DVD Review: Suzanne Vega Live: Solitude Standing

By Jeffery X Martin

The problem with being a hardcore fan of any artist is the constant desire for more. We want new songs. We want new versions of new songs. We want a tour. We want new videos. We want it all, and we want it now, sooner if possible.

The new Suzanne Vega concert DVD, a show from Rome filmed in 2003, is great for those who haven’t had the chance to see her live. It’s a stripped-down affair, with Vega on acoustic guitar and vocals, Mike Visceglia on bass, and a translator, Valerio Piccolo. It has the earmarks of a small, intimate show. We would have a better sense of that, if we were ever shown the audience outside of some silhouette shots.

The show is directed in a static fashion. The cameras barely move, giving the whole show that “filmed in front of a live studio audience” feel that sitcoms have. Vega’s music doesn’t lend itself to pyrotechnics and spectacle, being mainly acoustic, but the directing and editing are too low-key. It undercuts the songs instead of highlighting them. Some more camera movement could have livened things up, particularly with faster, more upbeat songs like “When Heroes Go Down.”

The set list reaches deep, but perhaps not deep enough. Casual fans will recognize the radio songs, and there’s certainly an element of Suzy Plays the Hits, which is fine. Her slimmed-down version of “Luka” is excellent. However, the performance of “Left of Center” from the Pretty in Pink soundtrack, accompanied by only Visceglia on bass, feels too thin. There is nothing here from Vega’s third album, Days of Open Hand. It also feels like a tease to title the disc Solitude Standing but not include that song in the show.

There are some highlights to be found, though. Vega seems to be having fun with a rollicking performance of “Solitaire.” Her rendition of “Penitent” is more powerful live than it is on Songs in Red and Gray. “In Liverpool” also benefits from a powerful, emotional run-through, making it perhaps the best song in the show.

But that’s close to the end, and it feels like the show stops right when Vega was finding her stride and really pulling some power from inside. The old show business adage, “Leave the audience wanting more,” is certainly in full effect here.

Suzanne Vega Live: Solitude Standing is an excellent introduction for those who are not familiar with her work. This performance could easily gain Vega some new fans. Hardcore fans won’t be disappointed, but will understand that there is so much more that could have been brought out. There are easily 15 or so other songs that could have been included on this disc, which would have made it an absolute treasure for the old-school listeners. I would have loved it had songs like “Widow’s Walk” or “Bad Wisdom” been performed.

Again, that’s the problem with being a hardcore fan. I remember unwrapping Vega’s first album in my bedroom after I bought it on cassette and listening to “Marlene on the Wall” repeatedly. I have enjoyed the richness and depth of her songwriting for years. This video is akin to shaking hands with someone you know could be really interesting, but never getting to sit down and have a real in-depth conversation with them. Solitude Standing is enough, but only just.

Suzanne Vega Live: Solitude Standing was released by Wienerworld on May 6.