James Brown - "Body Heat" DVD

Previously released on VHS under the title "Lost Tapes", this 1979 live performance is only marginally better than a bootleg in quality or clarity. However, this isn't to denigrate the mighty James Brown. Here, though he's supposedly "past his prime", James proves he's in top form. A consummate performer and world-class showman, James uses his ample perspiration to provide ultimate inspiration. This is an intensity that today's performers can only aspire to!
Hits here include an extended jam of "Sex Machine", "Georgia On My Mind", "Papa's Got A Brand New Bag", and more.
Fancy footwork, powerful charisma, and a devotion to crowd-rousing song and dance? James Brown had it all. And though there are plenty of better examples of Brown's onstage prowess, even a lower-quality video can't slow down the godfather of soul. (MVD Visual)

Raven Soul - "100 Bleeding Hearts" CD

Wow. It's a Portuguese goth-metal band who cop more than a view moves from Finnish icons H.I.M.. In fact, this "Twilight"-ready group are just as melodramatic and love-obsessed as their dark spiritual "fathers". Musically, Raven Soul's melodic goth-metal is light and easy on the ears, replete with plenty of synths, pianos, and guitars that are tuneful and clean. Their production is crystalline and deep, so it all sounds good. However, it would sound better if I hadn't heard H.I.M. first. Vocalist Mac Caetano manages to channel both Peter Murphy and Ville Vallo on the opener, "End Of The World". From there, it's strong album, but far too derivative to these ears, merely shadowing their H.I.M. heroes. I'll cut them some slack as it's their debut, but I'd expect something more individual next time. . (Arctic Music)

Raven Soulspace