Live from Abbey Road: Best of Season One

Live from Abbey Road, which premiered on British TV and airs on the Sundance Channel in the U.S., offers a tuneful reminder that the Beatles weren't the only band to record at Abbey Road (just the best known). This two-disc set captures over two dozen American and European acts—representing a variety of genres—talking and playing in the celebrated London studio. The performances may be live, but there's no host to introduce the musicians or audience to respond; that said, no one here is sporting grubby t-shirts or bare feet, but rather the same sorts of outfits they might wear onstage, such as a sparkly top for Natasha Bedingfield and a snappy suit and wingtips for Wynton Marsalis (only Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson opts for sweats). Since the artists cover a range of styles, listeners are sure to find something they like (as well as something they don't). Highlights include Dr. John's “I Ain't No Johnny Mercer,” Gnarls Barkley's “Smiley Faces,” and Marsalis' “You and Me,” which employs handclaps for percussion. Josh Groban (“February Song”), Jamiroquai (“Love Foolosophy”), and The Good, The Bad & The Queen (“Nature Springs”) are backed by the largest number of players (ranging from 16-19), while Nerina Pallot (“Idaho”), Ray LaMontagne (“Trouble”), and Dave Matthews (“American Baby”) all perform solo. David Gilmour's combo, performing “On an Island,” deserves mention, since it includes Roxy Music's Phil Manzanera on guitar and Pink Floyd band mate the late Rick Wright on keyboards. Since the conversation is uncensored and occasionally alcohol-fueled, a few bits of profanity pop up, as well as candor (Matthews reveals, “I have a fairly sizable ego”). Presented in DTS and Dolby Digital 5.1, DVD extras include extended conversations and a behind-the-scenes featurette. Recommended. Aud: P. (K. Fennessy)