Old Grey Whistle Test Comp DVD

Passing the grey test with flying colors.

Not to be outdone by the recent release of the Glory years of the MIdnight Special, and in collaboration with BBC Video, Warner has released three volumes of the best of the Old Grey Whistle Test, the British music variety show that ran from 1971 to 1987, predating both Later with Jools Holland (who is one of the dvd's commentators) and Austin City Limits. The original intent of the show was to give artists the opportunity to present their music, in a longer format that allowed them to showcase music other than their current hit (as was the case with Top of the Pops or American Bandstand), allowing the artists more control over the content of their own performances.

Dvd one is all about the heavy hitters(Elton John, Van Morrison, Bob Marley, Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen) and the more well known alternative acts(XTC, U2, Tom Waits, REM), but what we get actually are the kind of singles and album cuts you would be hard pressed to find on the airwaves coupled with more in depth insight into the personalities on the show.

Dvd two shows both more obscure acts (Head,Hands and Feet,The Undertones) and delves into the adult contemporary (Hall and Oates, Loggins and Messina) but with the artistry of Tim Buckley, Nils Lofgren and Aztec Camera there is something for everyone, even a Scotsman with a giant afro - watch out for the Pogues.

Dvd three is the one the others build up to, not just in terms of the artists presented but in the ability to make the viewer aware of overlooked acts. Presentee are well established greats (BB King,Jackson Browne,Steppenwolf) but what really amazes is the light it sheds on groups like the folky quintet Lindisfarne, the pop funk of Edwyn Collins and Orange Juice or the robot new wave of Gary Numan. Also watch out for stellar vocalizations of John Martyn.

This set is loaded with extra interviews and commentaries as well as both intentional and unintentional humor from the shows hosts - the infamaous "whispering Bob" Harris: "Amazing."