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CONCERT DVD

Apocalyptica

"The Life Burns Tour" - (20-20/Jive/Zomba)

Just when you thought that rock music couldn't evolve any further, along comes Apocalyptica, which features Finnish cellists Eicca Toppinen, Paavo Lotjonen and Perttu Kivilaakso playing a mix of originals and covers by metal acts such as Metallica.

The band originally consisted of just cellists, but eventually the choice was made to add drummer Mikko Sirén to the mix, and after a surprise hit with the 1996 release "Apocalyptica Plays Metallica with Four Cellos," the band found itself copying James Hetfield and company, touring the world with a show that featured extravagant lights and pyrotechnics.

On the DVD "The Life Burns Tour" those that didn't get a chance to catch Apocalyptica on its 2005 jaunt across the globe now have the opportunity to see that a string section can do more than simply reside in a symphony orchestra.

Sporting long hair and leather pants, the members of Apocalyptica look more like roadies that have happened across a few cellos, but once the music starts one has to admit that these guys do create a definite presence onstage, no matter how silly the idea of Metallica's "Master of Puppets" played on a cello might seem.

Extras on the DVD include music videos, as well as two documentaries. The sound does wear a bit thin after five or six tunes, but for any metal-head looking for a little dose of culture, this is some of the strangest, and most surprisingly good music in the metal genre that I have come across.

Make all the jokes you want, but Apocalyptica rocks. (B-)

CLASSIC REMIX

Carole King - "Tapestry: Legacy Edition" - (Epic/Legacy)

Saying that Carole King's "Tapestry" was an important contribution to the music world is almost the same as saying that the lever was an important contribution to engineering.

Although she had long been recognized for her songwriting abilities, penning tunes such as "Be My Baby" and "Will You Love Me Tomorrow," the release of this collection of King's songs, sung by King herself, took things to the next level.

The album hit the charts in March 1971 and stayed there for the next six years, eventually earning King four Grammy Awards. Artists such as Sarah McLachlan, Christina Aguilera and even Madonna cannot deny that King's monster of an album influenced their singing careers for the better.

Although "Tapestry" was just released as a remastered version a few short years ago, the record companies, in their infinite wisdom, have decided to try and make us buy the same album yet again.

The thing is, this time the addition al purchase might very well be justified. This deluxe edition of the album includes a second CD of live performances by King from the '70s that put the live tracks in the same order as the studio album.

Songs such as "I Feel the Earth Move," "It's Too Late" and "You've Got a Friend" have new life breathed into them by the live renditions. (A)

Download These: "I Feel the Earth Move," "It's Too Late," "Will You Love Me Tomorrow?"

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

British Sea Power - "Do You Like Rock Music?" - (Rough Trade)

These days, it seems that just about everything in the entertainment field is pre-planned and micromanaged to death, rendering the supposedly spontaneous world of art almost null and void.

Thank goodness we have bands such as British Sea Power to break the monotony with music that is passionate and of the moment.

"Do You Like Rock Music," the band's follow-up to the lackluster sophomore effort "Open Season," sees the band returned to the hungry form that made "The Decline of British Sea Power" such an electrifying debut.

Wailing guitars and passionate lyrics abound in songs such as "No Lucifer," "Waving Flags" and "We Close Our Eyes." Consider what might happen if Coldplay, U2 and The Verve all joined forces, and you'll begin to get an idea of what goodies await on "Do You Like Rock Music?" (B+)

Download These: "Waving Flags," "No Lucifer," "Lights Out for Darker Skies"