Cassidy and his impressive band take a viable shot at Deep Purple's "Hush," spin out a pleasant and pretty "Echo Valley," an earnest "Could It Be Forever," a sweet and dreamy "Clown," and get the crowd involved with the sing-along anthem, "Daydreamer." "I Think I Love You" is presented with amusing self-deprecation, while a pass at the Rascals' gorgeous classic, "How Can I Be Sure," is no great shakes but far from an embarrassment. The same can't be said for Cassidy's brief misadventure with the Rolling Stones' epic "Gimme Shelter," which the former star of The Partridge Family selects as an opportunity to flirt with his female backup singers. Presented in Dolby Digital stereo, DVD extras include a new interview with Cassidy, in which he updates his fans on his life and career. Recommended. Aud: P. (T. Keogh)