Tale of Two DVDs
It probably didn't escape your notice last month that two of the UK's most popular Christian artists both released live DVDs, in the same week no less. After watching both of these top quality recordings, Delirious' My Soul Sings and Tim Hughes' Happy Day, I came to some interesting observations. There are numerous striking similarities between the two DVDs, and yet at the same time some huge differences.
Firstly the main difference. Delirious?, being the globally recognised rock band that they are, chose to record their DVD in front of a colossal 12,000 audience in Colombia. Whilst Tim Hughes selected the rather more intimate setting of London's renowned 2000 capacity Shepherds Bush Empire. The SBE is probably my all time favourite music venue, having been there to see performances by Delirious?, ironically, on more than 10 occasions. The atmosphere is second to none, with the crowd close to the stage at floor level, and over looking it perfectly from the stunning range of high balconies. But there is something quite breath taking about the sheer size of the venue that the Delirious? DVD is recorded in, with the excitable crowd bringing a sense of depth to the live feel. So venue-wise, the DVDs couldn't be more different, at opposite ends of the capacity spectrum, but both superb choices.
The we come to the similarities. I suppose the obvious ones are the personnel. Tim Hughes gathered a highly talented bespoke band of musicians and performers for the recording of Happy Day, meaning that a certain Stu G is the guitarist on both DVDs! I'm not even going to start comparing his guitar playing on both because, with Stu G, you know exactly what you're going to get whenever he plays. No holds barred, incredible guitar playing. But Stu G is not the only person to appear on both the Happy Day and My Soul Sings albums. Yes, you guessed it, none other than Mr Martin Smith makes a very low-key, unannounced, guest vocal appearance alongside Tim Hughes for 'Here I Am To Worship'. You see a quick glance exchanged between Tim and Martin, with a sign of mutual respect and appreciation etched onto their smiling faces. It's a superb collaboration.
Then there is the 'behind the scenes' similarity, evident visually in the two DVDs, in the form of the creative genius that is Andy Hutch. As video director on both these releases, Andy's trademark visual influences are clearly apparent. Both DVDs have the token song shot in 'black & white', both have a song with added 'faux distortion effects', the background visuals both display song lyrics in a similar style... I could go on, but I won't.
I thoroughly enjoyed both My Soul Sings and Happy Day and I can't choose between them in terms of a favourite. Visually they are stunning to watch and musically they impress with their passion and energy. I would highly recommend both to any music fan out there.
Dave
