The Righteous Brothers in Concert

Talk about timing: this DVD release is nearly simultaneous with the 2003 induction of Bobby Hatfield and Bill Medley, better known as the Righteous Brothers, into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Nice honor, and pretty much deserved, even if it's based primarily on just a couple of classic records: “You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'” (in a slightly less felicitous bit of timing, the song was co-written by Phil Spector, who these days is much better known for allegedly killing a Los Angeles actress) and “Unchained Melody.” Those two are, of course, among the nearly 20 tunes performed in this 1983 concert held at Los Angeles' Roxy Theatre (look for Wolfman Jack in the audience). Other songs include “(You're My) Soul and Inspiration,” “Ebb Tide,” earlier hits such as “Little Latin Lupe Lu,” and nods to Ray Charles (“Georgia”), the Everly Brothers (“Let It Be Me”), and Sam and Dave (“Soul Man”). Make no mistake: Medley's gruff, manly baritone and Hatfield's quaver-full tenor are some superior pipes, and these guys do have soul, but there's also something slick and sort of smarmy about this gig, which is more like a Vegas revue than a rock show, with its song medleys, faceless band, Elvis-esque backup singers, and pat stage rap. Still, this is sure to be popular and is recommended, overall. Aud: P. (S. Graham)