Divinyls Live: Jailhouse Rock

Recorded in 1993 at Queensland's Boggo Road prison (then recently closed) in their native Australia, New Wave band Divinyls serve up a blistering 16-song set powered by sultry lead singer Christine Amphlett and lead guitarist Mark McEntee. Six of the tunes hail from the group's 1990 eponymous fourth album, including the controversial “I Touch Myself,” and solid rockers “Bless My Soul,” “Love School,” “Make Out Alright,” and “Lay Your Body Down,” while two others—the Rolling Stones-like “Sex Will Keep Us Together” and “Open Windows”—would later appear on the band's 1996 release Underworld. The balance of the offerings tilt towards the Divinyls' winning 1983 debut Desperate, including the hit opener “Boys in Town,” “I'll Make You Happy,” and “Science Fiction.” Fittingly, for a band whose major themes were sex and kinky sex, the show closes with a high-powered rendition of “Pleasure and Pain.” Although Amphlett and McEntee (who would later become a duo) are backed by three other members (playing rhythm guitar, bass, drums, and occasional keyboards), the camera stays focused on riff-wielding McEntee and vocalist Amphlett, whose sex kitten purr regularly shifts into a throaty growl. Unfortunately, neither the visuals (shot on video and presented here in disappointing 4:3 standard definition) nor the often muddy Dolby Digital stereo (Amphlett's vocals are occasionally drowned out) do the band—who put on a spirited, well-received performance—any favors. Optional. (R. Pitman)