Music dvd review: Life on the Murder Scene
My Chemical Romance – An alternative/punk rock band based in New Jersey, USA. While many of their songs are loud, fast, hyper and aggressive, My Chemical Romance’s work also tends to be melodic and pop-minded. My Chemical Romance released Life on the Murder Scene, a CD and double DVD package, in March 2006 just as they were preparing to enter the studio to begin recording their third album.
This is, without a doubt, one of the most comprehensive DVD/CD sets that has been released in a long time. This package documents almost everything MCR-related over recent years: video clips and the making of them, live performances (on both DVD and CD) live TV appearances, online performances and a remarkable Video Diary - showcasing life on the road, life footage and lots more - that is over 2 hours long! They really thought of everything. My Chemical Romance has always said that they have the best fans – and with a band that gives you a very personal insight into their lives, who wouldn’t be a fan?!
The Video Diary is unquestionably one of the best I have ever seen, and I have seen quite a lot of 'behind the scenes' footage in the past on DVDs and on TV. It is intimate and private, especially when it touches on the highs and lows of front man, Gerard Way. Some of the more dedicated fans would have definitely needed a box of tissues for that. The diary is not all gloomy though; it is also a saga of how the band got started, how the band members feel about each other, the story behind the songs and the albums. You even get to meet some of the group’s family and friends, and see inside the Way family’s home. The group’s sense of humor often shines though, which makes them all the more endearing. You can’t help feeling you’ve invaded their personal space, but that’s the kind of people My Chemical Romance are – down to earth, open and always there for their family, friends and fans.
The CD of live performances (some of which differ from the live performances on the DVD) is an added bonus, especially with the last track, Desert Song which is previously unreleased. It also features during the menus on the DVD, which is very fitting. It is a hauntingly beautiful song, and I can’t believe it was never released on their album.
Verdict: All in all, I believe this CD/DVD package is a must-have for any collection, especially for My Chemical Romance fans, and a testament to a band that will be around for many years to come.