by Ann and Nancy Wilson, the Earth Mother and Ageless Siren of rock, have just released a new concert DVD and Blu-ray to accompany their successful new release, Red Velvet Car.
Night at Sky Church was filmed last March at the VERY cool Sky Church hall in Seattle, home of the band Heart. After years of live releases that underscore the fact that Heart has discarded most of their 80’s pop standards, fans will quickly be surprised to find gems such as “Never” and “What About Love” included in the new set list.
As a result, concertgoers can see for the first time just how versatile and varied the catalogue of music is. Heart goes seamlessly from the pop gloss of “Never” to the rocking 70s sound of “Straight On” and “Love Alive.”
The sisters choose the route of the “loud and proud” throughout much of the concert, trading such ballads as “Dreamboat Annie” and “Dog and Butterfly” with the thunderous “WTF” and “Kick It Out.” One of the only ballads featured is “These Dreams,” and vocals for that number are turned over to guest Alison Krauss, who also plays on the song “Safronia’s Mark” (the best track on the new album).
In addition to Krauss making an appearance (my muse playing with one of my favorite bands? I was flailing!), I also was happy to hear much-improved guitar work from the band’s lead guitarist, Craig Bartock. The only thing that kept Dreamboat Annie Live and 2007’s “Private Sessions” from being some the best live Heart out there was his mediocre performance (his guitar on “Crazy on You” is awful). This time around, he handles the lead parts much better, and does not detract from the rest of the talent on the stage.
Other classic songs from the 35-year repertoire of Heart on the new release include “Barracuda,” “Alone,” and, of course, the always incredible “Mistral Wind,” a song made to be performed live if there ever was one.
What is your favorite Heart song?
If you want to blow your co-workers out of their chairs, turn your speakers up loud and click here for some classic Heart riffs!
Night at Sky Church is available in record stores and online everywhere. Clips also can be found on YouTube.
