The White Stripes - Under Blackpool Lights (DVD 2004)

Recorded using some sort of old world slightly grainy camera set this DVD may look like it was shot in the 50's but will have you hooked in seconds.

If you have seen The White Stripes live you will know their sets are played off the cuff with no set list and are played at 100 miles an hour with barely a breath between some songs. This DVD captures one such night in Blackpool brilliantly.

Starting with two of my favourite Stripes songs "When I Hear My name" and "Black Math" the DVD covers all of the bands then released albums "White Stripes "De Stijl" "White Blood Cells" and Elephant". and includes such classics as "Astro", "Hardest Button To Button", "Hotel Yorba" and "Seven Nation Army". However my one slight grievence with the set list is the absence of "Fell In Love With A Girl". Never the less you are spoiled with 26 stunning songs!

The DVD finishes with a brilliant version of "De Ballit of De Boll Weevil" which is an old Leadbelly song and a real treat to hear as Jack instigates a sing along. This quickly became my favourite part of the set!

The DVD comes with a booklet giving some insigt into the songs on the DVD and also 3 asetates that placed on top of eachother form a picture in red, black and white. A nice touch.

Overall this DVD never at anypoint feels staged or self indulgent or loaded with pointless extras. It is like the White Stripes, simply, fond of traditional ways and full of brilliant blues/rock that makes you very envious of every person who was in The Empress Ballroom in Blackpool in January 2004