The DVD Collection

.38 Special hold a distinct place in the history of Southern rock. More than any other of their brethren, the Jacksonville, FL, group had tighter songs with a smooth arena rock and pop sound. They also hit their commercial prime just as MTV exploded. Released in 2004, 20th Century Masters - The DVD Collection: The Best of .38 Special collects five videos from 1981 to 1988 that show a dramatic shift in the band's sound and image. The classic lineup of vocalist/guitarist Don Barnes, vocalist/rhythm guitarist Donnie Van Zant, guitarist Jeff Carlisi, bass guitarist Larry Junstrom, drummer Steve Brookins, and drummer Jack Grondin also stood as the last true representative of the original Southern rock movement. The clip for 1981's "Hold On Loosely," .38 Special's first Top 40 hit, is a basic stage performance in front of a crowd; it's difficult to tell if the audio was actually recorded live (the credits give no clue). "Caught Up in You" was a Top Ten smash in 1982; the video is set in a bar where the band is playing. A fine live version of "Wild-Eyed Southern Boys" from 1984's Wild Eyed & Live home video is included. "Like No Other Night," from 1986, displays a distinct change in image that is frozen in one specific pop-culture era; the video itself is a big-budget performance clip with a fancy stage and light show, but the surprising thing is seeing the members' new look. The once casually dressed, semi-scruffy rockers suddenly became well-groomed hipsters in Miami Vice-style suits! The ballad "Second Chance" went to number six in 1988 and was the band's highest-charting single, made all the more surprising since Barnes and Brookins had left and were replaced by vocalist/keyboardist Max Carl and guitarist Danny Chauncey. The stylish black-and-white performance video, set in a warehouse studio, effectively mirrors the feel of the song. The finest traits of .38 Special are highlighted on this DVD. ~ Bret Adams|