What a difference media format makes! As I received both the two-CD set and DVD versions of the new
Ted Nugent concert release, I had the unique opportunity to review the same material in two different formats. The verdict: The DVD version plays to Nugent's strengths, while the CD? Not so much. Say what you will about his political stance or passion for hunting, but Nugent is now and always has been a heckuva guitar player and rock'n'roll personality. His wildman persona has made him one of rock's most memorable characters. Ted's big problem is that he's never been much of a singer. True, he sang lead on his 1970s radio hits such as "Cat Scratch Fever" and the unforgettable "Wango Tango," but his yowl is best taken in small doses, and his early bands always featured a pro singer. Not so these days, however. In recent years, Ted's been performing in a trio format. It's just a bassist, a drummer and "Terrible Ted" on guitars and all lead vocals. So when I popped in the first disc of the CD set, it was his voice that stood out—and not in a good way. While the rhythm section is cracking and his guitar playing's as strong as ever, the vocals, as well as the erratic quality of the songs (some are good, some, such as "Motor City Madhouse" or “Fred Bear” are pretty blah) don't present this concert in the best light. By popping in the DVD, however, the whole thing came across much better. Getting to watch "Da Nuge" rip it up in front of a full ampitheater of hometown fans is a much more enjoyable experience. The weaknesses in the music are more easily overlooked when you can take in the whole show, not just the audio part. Sure, the show, which kicks off with Ted playing a rousing "Star Spangled Anthem" on guitar while surrounded by National Guard troops and features a bikini-clad woman popping out of a cake, is over the top. That's the whole point, right? And Nugent wisely brings out the singer from his glory days,
Derek St. Holmes, to perform on a couple of songs. Maybe he should bring him back to the band full-time? The surviving members of Nugent's first band, The Amboy Dukes, also make an appearance. If you need a dose of Nugent, I'd choose the DVD over the CD. It's more fun, cheaper and offers more bang for your Nugent buck.
