{"id":31769,"date":"2013-09-05T07:44:12","date_gmt":"2013-09-05T12:44:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/hardrockhaven.net\/online\/?p=31769"},"modified":"2014-02-08T08:37:54","modified_gmt":"2014-02-08T13:37:54","slug":"aerosmith-rock-for-the-rising-sun-blu-ray-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hardrockhaven.net\/online\/2013\/aerosmith-rock-for-the-rising-sun-blu-ray-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Aerosmith | Rock for the Rising Sun<\/em>"},"content":{"rendered":"

by Steve Patrick<\/span>
\n– Columnist —<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"AerosmithAmerica\u2019s greatest rock \u2018n\u2019 roll band has finally released their first Blu-ray entitled Rock for the Rising Sun<\/em> and it was well worth the wait. The film, directed by Casey Patrick Tebo, chronicles Aerosmith\u2019s most recent tour of Japan in late 2011 following the earthquake and tsunami that left caused a meltdown at the Fukushima nuclear plant. This moment in time is also of particular interest to Aerosmith fans since this chronicles the Asian leg of the Back on the Road Tour that immediately followed a very public near-implosion of the band due to internal conflicts and Steven Tyler\u2019s decision to put Aerosmith on hold to host American Idol.<\/p>\n

Rock for the Rising Son\u2019s<\/em> packaging describes that, \u201cdisregarding warnings to stay away, Aerosmith, along with its management and crew decided there was only one way to help the people of Japan. With their music.\u201d That might sound a tad overdramatic, and it is, but it is undeniable that Aerosmith and their Japanese fans have an unrivaled connection. The true star of this Blu-ray is the close relationship between this legendary rock group and the people of Japan.<\/p>\n

The concert portion of the film kicks off with \u201cDraw the Line\u201d and does not let up from there. Aerosmith is documented here playing at such a high level that it truly highlights how ridiculous it was to have a band with this much undeniable chemistry almost break up 40 years into their career. In watching Rock for the Rising Sun, it is immediately apparent that the rabid Japanese fans have not faltered since the band\u2019s rise to fame in the 70s. \u201cLivin\u2019 on the Edge,\u201d along with its socially conscious message, was cleverly juxtaposed with footage of the guys visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. <\/p>\n

One immediate criticism is the prominence of background vocalist and keyboard player Russ Irwin\u2019s vocals. Basically, Tyler cannot consistently hit all the high notes that he used to so Irwin is there as a buffer. This is all well and good, but Irwin seems particularly noticeable and overpowers Tyler on several occasions. Another pet peeve present is that some songs are interrupted by video vignettes or interviews. Granted, this is not as big of a deal on Rock for the Rising Son as other music DVDs (remember Black Sabbath\u2019s Reunion?). Still, the interruptions occur frequently enough to become an irritant. You would think if they were going to cut something out it would have been the less-than-stellar Joey Kramer drum solo. <\/p>\n

For example, the first half of \u201cHangman Jury\u201d was chopped off to show Tyler, Joe Perry, and Irwin rehearsing their harmony parts in the dressing room. Bassist Tom Hamilton expressed concern about the band not practicing the song prior to the show, but Tyler dismissed his apprehensions. This kind of behind-the-scenes footage is interesting, but shouldn\u2019t come at the expense of viewing a rarely played Aero-gem in its entirety. <\/p>\n

A huge plus for this live release is the setlist. Aerosmith\u2019s first Blu-ray does not disappoint die-hard fans by mining older classics like \u201cMovin\u2019 Out\u201d, \u201cNo More No More\u201d, \u201cRats in the Cellar\u201d, and \u201cS.O.S. (Too Bad)\u201d. Tired tunes like \u201cSame Old Song and Dance\u201d and \u201cDream On\u201d are absent from this release which might cause casual fans to cry foul, but this reviewer certainly appreciated the fresh set. Besides, new live versions of \u201cSweet Emotion\u201d and \u201cWalk this Way\u201d are present on this release so that should satisfy anyone interested in just the hits.<\/p>\n

The picture quality on Rock for the Rising Sun<\/em> is impeccable. Aside from annoying bursts of Irwin\u2019s background vocals and the presence of incomplete songs, the audio mix sounds spot on. Here\u2019s hoping that the next Aerosmith live release includes an option to play the concert portion only. This Blu-ray\/DVD release is highly recommended and is an essential addition for any self-respecting fan of Aerosmith\u2019s music.<\/p>\n

Genre: Rock, Blues Rock<\/p>\n

Band:
\nSteven Tyler \u2013 Vocals
\nJoe Perry \u2013 Guitar
\nBrad Whitford \u2013 Guitar
\nTom Hamilton \u2013 Bass
\nJoey Kramer \u2013 Drums<\/p>\n

Track Listing:
\n1.\t Draw the Line
\n2.\t Love in an Elevator
\n3.\t Livin\u2019 on the Edge
\n4.\t Hangman Jury
\n5.\t No More No More
\n6.\t Mama Kin
\n7.\t Monkey on My Back
\n8.\t Toys in the Attic
\n9.\t Listen to the Thunder (Drum solo)
\n10.\tSweet Emotion
\n11.\tBoogie Man
\n12.\tRats in the Cellar
\n13.\tMovin\u2019 Out
\n14.\tLast Child
\n15.\tS.O.S. (Too Bad)
\n16.\tWalk this Way
\n17.\tTrain Kept A Rollin\u2019 (Credits)<\/p>\n

Bonus Tracks:
\nLick and a Promise
\nOne Way Street<\/p>\n

Label: Eagle Rock Entertainment<\/p>\n

Web: www.aerosmith.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Hardrock Haven rating: 8\/10<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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