Galaxie 500

Possibly one of the only bands from the 1980s that is not reforming this year, Galaxie 500 remains one of the most cherished acts from the American underground. Criminally overlooked during their existence, they later on became a key influence in the careers of bands such as Low, Bedhead, Slowdive and the Clientele and sparked the successful offshoots Luna and Damon & Naomi. This two-disc DVD is a fitting tribute and makes a nice visual companion to the self-titled box set released by Rykodisc in 1996. The first disc contains all four of the band’s videos: "Tugboat,” "When Will You Come Home,” "Blue Thunder” and "Fourth of July.” Hardly comparable to the million dollar videos of today, these are all very similar, using a cheap, grainy, indie style that reeks of art-school experimentation. Though the only real thrill that pops out is Naomi’s sparklers in "Fourth of July” — they seem perfect for the band’s slow, entrancing music. The live footage over both discs is not top quality, ranging from home video to an outright bootleg shot by a fan, but still manages to fascinate with little quirks and solid performances. In fact, it’s the location for most of them that makes the concert. The Cambridge gig from ’88 is in some sort of restaurant, with everybody sitting at tables, while the 1989 Boston show happens in a school gym with a basketball net hanging right above them. Fans will most enjoy the rare television interview from the UK (which is likely cable access because there is no station ID), which is the real gem of this DVD. Conducted right after a drummer-less performance (which is also included), the interview is candid and loose, revealing their unexpected sense of humour as well as how young they were during their short run.