Phil Collins: Going Back—Live at Roseland Ballroom, NYC

With a perfect voice to mimic former frontman Peter Gabriel, drummer Phil Collins soon found himself out from behind the kit and leading Genesis to considerable commercial success during the 1980s and beyond, before ultimately going solo and racking up a similar string of hits. Now, the Grammy/Oscar/Golden Globe-winning performer is rumored to be considering retirement due to a series of medical and personal complications. As part of his proposed swansong, Collins recorded a new album full of oldies—Going Back—following it with this 2010 concert performance at New York City's Roseland Ballroom. Backed by a formidable band that include members of the celebrated Funk Brothers, Collins rips through 26 well known Motown and soul standards, such as "Ain't Too Proud to Beg," "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone," "Take Me in Your Arms (Rock Me a Little While)" and "My Girl.” Sadly, Collins' strained vocals are simply not powerful enough to handle the emotional and interpretive needs of the material. When he sings "You've Really Got a Hold on Me" or "Nowhere to Run," the listener instantly misses the nuances of Smoky Robinson or the gospel yowl of Martha Reeves, making this more personal nostalgia than musical triumph. Presented in Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1 and stereo on DVD, and Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD 5.1, and LPCM stereo on Blu-ray, extras include backstage rehearsal footage and an interview with Collins. Not a necessary purchase. (B. Gibron)