If you enjoy great live rock music, watching somewhat weird looking dudes play some instruments and kick out some love songs like you’ve never heard them before – and oh, did I mention you also get to see lead singer Ville Valo chainsmoke the whole time? That in itself makes this entire DVD worth it… you kind of just sit there wondering if he will ever stop, and no, he doesn’t. Not unusual for him, of course, but it is quite fun to count how many cigs he smokes throughout the entire concert. I lost track, but I’m going to estimate on average two per song.

The track list is as follows:

1. Intro (Blood Theme)
2. Passion’s Killing Floor
3. (Rip Out) The Wings Of A Butterfly
4. Buried Alive By Love
5. Wicked Game
6. The Kiss Of Dawn
7. Vampire Heart
8. Poison Girl
9. Dead Lovers’ Lane
10. Join Me In Death
11. It’s All Tears
12. Sleepwalking Past Hope
13. Killing Loneliness
14. Soul On Fire
15. Your Sweet Six Six Six
16. Bleed Well
17. Right Here In My Arms
18. The Funeral Of Hearts
19. V.D.O.
20. Interviews With The Band
21. HIM’s Biggest Fan Contest Entry Videos
22. Fan Club Photo Gallery

Not only do you get a rockin’ live concert with this CD/DVD combo, but you get the entire concert on CD, and bonus for the DVD – an interview with Ville from late ’07, fan club photo gallery slideshow, and one of the most interesting parts of the DVD – the HIM’s Biggest Fan Contest Entry Videos. That speaks for itself. Five people won the contest and you get to see their journey from sending in the videos, being flown to meet their favorite band and have dinner with them. I’m a big fan of backstage antics on band DVDs so this was a special treat for me. Who doesn’t enjoy watching people’s dreams come true? I found it very enjoyable.

Overall, this DVD rocked. Go pick up a copy here or at any of your local record stores. Here’s a teaser song from the DVD, “Bleed Well”. Count how many cigs are smoked and let me know what number you got.

I’ve always thought he was cute and his tall hair was fun. Well, recently things have changed a bit for Ryan Cabrera… he is releasing his next album independently, no longer signed to a major record label, and his look has changed drastically. Some hair growth and dye and a few tattoos later this is him now:

WOW, right? That was my reaction at least. The more I analyze the change, I see Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom – so it’s really not a bad thing, he just seems like two completely different people… everyone changes, though, I don’t see a problem with it, it was just initially shocking with his blonde locks being gone.

Enough about his looks, though, I’m absolutely fine with those – he is pretty. Check out his new song “Say” below.

In my opinion, solely based on this new song, I believe Ryan changing his looks, going independent, and releasing a killer single like “Say” will keep him a star. I know I plan on picking up his new release, The Moon Under Water, which drops in stores May 13th. I’m looking forward to hearing more of Ryan Cabrera post-ditching the acoustic guitar.

Gavin DeGraw – Gavin DeGraw (May 6th)

I have been a fan of Gavin’s since he came out with his first album, Chariot, in 2003 – that was FIVE years ago, for those of you who can’t count. FIVE. I’ve been ready for his follow-up for many years now and I’m very excited it is coming. I was even one of those people that picked up Chariot before the Chariot Stripped version came out & I saw him back in ’05 to a nowhere near sold out audience for only $15. His new single is called “In Love With A Girl” and it is just as rockin’ as his old stuff. I have high hopes for this release from him, go check him out if you haven’t.

Jason Mraz – We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. (May 13th)

To be honest, when I first heard about Jason Mraz coming out with a new CD I was excited but not too terribly so… I like him, a lot, and specific songs in general I love but I hadn’t even heard a single song from the new album when I got the news. However, right before I started writing this I checked on youtube and watched the new video of his of the song “I’m Yours”. It is so cute. I know I could use a more descriptive term, or better phrasing, or something, but honestly it really is. Go check it out for yourself and you may end up just like me – I’m planning on buying this CD the day it comes out (if I have the funds to do so, that is). Jason has always been a very unique artist in my eyes and this album seems to be another change just as his others have all been and that is a good thing.

The Explosion – Bury Me Standing (May 13th)

I was so sad to hear that the Explosion split up… they were an awesome band, good, honest rock ‘n’ roll with a punk edge. Nothing wrong with them at all. This will be their final album and yes they are already broken up, but since they already had these songs recorded, they decided to release it – which I’m happy about.

Foxboro Hot Tubs – Stop Drop & Roll (May 20th)

I. AM. SO. EXCITED. I. COULD. PEE. AHHHHHH!!! For one, Billie Joe, Mike, & Tre haven’t done an entire album together since ’04 with American Idiot. For two, Jason Freese and Jason White are in this band too – & I love them both! So basically all my favorite dudes are rockin’ out all their energy into yet another side project known as Foxboro Hot Tubs. I’ve heard every song on this release (it is already digitally available – foxborohottubs.com for more information) and I cannot wait to actually hold the actual CD in my hands. I will be so unbelievably happy on that day… really, I will. If you haven’t checked them out already, SHAME ON YOU, go do it now!

3 Doors Down – 3 Doors Down (May 20th)

I’ve been a fan of 3 Doors Down since I was little, and really, they’ve only gotten better over the years. I saw them back in ’05 (I think that’s when it was…) and they put on a great live show. “It’s Not My Time”, the first single from this release, has been rocking the airwaves of the radio station I work at and I can’t get enough.

Cute Is What We Aim For – Rotation (June 24th)

I got into CIWWAF before their first album dropped in stores. They are not the most amazing band in the world, but I really enjoy their stuff. Try it out for yourself and if you enjoy their poppy and upbeat tunes, you will probably enjoy their new album, as I have this feeling it will be poppy and upbeat (mostly) but also musically better.

Weezer – The Red Album (June 24th)

They’re back together. I’m happy. “Pork and Beans” is awesome. ‘Nuff said.

Alkaline Trio – Agony and Irony (July 1st)

“Help Me” is a good tune, though I don’t think they are the greatest, I still look forward to hearing what this album sounds like.

Jonas Brothers – A Little Bit Longer (August 12th)

YEAH!!!! YEAH! YEAH! Okay, listen you guys, I liked the Jonas Brothers BEFORE THEIR FIRST ALBUM WAS EVER IN STORES. In fact, I own It’s About Time and it is now going for crazy money on ebay ($150+) and yet I still can’t bear to part with it… because I love it so much. Lame? I don’t think so. I enjoy them and I honestly believe this album will be their best yet.

Disagree with something? Hate something I love? Love something I love? Whatever it may be, feel free to comment away! Expect more of me soon…