Various Artists
Video Stampede (Video)
Reviewed by Doug Van Pelt
This release is good news for those who've read reviews of the two Guardian videos in HM, but haven't known where to get them. This 51-minute video showcases several Pakaderm artists, including Guardian, Mastedon, Halo, Richie Furay and "The Heard." John and Dino Elefante share a lot about the Pakaderm vision, explaining studio production, how and why they sign a certain band, marketing and packaging. Dino introduces the Guardian video "Power of Love," which has aired on MTV's "Headbanger's Ball" and is fast-paced and performance-oriented. Tony Palacios shows up wailing away on an acoustic guitar, explains a little bit of Guardian's vision and then intros the "Never Say Goodbye" video (which I'm convinced would break on Country Music Television and be a hot Country radio single), which was largely filmed at the Los Angeles Mission. Tony explains that Jamie Rowe wrote the song and was his audition tape to join the band. (I didn't know that!) JC Crew shows up in an action/dance packed video for "No Guts, No Glory." Halo's "My Buddy" sure is a sentimental video, showing the incredible responsibility and blessing of discipling and raising children. One of the major collector's items on this video is the Mastedon live at Cornerstone '91 footage. We get a chance to see 'em perform "Islands in the Sky," an "Amazing Grace" guitar solo and "Right Hand." It's all shot on video, but who can knock it very much when it's footage of such great stuff? The end of "Right Hand" shows the unveiling of the giant backdrop of Jesus with His outstretched hands. The "We Need Jesus" clip ends the package with a very upbeat "feel-good-because-you're-worshipping-God" emotion. While some could construe this video as a Pakaderm Records hype tool, it doesn't come off with that spirit at all. One truly can come away from this video with a refreshed heart and a greater knowledge of what makes this label and this studio tick. The simplicity of the presentation by John and Dino convey a sincerity that gives this video a small taste of the Holy Spirit's goodness and attention-directing to Jesus.