There's nothing like a concert in your very own living room. Here's a look at five recent music DVD releases:

"Hot as a Pistol, Keen as a Blade: Elvis Costello & Allen Toussaint"; Hip-O Records

What it is: Twenty-four songs culled from the 2006 tour that paired the British songsmith and the New Orleans master of all things funky and groovy.

Why you might like it: If you caught the tour and/or sampled the pair's brilliant disc "The River in Reverse" (Verve), you know Costello and Toussaint blend like sharp gin and creme brulee.

Why you might not: Call Costello a genius, but his tremulous baritone is aural sushi for some: an acquired taste at best, squishy-fishy at worst.

Tell me what'd I say: The emotional thrust behind this music — surveying New Orleans post-Hurricane Katrina — carries a Category 5 force of its own. Ignore at your peril.

"Farewell to the World: Crowded House"; Capitol

What it is: Twenty-four songs played by Neil Finn and company on the steps of the Sydney Opera House for 120,000 adoring fans in 1996. G'day indeed.

Why you might like it: As John Lennon-influenced singers go, Finn is perhaps truest to the late Beatle's spirit — more sensitive than strong, but clever and unafraid of raw emotion.

Why you might not: Seeing the late drummer Paul Hester, who killed himself in 2005, calls to mind a tragic rock loss.

Tell me what'd I say: It's ironic the band's "last" concert makes a great intro for Crowded House newbies. If it's pure pop you crave, start here — then buy 1988's unsung classic album "Temple of Low Men."

"Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man"; Lionsgate

What it is: Lian Lunson's film is equal parts tribute concert and Cohen documentary featuring interviews with Bono and Cohen.

Why you might like it: Cohen gives insight aplenty into his inspirations as literary musician and poet — and the video where U2 backs him makes for delightfully sublime cinematic camp.

Why you might not: Hearing Rufus Wainwright maul "Hallelujah" with his teeter-totter tenor is annoying — especially when there's a haunting-to-the-core version on CD by Jeff Buckley.

Tell me what'd I say: Skip the mostly B-level tribute show talent and focus on the documentary.

"Dixie Chicks: Shut Up & Sing"; Weinstein Company

What it is: A documentary that follows the hit country music band in the wake of singer Natalie Maines' 2003 comments against the Iraq war and president.

Why you might like it: Barbara Kopple's film has a happy ending off-screen. February saw the Chicks snag all five Grammys for which they were nominated.

Why you might not: If you burned your Chicks discs in protest. Then again, maybe watching fans and country music power brokers backlash will make you wonder if free speech is truly free.

Tell me what'd I say: This film calls to mind a truly odd paradox: Why do Americans get fired up when their entertainers speak out — but turn to jelly when stars run for office?

"Paul McCartney: The Space Within US"; A&E

What it is: The ex-Beatle fills two discs with more than 30 songs from his 2005 American tour. Also features sound check material and interviews.

Why you might like it: Repeat after me (lighters optional): "Na, na na, na-na-na-na/Na-na-na-na/Hey Jude!"

Why you might not: Songs such as "Fine Line" will tempt you mightily to skip on ahead.

Tell me what'd I say: That McCartney still burns up the stage more than 40 years after Beatlemania's first wave is a blessing to anyone and everyone who takes rock seriously — and playfully. Congrats, Sir Paul, you've passed the audition.