The Rapture

The Rapture Is Live And Well In New York City is a timely release bridging the gap between the Rapture's celebrated Echoes album from last year and their follow-up, expected some time next year. Recorded just before Christmas last December, this homecoming show at the Bowery Ballroom does a stellar job of depicting the dance-infusing energy and life that exists at one of their gigs. The set list is naturally made up of tracks from Out Of The Races And Onto The Tracks and Echoes, but the inclusion of singing "Happy Birthday" to bassist Matt Safer, followed by a "rapturous" set closing rendition of Gary Glitter's "Rock and Roll, Part 2," sheds light on just how much fun this band is. Also tacked onto this DVD are the promos for all three of Echoes' singles: "House Of Jealous Lovers," "Sister Saviour," and "Love Is All." (Mercury)