Wu-Tang Clan

The DVD version of Disciples of the 36 Chambers (Chapter 2) improves on the CD version (Chapter 1) if only because it's closer to being there, and watching this unwieldy concert sure beats just listening to it. The DVD is plagued by the same muddy sound, the same whack song transitions, and the same overabundance of audience participation (the "Wu-Tang Clan ain't nuthin' ta f*ck wit" chant is getting to be their "last night we were in Cleveland and they said Pittsburgh didn't know how to rock!"). What makes all the difference is that seeing a stage filled with all the original members -- and about 50 other people just there to swagger and party -- is pretty incredible -- incredible that the stage didn't collapse and incredible that the music comes off at all. It does all work in parts, especially Method Man's and RZA's tracks, and even if Ghostface isn't in top voice, his energy is something to behold. "They all showed up" should be the subtitle -- or maybe just "ODB showed up" -- and while it warms the hip-hop heart to see the Wu as a functional group again, they are under-rehearsed. Snippets of interviews are dropped in here and there, and they make all the difference. RZA's genuine love of the group is infectious, and any ODB story is a treat (he almost didn't make it out of the hotel room for this show, and wait to you see his Wu-mates' reaction to it). That the videographers captured a clear picture of the sprawling event is amazing, and a couple extra videos and whatnot makes the set worthy of consideration. ~ David Jeffries, All Music Guide