ok I just got this and its ok. Obviously there is loads of stuff us fans would have chosen to be on there, Why not release a box set of the documentary, the CD and a full DVD of the Portugal show all together(they could do the same with the Blond ambitino tour and make it a huge "madonna live" re-release event to promote the current tour!).

However the extras that we do get i think are actually really good. Some really good scenes that i think should have made the final cut, particularly the on of madonnas birthday. Im sure there are more than 16 mins worthy of going on there though. I was hoping for like 40 mins, but never mind. Ive learnt to be grateful for what ever little gifts we fo get from her nowadays (little things like releasing Your Honesty and allowing the Erotica "Confessions" remix to be released - sad thing is they just wet your apetite for more).

DavidEye said:

Or hole punched!

Anx said:

co- all of that.

thought it was going to included unedited footage of the performances

GangstaFam said:

agreed.

BUT...

live versions of "Like A Prayer," "Mother & Father," "Holiday" and "Music" all KICK ASS. Ditto the original version of "ILNY" Her singing (when it's live) actually sounds great on the cd IMHO

badujunkie said:

With all of those tour studio versions floating around, I would've much rather had those.

ehuffnsd said:

You mean they're not?

GangstaFam said:

The ones that were edited on TV are edited on the DVD

endorphin74 said:

Not so fast. The concert performances aren't indexed.

And excuse my casual-fan ignorance, but why is a Confessions song included here (even if it is in "demo" form)?

Also: what's up with the two different sets of packaging (jewel case or DVD case)?

Ace said:

because it was written on RIT and rehearsed on the tour. It also used in the Movie. When they get to NY it starts playing

I wish they would have included the remix of Matieral Girl that is used during rehersals.

ehuffnsd said:

Lame.

Ace said:

I could only find the jewel case.

badujunkie said:

Agreed.Most of the 'American Life' songs actually sound better live,imo.

jayaredee said:

Rocco and Lourdes are fun to watch such charming kids

DavidEye said:

And they look nearly identical to their parents!

GangstaFam said:

I agree that as her first live album this disappoints somewhat. Considering how stellar her backing bands used to be, she could have produced kick ass live albums for the Blond Ambition or Girlie Show tours, however, her current live band have to much of a "backing track" vibe about them, no matter how technically gifted they may be, this doesn't translate Im afraid.

There isnt enough of a live vibe to the tracks, particularly the ones she lip synchs (ALL of which are included for some bizarre erason). Why include Die Another Day?? It sounds almost identical to the album version with a bit of crowd noise. Crazy For You, Dont Tell Me, Express Yourself, Frozen would have all been better choices. In fact she should ahve simply realesaed the whole concert. I know its meant to be a soundtrack, but i dont think it quite works in edited form.


That said its worth it for having crystal clear versions of Like A Prayer, Lament, Into The Groove and Mother & Father (One of her most underrated songs - A bit more thought and better production and this would have been the best song on American Life).

I hate to be a whingeing fan, but i so frequently get excited by these things, only to be disappointed because I dont feel Madonna has done herself justice.

I watched the documetary yesterday and I think it's interesting up to the part when the tour ends and everyone says goodbye.After that,it becomes extremely boring and self-indulgent.Seeing Madonna visit Israel and attending Kabbalah classes isn't the least bit thrilling.

DavidEye said:

Madonna criticism from DavidEye!

GangstaFam said:

I know! I thought it was a first.

CrozzaUK said:

I really don't think alot of thought went into this "Live" album.I think it was hastily added as a bonus for the diehard fans.Many fans had already seen and/or taped the documentary when it aired on MTV and VH1 last year,so Maddy and Warners needed to give these fans an incentive to go out and buy the "official" release It's a fun little bonus to have (like the "Remixed and Revisted" CD),but I don't think it's essential.I consider it to be a cool souvenir from the tour.

onenitealone said:

you guys agree with me?

DavidEye said:

I was pretty engrossed throughout the documentary. I really loved it.

DavidEye said:

Do you have those Stuart Price studio versions that were used for the past 2 tours? Good stuff.

GangstaFam said:

seriously? Even the boring scenes near the end?

GangstaFam said:

yeah,I heard them

DavidEye said:

Do you not find it a little exasperating though. I mean why put any effort at all into it if you're not going to do it well? Thats been my problem with madonna for the last 5 years really. I've loved loads of what she's done in that time, but ive also seen so many missed opportunities, or so many good ideas just be wasted by lack of effort, or (more likely) a clueless Warner Bros.

Her videos have been patchy, single choices have been odd and their prommotion unfocused. I loved confessions not least because it was a good album, but also because she looked like she gave a damn. The PR was brilliant for it. The club appearnaces, the TV performances, the IGTTYAS documentary. Her problem seems to be after two singles she loses interest now.

I actually resent the fact that this CD is an after thought to simply prise more money out of her fans. I would have bought the DVD simply because I enjoyed the documentary and want it in perfect quality. If shed relased a full-length live CD/DVD of the tour seperately, Im sure I and many other fans would have bought that also. She doesnt need to trick us. We're not dumb or stupid. We're her fans because essentially we enjoy what she does, but these silly prommotional gimmicks ulitmately just piss me off.

DavidEye said:

Do you like 'em?

CrozzaUK said:

I agree with most of what you're saying! There are so many missed opportunities with Madonna these days.By now,we should have gotten a multi-disc box set,a remaster of 'Like A Prayer' (with real bonus tracks,not just remixes that most of us already have),DVDs of all her tours,etc.This is something that she and Prince have in common: they don't always seem to give the fans what they really want.

GangstaFam said:

Yes,I like them! Stuart Price is a genuis.I hope she works with him again on her next album.