Uncompromising...audacious...frantic...transformative. These are only words, and words alone can t do justice to the — phenomenon that is Ghostland Observatory. Experience the inferno of this band s live shows and you ll st... more »art to get it. As one pundit quipped, It s tough to believe just two dudes create this monstrosity of sound! Two small-town Texas dudes with very distinct personalities: producer/drummer Thomas Turner, heavily influenced by electronic artists from Daft Punk to Green Velvet and rockers like The Clash, and front man Aaron Behrens, who was singing Jerry Lee Lewis Great Balls of Fire when he was 9 and whose charisma inspires comparisons to Freddie Mercury and Prince.
The two met through an Austin Chronicle ad, and as their MySpace page describes it, Ghostland Observatory is not a band, but an agreement between two friends to create something that not only heals their beat-driven hearts, but pleases their rock n roll souls.
That certain something also drives audiences wild as Behrens sings and struts to frantic garage riffs and thumping dance-punk beats. We want the crowd to lose it, he says, we want them to feel what we feel...lose their own egos.
This army of two reached the top of the underground scene through sheer hard work, spending countless hours in their south Austin studios, releasing two albums in less than a year, promoting their own shows and moving audiences coast to coast, including performances at Lollapalooza and the ACL Festival.
This is their national television debut, recorded July 10, 2007. Ghostland Observatory has created a sound that blends buoyant electronics, drums, hyper driven guitar and ecstatic vocals - dance music that rocks, and rock music with soul. Maybe the best word to describe that sound is BALLSY.
Actor:Ghostland Observatory Director:Gary Menotti Genres:Music Video & Concerts Sub-Genres:Pop, Rock & Roll Studio:New West Records Format:DVD - Color DVD Release Date: 11/13/2007 Original Release Date: 01/01/2007 Theatrical Release Date: 01/01/2007 Release Year: 2007 Run Time: 1hr 5min Screens: Color Number of Discs: 1 SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Total Copies: 0 Members Wishing: 0 MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated) Languages:English
Movie Reviews
Great Performance, Well Worth the Money
Brian M | Austin, TX USA | 12/11/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This DVD showcases a stellar Ghostland Observatory performace. The DVD includes two non-album songs, Heavy Heart and Robotique Majestique, which are amazing. Purchase this DVD and you won't be disappointed."
Gilbo Ghostland Review
Gil Caravaca | San Francisco | 06/15/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"These guys are incredible. I was introduced to them by watching them perform on my local PBS station. I was knocked out by their energy and stage presence. I love to watch Aaron dance. Their impact on me was the same as the first time I saw Elvis on TV when I was a kid. I can't describe how musically orginal, talented, and fearless they are. I'm an older guy and I love these two. I hope they gain wide acceptance."
Totally diferent
Athos G. Colon | Lubbock, Texas | 03/09/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"These guys are good. The singer is like a mix between Freddy Mercury, "Mick" Jagger and some native american added into the dancing. The two of them don't interact with one another and one doesn't seem to mind ach other. The only interaction between the two is at the end when they just walk out the stage. Interesting to see this guys perform. Must see!"
GHOSTLAND OBSERVATORY: A Powerful Presence in Sound & Perfo
O. Marie | Seattle | 02/07/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Aaron Behrens and Thomas Turner make for one helluva sound that becomes the ritual performance of Ghostland Observatory. I say ritual, as there is something about their music that feels sacred. The first time I watched this show on PBS I was mesmerized (being a big fan of The Doors). Fans are comparing Ghostland Observatory to "Freddie Mercury meets David Bowie and Velvet Underground". Yet Ghostland Observatory has their OWN, a unique feel with Behrens on vocals and guitar, and Turner on the keyboards and drums. Beats are a combination of electric glam-rock and hip-hop; sometimes reminding me of The Cure, but not depressing in ANY way! Once you start to get into their music, it feels as if the earth is turning beneath your feet! Behrens is especially charismatic as a front man and performer, one who raises energy and spirit. Turner is grounded, at the same time ethereal. Visually they are both fun to watch. And you don't ever want to stop the dance... Lyrics are erotic, romantic; performance is powerful and humble at the same time. I love the self-effacing humility of these two guys; they are going to need it! Crowds will soon start throwing themselves in one direction - at their stage! CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THEM IN CONCERT IN SEATTLE!!"
GLO at ACL on TV
L. Kelly | roundlake,Il USA | 09/19/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a mini concert for those of us who are Ghostland fanatics.
If you haven't been to a show in a while, or ever, this is a decent substitute for a live show. But realize that they are extremely powerful live. Their performance on the dvd is toned down considerably. There are no lazers and Aaron is somewhat subdued (believe it or not!!).
Still, it's a great dvd. It does showcase Aaron's phenomenal voice and dancing and Thomas' spectacular synth playing, done in real time without the aid of a computer.
This TV show is what turned me onto Ghostland in the first place. After I saw them on PBS I soon had every cd they had out and the dvd also.
Give it a chance, you'll be addicted like I and many other people are. Then see them live when they're in a town near you, you WILL be blown away!!!!"