Heart Live

The DVD jacket blurb description of Heart as “revolutionary” and “awe-inspiring” may be a bit of a stretch, but this is a band that certainly deserves props: siblings Ann and Nancy Wilson (and their various lineups) have soldiered on while a number of other rock acts have come and gone. Boasting superb Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound and crisp high-def visuals, this 24-song concert from the PBS-aired Soundstage series emphasizes Heart's three albums from their ‘70s heyday (Dreamboat Annie, Little Queen, and Dog & Butterfly)—a time when the band established its sound (a kind of distaff Led Zeppelin), forged its identity (the Yank Fleetwood Mac, with two women in the foreground), and racked up most of its hits, including “Crazy on You,” “Magic Man,” “Kick It Out,” “Barracuda,” and “Straight On,” all performed here. The covers are a good mix as well, ranging from Elton John (“Love Song”) to the band's unabashed Zeppelin worship (“The Battle of Evermore,” with Ann channeling Robert Plant and Nancy standing in for the late Sandy Denny, on a faithful version of a fairly ridiculous song—with a typical sampling of Plant's mystical-medieval mumbo jumbo). While it's a bit odd that the encores consist of two more Zep covers—”Black Dog” and “Misty Mountain Hop” (what, Heart's own material isn't good enough?)—both are suitably rousing. DVD extras include an interview with the Wilsons. Sure to appeal to Heart fans, this is recommended. Aud: P. (S. Graham)