This DVD is Not Rated
I figured I would finish the week off with one more music DVD. This one features the Lovehammers. I discovered this band when the singer, Marty Casey competed on “Rock Star: INXS back in 2005. It was a reality show where the remaining members of INXS were looking for a new lead singer. I didn’t discover it until about the seventh week into it, but the minute I saw Marty’s performance I was so impressed by him. I still remember the first song I saw him perform, “I Alone” (Live). He had this great voice, incredible stage presence, and such intensity.
I made it a point to watch every week from then on and he never failed to deliver an outstanding performance. Some of the songs he was given to perform, I absolutely hate, but he made me love his version. For instance they made him do “Hit Me Baby One More Time” (Britney Spears) and he turned it into this intensely dark song; I was blown away. Marty ended up coming in second place, which in hindsight I think was the best for him (although at the time I was pissed he didn’t win). He got exposure for his band, could follow his dream without being held back by a pre-existing band that might be a bit set in their ways.
Now back to the band itself. Marty, Bobby and Dino all went to school together and lived just a couple of blocks from each other. In 1988 Marty and Bobby started the band. Dino became jealous of watching Marty and his older brother practice and not be a part of it, so he got a bass and asked if he could join the band. Billy later joined and now the line up was complete.
Members of the Lovehammers:
Marty Casey – Vocals and Guitar
Dino Kourelis – Bass
Bobby Kourelis – Drums
Billy Sawichik – Guitar
Lovehammers is a Chicago based band, that has quite a following there. I supposed they would be classified as rock/alternative. This DVD was self produced by the band and they did a quality job. The live performance footage is inter-cut with stuff about the band’s history. They go to the houses they used to live and practice in, first club they played in and stuff like that.
The live performance footage is great, plus it was filmed at a small venue so it creates a sense of intimacy. The sound is equally as good. All the guys did a wonderful job and Marty was his usual expressive, intense self. They used to refer to him as the “Scary Conductor” when he was on “Rock Star: INXS”.
Marty has an incredible voice and really knows how to hold an audience’s attention. One of his trademark things is climbing up the lighting scaffolding and hanging upside down while he sings (which he does during “Eyes Can’t See”). He also starts off wearing many layers, but by the end he’s down to only his pants.
This DVD is a great introduction to a terrific band. You can check out their music and also enjoy some fun behind-the-scenes stuff with them.
Set List:
Straight as an Arrow (Marty Casey & Lovehammers)
The Riddle (Marty Casey & Lovehammers)
Hold On (Marty Casey & Lovehammers)
Faded Grey
Casualty (Marty Casey & Lovehammers)
Bulletholes (L’Strange)
Clinic (Marty Casey & Lovehammers)
Eyes Can’t See (Murder on My Mind and Marty Casey & Lovehammers)
Trees (Marty Casey & Lovehammers)
Ultrasound
This Town (Murder on My Mind)
FYI: Their new CD, “Heavy Crown” comes out on July 21, 2009.
Jan
