Radio City Hall may seem like a strange venue for an intimate two person acoustic set, but since Dave sells out wherever he goes, a big venue is needed. Besides, the sound is splendid as it strengthens the concert.

The concert itself is somewhat of a mixed bag. For every lively jam like "Lie In Our Graves" and the Neil Young cover "Down By The River," we get a slew of new tunes like "Grace Is Gone" and "Old Dirt Hill." Everyone knows fans come to see classic tunes as it's evident by the applause for them. While bands and artists are free to perform what they want and try out newer material, they should respect their fanbase.

In addition, Dave Matthew's voice seems to have declined. Granted, Dave's voice has always been an acquired taste and has never been considered heavenly. However, you listen to Dave for the lyrics and jams not his voice.

In between songs, Dave does his usual "DaveSpeak" by talking about politics, tofurkeys, and his trip to Africa. The ramblings can be a bit of a chore as they slow down the show, but at least he interacts with the crowd. The shy Tim Reynolds, meanwhile, doesn't utter a word to the crowd. It's like Jay and Silent Bob on stage.

The concert was well shot. Instead of a few shots from the crowd and on stage, the directors shoot an array of shots (including one of a guy recording the concert via a cell phone).

The DVD is 2 disks. The first disk is of the concert. The 2nd disk contains the two encores and the extra features. The DVD also comes with a 2 disk CD set of the concert, which is what I would prefer listening to. You can pop in the CD anywhere at anytime. The DVD is something you would only play once in a blue moon.

Here is the setlist of the concert:

1. Bartender 2. When The World Ends 3. Stay or Leave 4. Save Me 5. Crush 6. So damn Lucky 7. Gravedigger 8. The Maker 9. Old Dirt Hill 10. Eh Hee 11. Betrayal 12. Out Of My Hands 13. Still Water 14. Don't Drink the Water 15. Oh 16. Cornbread 17. Crash Into Me 18. Down By the River 19. You Are My Sanity 20. Sister 21. Lie In our Graves 22. Some Devil 23. Grace Is Gone 24. Dancing Nancies 25. #41 26. 2 Step

The DVD

Video:
The video specifications were no listed on the disks or on the box, but it is presented in widescreen. Aside from some fuzz and grain in darker shots, the concert looked exceptionally good. The colors looked as they would if you were at the show.

Sound: Two audio track options: PCM Stereo and Dolby Digital 5.1 surround. I listened to the Dolby track and it was phenomenal. The producers spared no expense in recording this concert. Everything from the roar of the crowd, the mumbling of Dave, the duel guitars, to the singing sounds crystal clear. Not a weak spot in the track as far as I noticed.

Extras: Two extras have been included for your viewing pleasure. First up is a 4 minute photo montage with "Grace Is Gone" playing. The pictures are mainly of the concert, the past, and Dave's trip to Africa. The second extra is a 45 1/2 minute documentary called "So Damned Lucky." The docu is a collection of clips from the concert, fan interviews, and Dave and Tim talking to each other about the past and how they met at a bar. I could have done without seeing the performances replayed, but their is some nifty behind the scenes footage that will no doubt please rabid fans.

Final Thoughts:
While "Live At Radio City Music Hall" is not one of Dave and Tim's best performances, devoted fans will find much to love here. For casual Dave fans, I would recommend buying the "Dave And Tim: Live At Luther College" CD as it has a better setlist including Tim Reynold's jaw-dropping "Stream."

Film and television enthusiast Nick Lyons recently had his first book published titled "Attack of the Sci-Fi Trivia." It is available on Amazon.com.