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LOCAL DVD
Gaskets "Loose Change Live" DVD (Driven By Boredom/Ashtray Productions)
Richmond's Gaskets are a fun band — especially if you like '80s synth-pop or the kind of spaz rock Beck helped make famous during his anti-folk days. This well-made DVD is something of an archival document, featuring a packed 2006 show from the now-defunct Nanci Raygun, when the group debuted its money-themed sophomore album and backing band, The Fabulous Catalinas.
The DVD is also evidence that the music has matured lyrically, while maintaining a surplus of catchy, pop-friendly hooks. Like all Gaskets shows, the result is a high-energy party, including what appears to be three "Solid Gold" dancers grinding onstage. The band wears its influences proudly (from Sparks and Talking Heads to Prince, Soft Cell, Fountains of Wayne), but its unpretentious music succeeds mostly though spontaneity and participatory spirit; the kind of stuff that makes young girls swarm the dance floor.
They did a nice job with this DVD (great titles); extras include a few artsy throwback videos and an official Gaskets cover-band performance by country-tinged Schnitzel (featuring members of 6 Foot Loofah). ****— Brent Baldwin
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Richmond's Gaskets are a fun band — especially if you like '80s synth-pop or the kind of spaz rock Beck helped make famous during his anti-folk days. This well-made DVD is something of an archival document, featuring a packed 2006 show from the now-defunct Nanci Raygun, when the group debuted its money-themed sophomore album and backing band, The Fabulous Catalinas.
The DVD is also evidence that the music has matured lyrically, while maintaining a surplus of catchy, pop-friendly hooks. Like all Gaskets shows, the result is a high-energy party, including what appears to be three "Solid Gold" dancers grinding onstage. The band wears its influences proudly (from Sparks and Talking Heads to Prince, Soft Cell, Fountains of Wayne), but its unpretentious music succeeds mostly though spontaneity and participatory spirit; the kind of stuff that makes young girls swarm the dance floor.
They did a nice job with this DVD (great titles); extras include a few artsy throwback videos and an official Gaskets cover-band performance by country-tinged Schnitzel (featuring members of 6 Foot Loofah). ****— Brent Baldwin
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