Finally a DVD of some of Ricky (Rick) Nelson's songs that he performed for the most part at the end of the 50s and early 60s television show, "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet". This release includes the full-length PBS TV documentary which features interviews with Ricky's children--Gunnar, Matthew, Tracy, and Sam--as well as 21 performances of some of his biggest hits. It is great to see one of the best backup bands of all time, James Burton (who is interviewed and plays on the bonus menu with the kids) and Joe Osborne though his name is not mentioned at all.

The "talking heads" interviews are certainly heartfelt, not heard over the music and brief but to the point. There is some unwanted editing of the songs (like taking out guitar solos by James Burton) and of course all the songs are lip sync from the television audio track which at times includes canned audience laughter, applause, etc. You wonder why they (EMI/Capitol Records) didn't overlay the original studio tracks from their studio vaults?

Kris Kristofferson gives a nice prospective with his interview and its great to see James Burton talking about Rick instead of Elvis. The three part harmony singing by The Nelson Boys on "Garden Party" is terrific! Additional bonus material also includes the Nelson Twins playing with James Burton on "It's Late and "Believe What You Say" which is just awesome to see and hear.

Yes, it could have been better but just having this available in any form, especially DVD is worth having!

Songs:

(Ricky Nelson) Hello Mary Lou / Be Bop Baby / I'm Walkin / Waitin' In School / A Teenager's Romance / Never Be Anyone Else But You / Believe What You Say / Fools Rush In / It's Late / Teenage Idol / My Bucket's Got A Hole In It / Lonesome Town / Travelin' Man / Everlovin' / Young World / Tryin' To Get To You / It's Up To You

(Nelson Boys & James Burton) Garden Party
(Nelson Twins and James Burton) It's Late / Believe What You Say