Ned's Atomic Dustbin: Shoot the Neds! in Concert

This 20-song set, recorded in June 2002 at JB's in Dudley, England featuring the reformed Ned's Atomic Dustbin, isn't the cleanest-sounding concert DVD ever (thanks to having two pounding bass guitars in the lineup), but this show (with original Neds Jonn Penney, Alex Griffin, and Dan Warton, and new guys Martin Warlow and Andy King) is nevertheless a rollicking affair. Without any fancy effects, director Dave Meehan and his five cameras present a faithful—and really, really fun—recording of the Neds' performance at the same club where they played their first proper gig back in 1987, replete with stage divers and crowd surfers. Griffin actually uses his Rickenbacker as a sort of "rhythm bass," taking advantage of the unique instrument's lovely treble voice, while King lumbers along in the normal bass register. Warlow's lead excursions are few and far between, and Penney's vocals more of a controlled shout, so the music here remains a constant, thumping assault—but that's exactly what anyone in a Neds crowd wants. The highlight is a rousing take on "Kill Your Television," but the songs are pretty much uniformly enjoyable—if you don't mind that certain sameness that comes from all that bass. Presented in Dolby Digital 5.1, extra features include a thoughtful, charming interview with Penney, Griffin, and Warton. An atmospheric concert film offering a decent introduction to the band's music, this is highly recommended for larger music collections. Aud: P. (M. Moore)