Review of Simply Red: A Starry Night With Simply Red

Introduction

1991`s Stars was Simply Red`s fourth and biggest ever album. It shot them into global mega stardom, spawning 5 singles, a video collection and then this concert, recorded live in Hamburg in February 1992 and originally released on VHS in November 1992.

There were 12 tracks on the VHS release, plus the interviews featured as extras on the DVD. The DVD setlist is outlined up above, and you get 10 more tracks for your money. Just goes to show what a rip off the original VHS was!

Video

A 1.78:1 anamorphic transfer, which is a pleasant surprise for a concert that was shot 13 years ago. Obviously someone a bit forward thinking was in charge of this one. It does show its age a bit at times, with some shots looking a bit fuzzy, grainy and washed out, but on the whole it`s good.

It`s a good transfer, but the images up on screen are just of a band performing with a few hundred Vari*Lites dotted all around them. And of course Mick Hucknall`s trademark hair and bad taste in clothes.

Audio

A choice of PCM stereo (rather showing its age now), DD5.1 and dts soundtracks. They are all pretty good tracks, but when you move up to the DD5.1 track and the dts track there`s just that nice little edge to the sound, with some great instrument placement, good separation, nice bass and audience sound. Very nice to listen to, and Simply Red were always better live than on record. This DVD definitely showcases that.

Features

Some interviews recorded at the time of the concert, and also previously released on VHS. There`s nothing particularly interesting about them.

Conclusion

Stars was probably a blessing and a curse for Simply Red. It was another 4 years until 1995`s Life, which flopped, with only Fairground making a decent fist of life in the singles charts (and only because it ripped off Givin` It Up by The Goodmen). And there hasn`t been a decent song since. Most people have drifted away from Simply Red, following up the total world domination achieved with Stars has always evaded them.

This then serves as a reminder of Simply Red at the peak of their powers. Fusing Reggae, Jazz, Funk, Soul, Blues and just great Pop songs, this is a great concert filled with great songs. If you used to like listening to Simply Red, then you`ll love this concert. If you have the VHS you`ll definitely want to upgrade. And if you`ve somehow recently got into Simply Red, then you need to check out this performance, as it`s probably still their highlight to date.

One for all fans of the band from casual to ardent. I`ll be listening to it again, and I haven`t listened to Simply Red for about 14 years!