Peter Gabriel: Live in Athens 1987

You could say that MTV played a major role in the rise of ex-Genesis frontman turned solo rock/pop star Peter Gabriel during the 1980s, but the reverse is also true: Gabriel's innovative music videos (for “Sledgehammer” and “Big Time,” among others) consistently raised the artistic bar at MTV, resulting in better music videos. Filmed live in Athens (Greece, not Georgia), this 16-song set captures Gabriel touring in support of his 1986 mega-hit studio album So. From the second that Gabriel hits the stage with his backing band—all performing a spotlighted quasi-Temptations routine while singing a mostly a capella rendition of “This Is the Picture (Excellent Birds)”—we see the best and worst of the Me Decade: namely, top-notch choreographed entertainment at the absolute expense of a single moment of spontaneity (even the body surfing stunt—during “Lay Your Hands on Me,” naturally—with Gabriel in Christ-like-arms-outstretched mode is just part of the script). Fortunately, the music—served up by a stellar band that includes Tony Levin on bass, David Rhodes on guitar, David Sancious on keyboards, and Manu Katché on drums—is worth the drama, as Gabriel memorably performs half of So (including “Don't Give Up” and “In Your Eyes”), along with earlier favorites such as “Shock the Monkey,” “San Jacinto,” “Solsbury Hill,” and the epic “Biko.” Presented in DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1 and stereo on DVD, and DTS-HD 5.1 and LPCM stereo on Blu-ray, extras include Senegalese musician Youssou N'Dour's complete opening act, an archival interview with Gabriel, and the bonus disc Peter Gabriel: Play—The Videos (VL-3/05), which compiles 23 music videos. Highly recommended. (R. Pitman)