Goo Goo Dolls -- "Live in Buffalo" -- Warner Brothers

If anyone still cares, the Goo Goo Dolls are still around and have released a CD/DVD package based on footage from the band's show in Buffalo, N.Y., on July 4 of this year. Fortunately for the band, a massive downpour occurred two-thirds of the way through the show, making the rain-soaked performance actually somewhat entertaining to watch, albeit briefly.

The crux of the package is the DVD, which mostly contains footage of the band giving faithful renditions of its songs to a rapt hometown audience. However, the earnest performance and perseverance through the weather cannot overcome the paltry mediocrity of the band's material. An included commentary track is worthless, as it is basically the band and various production staff seeing most of the footage seemingly for the first time, saying, "Oh, that looks good. This was a fun show."

The perfectly coiffed, still-oddly-boyish Johnny Rzeznik sounds strong--as strong as he can--and manages to exhibit, through the course of the show, how the band has converted from a slightly gritty rock band into a band that was pumped up in minivans in 2002. His transformation into the poor man's Jon Bon Jovi is now complete.

The package is for the already dedicated fans of the band's later years, as it forsakes much of the band's breakout record, "A Boy Named Goo," and the egregious omission of the band's best song, "Long Way Down," simply creates further irritation.

Watching goofy, plump bassist Robby Takac ham it up as his purplish-red hair bounces around basically sums up the package. It's cheesy, slightly sickening and not suggested for those with good taste.

All that aside, it's of some interest to note that the Goo Goo Dolls used to go by the name the Sex Maggots. Imagine how not-lame the band could have been had it stayed the Sex Maggots. A band called the Sex Maggots could definitely not have recorded weak fluff like "Iris" or "Slide." Ah, all that could have been...

D --Chris Steffen/The Daily

Michael Jackson -- "The Ultimate Collection" -- Sony

Finally, all the crazies clamoring outside various courthouses waiting to catch a glimpse of their hero finally have a box set to keep them pacified. It's surprising that it's taken so long for a comprehensive Michael Jackson box set to be released, but for the die-hards, this one is worth it.

"The Ultimate Collection" consists of four CDs and one concert DVD, and spans from the Jackson Five to Michael's most recent album, the tepidly-received "Invincible." For the prices most retailers are selling this five disc package, it's a pretty great deal. While the casual fan may not appreciate the space dedicated to pre-production demos and alternate versions of songs, there are still plenty of classics to keep them satisfied.

There are a few gripes about various tracks being left off, such as Michael's duet with sister Janet on "Scream," and I'm personally a little bummed that nothing from Jackson's Disney World movie "Captian Eo" is included, but these are small issues. As long as we get "The Way You Make Me Feel," "Beat It," and "I'll Be There," it's hard to make any complaint hold water.

Non-album tracks of note include a Jackson-only version of "We Are the World" and a version of "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)" that is completely different from the version on "Thriller."

The live DVD is from a show in Bucharest on the "Dangerous" tour, and is an excellent inclusion in that it features an absolutely fanatical audience in a massive stadium, showing the type of frenzy that it seems American crowds aren't capable of recreating. It's hard to understand how with only the slightest turn of his head, Jackson can make the crowd explode, and the DVD is almost as interesting a historical document as it is a collection of music.

Another interesting aspect of "The Ultimate Collection" is how it shows Jackson's progression from a standout member in the family band to a solo phenomenon. While the latter music is clearly a several notches below its predecessors, it's worthy of inclusion for completion purposes and perspective.

The unreleased material and live DVD will make this package worth it for the Jackson disciples, and less-devoted fans may be intrigued by the ability to economically purchase a career-spanning collection of the King of Pop. Either way, it's a worthy box set.

A --Chris Steffen/The Daily
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