For a new album, Travis really go to town.  2003 saw the release of their fourth studio album 12 Memories (not "third", as the press release quotes), for which they scoured the globe, playing shows in Europe, Japan and America nearly every day.  Well it seemed like it.  I saw them live twice.  

At The Palace, a performance recorded at London's Alexander Palace on 20 December 2003 rounded up a busy year for the band.  Capturing 21 hits from Travis' illustrious back career, the DVD also features a backstage film, documenting their arrival, sound-check and larking about in their dressing room.  Who'd have imagined Travis arriving in a Merc?

For those who did not see their recent 12 Memories tour this year, or the UK tour last October, this recording shows you what you would have seen had you forked out the money for a ticket.  I didn't catch the Ally Pally gig, but watching the set-list unfold on screen, I realised it was pretty much identical to to their previous tour bar the inclusion of the novelty (Christmas) cover thrown in, this time Wham!'s 'Last Christmas'.  Same stage set, practically the same set-list - even the same clothes.  For Fran Healy certainly, as he steps out in his white suit and flat cap worn backwards.  He will forever be associated with that suit for 12 Memories, as he was with the Hoxton fin for The Invisible Band.  Image conscious indeed.

A momentous occasion for them, for the fan it's another asset of memorabilia, and no doubt a generous one, if you're not yet exhausted of Travis.  For the fun part of it, you get to watch an entire concert in surround sound from the comfort of your sofa rather than being squished under the sweaty armpit of the lanky bloke in front of you in an 8000 capacity hall.  Dougie Payne's swinging hips are on top form of course, which really should be listed as one the bonus features on here.  Other than that, it's a straight forward and inoffensive presentation without the cheap frills.
(3½/5)

Release date: 17 May 2004

At The Palace