The Hives - Tussles in Brussels

First things first: I hate concert DVDs. I think they’re a blatant cash-grab and a waste of shelf space (unless it’s by someone like Pink Floyd or the Flaming Lips, in which case it’s awesome). I thought I’d depict the skepticism with which I viewed the disc in question before I explain the high score. If you’re a fan, you’d know that The Hives have no trouble touting their own proverbial horns – The DVD cover, designed like the epic poster for a bad heist movie from 1983, states clearly in gold trimming that they’re “the best live band on the planet.” In the same vain, the DVD jacket displays a centerfold image of their legions of screaming fans (who we can only assume were attending the concert in question). Clearly, they talk the talk, but do they walk the walk? Once you get past the monochromatic getups, the wicked white amps, and the exposed red plumbing covering the venue, the DVD is still just as infectious as the albums. But, here we have an added visual bonus of the rabid-fucking-ostrich-on-speed that is Pelle Almqvist. Throughout the performance, he bounces around the stage like his life depends on it, complete with crowd surfing. It’s a wonder his head didn’t explode. And for a guy in snug slacks, he’s got one high Judo kick. More than anything, it’s his random Swenglish bantering between songs that sell the show; “Some people have a lot of stuff! Some people have less stuff! So, there’s a stuff imbalance!” Modern economics explained in three simple phrases, folks. “Do you like your rock with punk in it?! Well here it is!! No pun intended!!” I still don’t know what that one means. If there’s one other reason to invest in this thing, it’s the 30 minute mockumentary explaining the Hivean origins. D. W. Johnson’s “The Hives, Hinduism, and Me” chronicles the journey of an investigative reporter chronicling the journey of The Hives’ quest for world domination. Never has a random collection of stock footage been more mesmerizing. Or educational. For example, did you know “Veni Vidi Vicious” means “I came, I saw, I conquered?” No kidding. Needless to say, this DVD achieves the practical goal of every concert DVD: Advertise the live show. While I wasn’t tempted to blast the surround sound or jump around in my living room, I can say with confidence that I will partake the next time they swing across the pond. As far as “watching it or feeling imperfect” goes, well, it’s not like they got a 4. [www.hivesmusic.com]