Radiohead - 27 5 94 The Astoria London Live (1995) Reissue 2005

Live at the Astoria is a live concert video from English alternative rock group Radiohead's concert at the London Astoria venue on 27 May 1994, released on 13 March 1995 to VHS, and later to DVD in 2005. The concert is notable for its collection of songs being heard then for the first time. These songs would not appear until the release of The Bends, ten months later. It is Radiohead's only concert home video to date, not including the From the Basement DVD which is a live performance recorded in a studio rather than in front of an audience. The DVD edition of Live At The Astoria, digitally restored and remastered, was released on 21 November 2005 in Europe and on 22 November 2005 in North America. To be included on the bonus discs of the collector's editions of Pablo Honey and The Bends, the concert was split between the two. "You", "Ripcord", "Creep", "Prove Yourself", "Vegetable", "Stop Whispering", "Anyone Can Play Guitar", "Pop is Dead" and "Blow Out" were included on the re-release of Pablo Honey. Whereas "Bones", "Black Star", "The Bends", "My Iron Lung", "Maquiladora", "Fake Plastic Trees" "Just", and "Street Spirit (Fade Out)" featured on the re-release of The Bends.

The year was 1994. Radiohead was soon to release their brilliant sophomore album "The Bends" coming off of a large tour promoting their debut smash "Pablo Honey." This concert mixes material from both. While I am definitely more of a fan of The Bends than Pablo Honey, it is always a delight to see "Creep," their infamous hit single. Several other tracks from the first album stood out as well (most notably "You" and the grand finale of "Blowout" which is worth the price of admisson by itself.) Other highlights included "The Bends", "My Iron Lung", "Just", and a truly hypnotic "Street Spirit." Any fan of Radiohead would be insane not to own this (if not just to see Thom with his hair died blonde and Phil WITH HAIR.)

Overall, the songs range from good to mind-blowing which leaves the show with a rating of VERY GOOD. Jonny Greenwood is spectacular with the rest of the group feeding off of his wild energy. And as always, Thom Yorke is so entertaining to watch. This is what rock and roll is all about.

Review by Levi Stofer, Amazon.com

At last this great show has been put onto dvd. It captures Radiohead just before the release of their second album The Bends, but most of the songs showcased are from their first album Pablo Honey. I think if you are a Radiohead fan you would agree that the first album was an o.k album, but then again you couldn't really compare it to any of their later stuff as they progressed so quickly into making absolutely incredible music.

So this dvd captures the band just before the explosion.

Thom's singing on every song is incredible. The stand out for me is Street Spirit where his lungs soar into unparalled bliss. Every band member is on form here and clearly enjoying themselves in playing at the legendary Astoria in London. The crowd recognises this and gives the atmosphere a wonderful aurora. If you're a fan this is indispensible. If you're just getting into them I highly recommend this dvd as it's a good start off point. You will not be dissapointed!!

Review by MR.R.GELDER, Amazon.co.uk

DVD Content:

01. You
02. Bones
03. Ripcord
04. Black Star
05. Creep
06. The Bends
07. My Iron Lung
08. Prove Yourself
09. Maquiladora
10. Vegetable
11. Fake Plastic Trees
12. Just
13. Stop Whispering
14. Anyone Can Play Guitar
15. Street Spirit (Fade Out)
16. Pop Is Dead
17. Blow Out