Young Buckethead, Vol. 1 (DVD) Palatine IL

Young Buckethead, Vol. 1 (DVD)

Buckethead

Avabella Productions, 2006

http://www.bucketheadland.com

REVIEW BY: Ben McVicker

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: 03/20/2008

Though most widely known for his involvement with the oft-delayed Guns N' Roses album Chinese Democracy, virtuoso guitarist Buckethead had in fact been touring and recording for over a decade before hitting the road with Axl Rose in 2002. This DVD, volume one of a two-volume set released in 2006, captures Buckethead in the earliest stage of his career.

Bringing together an assortment of grainy 8mm footage from 1990-1991, the centerpiece of this collection is a trio of complete live shows with The Deli Creeps -- a kooky, outlandish act fronted by Maximum Bob, with drummer Pinchface and bassist, Tony Black, and, of course, Buckethead on guitar. For the unacquainted listener, try to imagine a group that blends the twisted humor of Primus with the sinister vibe of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Spice things up with some jaw-dropping guitar playing and lyrics about dead bodies, and you have a blueprint for the band's sound: gritty, bizarre, and freakishly fun.

Volume one of Young Buckethead kicks off with a Deli Creeps show at the Cactus Club. While the quality is a bit rough, and the performance not as polished as those on Volume two, it's still a treat to watch. Long-time fans of Buckethead will be struck by how much more active, mobile, and theatrical the guitarist is compared to his time with G n' R, or in his recent solo performances. Buckethead's trademark modified white Les Paul is nowhere to be seen, and at some points, he doesn't even wear the Bucket. His playing is fantastic -- especially impressive given that Buckethead was in his late teens at the time these videos were recorded. A real source of fun is to spot all the licks and phrases that Bucket would later refine and make part of his inventory of signature guitar parts as his solo career progressed.

The extras include a soundcheck featuring an unmasked Buckethead with his face blurred out, and a wacky keyboard performance in a basement, where Buckethead plays a variety of atmospheric, theatrical lines to the tune of a rambling, improvised monologue by Guitar Player editor Jas Obrecht.