Papa Roach - Live and Dangerous in Chicago

The “F-Bomb” is probably the most powerful word in the rock lexicon. When used properly, a good, loud f-word can inspire, ignite and uplift metalheads by the thousand. But even though the technique takes only a few minutes to learn, it can take a lifetime to master. It requires timing and showmanship, passion and indifference. It demands an utter disrespect for “the man” that can combust in a single syllable. Papa Roach front man Jacoby Shaddix is clearly well-schooled in the intricacies of the mother of four letter words. His command of the f-bomb demonstrates that he has studied the greats – James Hettfield, Johnny Rotten, Henry Rollins, Zach de la Rocha, to name a few. And in his band’s latest DVD, Live And Murderous In Chicago he puts on a performance worthy of admittance into the profanity hall of fame. If you appreciate a good solid f-bomb, or a few thousand, this is your home video. Filthy language aside, Papa Roach actually outdoes itself on this one. The band delivers a surprisingly musical performance that fans should enjoy. The songs are the focus of the concert, which features a minimalist stage set-up for this type of show. But the band brings it’s A-game for the cameras, especially Shaddix, who gyrates and screams with all the enthusiasm of a tourettes patient on crack. The lack of interesting special features is disappointing – the only bonus content includes a boring photo gallery and a catalog of the band’s music videos – but the concert is enough to make the disc a decent purchase. It might be more enjoyable because the band has set the bar so low for itself, but it’s entertaining nonetheless. If for nothing else, it’s worth checking out just to learn new ways to make your mother want to wash your mouth out with a bar of soap. [www.paparoach.com]