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reviews provided by
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KURT COBAIN: ABOUT A SON
(2006)
In a series of evocative interviews with rock icon Kurt Cobain,
journalist Michael Azerrad captures the late artist's inner thoughts and
personal memories about life, music, success and failure. Director AJ
Schnack assembled intimate conversations into a poignant portrait of a
creative genius and young man in pain. This emotional blend of imagery,
music and voice about the infamous and elusive artist is a 2007
Independent Spirit Award nominee.
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AFRO-PUNK (2006)
Following four devout punk-rock fans who happen to be black, director
James Spooner's thought-provoking documentary asks whether "Afro" and
"punk" can go together. (Meanwhile, during interviews with black punkers
-- including members of Fishbone, the Dead Kennedys, Candiria, Orange
9mm and TV on the Radio -- they resoundingly answer "Yes.") Bad Brains,
Tamar Kali, Cipher and Ten Grand are among the featured performers.
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AMERICAN HARDCORE (2006)
Tracing punk-rock music's turbulent history from 1980 to '86, this
retrospective documentary celebrates the hundreds of influential
hard-core bands that paved the way for tamer acts such as Nirvana,
Blink-182, the Beastie Boys, Green Day and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Archival footage includes performances from the Circle Jerks, Flipper,
Gwar, Jerry's Kids, the Replacements, the Teen Idles and Wasted Youth.
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BJORK: INSIDE BJORK (2003)
Starting her career at an early age, Icelandic songstress
Björk has had tremendous success,
blossoming into an international superstar. In addition to revealing
Björk's roots as a child singer and
later as head of the rock band the Sugarcubes, this documentary also
explores the incredible heights of her solo career.
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THE BLANK GENERATION (1979)
In director
Ulli Lommel's (Cocaine Cowboys)
rarely-seen drama, musician Billy (Richard
Hell) must choose between his developing career and his
love/hate relationship with journalist Nada (Carole
Bouquet).
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THE CLASH: WESTWAY TO THE
WORLD (2000)
This entertaining documentary tracks the rise and fall of the British
punk group The
Clash, widely considered one of the
greatest bands of all time. The group is featured in a series of
revealing interviews (many exclusive to this release) intertwined with
hefty doses of previously unseen live footage that encompass the
legendary band's career in its entirety.
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COME FEEL ME TREMBLE (2003)
Follow the legendary Paul Westerberg as he promotes his "Stereo Mono"
album, records new material in his home studio, prepares for shows and
relaxes on the bus. This is as personal as the ever-elusive Westerberg
gets (outside of his writing). Special features include three previously
unreleased songs and other classic Westerberg and Replacements material,
plus a complete live version of the tour showstopper, "Crackle and
Drag."
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DANIELSON: A FAMILY MOVIE
(2006)
This compelling documentary about faith-based music within popular
culture chronicles the artistic journey of musician Daniel Smith as he
pursues his dream. Smith, his four siblings and his best friend face
ongoing struggles to promote their Christian band Danielson Famile
within the mainstream music community. Performances by Danielson Famile
and Smith as a solo act add to the unique feel of director J.L.
Aronson's thought-provoking film.
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THE DECEMBERISTS: A
PRACTICAL HANDBOOK (2006)
With a wealth of material, including a full-length live performance,
five music videos, a behind-the-scenes documentary and the four-part
animated short for "The Tain," fans of the indie rock collective have
plenty reason to rejoice over this long-anticipated release. Shot at
Portland, Oregon's Roseland Theater in 2005, the live concert is one for
the ages, with inspired renditions of "16 Military Wives," "The Infanta"
and "July, July!"
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THE DEVIL AND DANIEL
JOHNSTON (2005)
In his second film, former commercial director Jeff Feuerzeig tackles
the documentary format, introducing the world to Daniel Johnston -- a
reclusive musical genius now in the throes of manic depression. Blending
up-to-date footage with home movies, archival material and rare audio,
Feuerzeig creates a dizzying -- and heartbreaking -- portrait of a man
whose inner demons are taking over, one delusion at a time.
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DEVO: THE COMPLETE TRUTH
ABOUT DE-EVOLUTION (2003)
Thanks to heavy rotation for their "Whip It" video on MTV, Devo crept
into the national consciousness in the 1980s. Their quirky tunes always
had a strong pop edge to them, and their videos won plenty of plaudits
from fans and critics alike. This comprehensive retrospective on the New
Waver's videos is a definitive look and features various extras, along
with videos for "Whip It," "Love Without Anger," "Disco Dancer" and
"Worried Man."
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DEVO: LIVE 1980 (2005)
Early 1980s rockers
Devo (those paragons of herky-jerky
movements and futuristic jumpsuits) footage has been compiled from a
full-length show at the Phoenix Theater in Petaluma, CA in 1980. The
live set is punctuated by the band's iconoclastic flair. Songs include
Its Not Right, Pink Pussycat, Whip It, Girl U Want, (I Cant Get No)
Satisfaction, Swelling Itching Brain and many more.
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DIG! (2004)
Documentarian Ondi Timoner spent seven years chronicling (and shot 1,500
hours of footage of) the rise of two rival musicians -- Anton Newcombe
of the Brian Jonestown Massacre and Courtney Taylor of the Dandy Warhols,
both of whom were intent on carving out their own piece of the highly
volatile and unpredictable music business. Follow the two wanna-be's
through their loves, obsessions, arrests, death threats and (relative)
success!
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DOWNTOWN 81 (NEW YORK BEAT
MOVIE) (2001)
A gritty, punk-rock fantasia starring legendary graffiti artist, poet
and musician Jean Michel Basquiat, Downtown 81 was, for years,
considered a "lost" film. It chronicles the hipper-than-hip downtown New
York art and music scene of 1980-81 while capturing one of the most
interesting and lively artists of the late 20th century as he stands
poised for fame. Features appearances by Deborah Harry, Fab Five Freddy
and Kid Creole and the Coconuts.
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'END OF THE CENTURY: THE
STORY OF THE RAMONES' (2004)
Variously dubbed "A punk Last Waltz" and "One headbangin' helluva good
time," this incisive documentary about the Ramones by Michael Gramaglia
and Jim Fields traces the seminal punk band's trajectory from obscurity
to fame to induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It's an
insider look at the rockers -- blemishes and all -- that will probably
make your head spin. Includes interviews with Joe Strummer, Debbie
Harry, Nicolas Cage and others.
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THE FILTH AND THE FURY: A
SEX PISTOLS FILM (2000)
Chronically cranky and famously out of control, the Sex Pistols recorded
only one album and imploded after 26 months. The godfathers of punk are
the subject of Julian Temple's backward-looking rockumentary, which
features Pistols hits such as "Anarchy in the UK" and "God Save the
Queen," as well as interviews with controversial manager Malcolm McLaren
and front man Johnny Rotten, plus a look at Sid Vicious's tragic life.
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THE FLAMING LIPS: THE
FEARLESS FREAKS (2005)
Alt-rock favorite The Flaming Lips invite filmmaker Bradley Beesley, who
directed many of their music videos, to join them on a journey through
the past as they take a look back at their countless escapades. See what
the band is like onstage and on the road; listen to the members
reminisce over the highs and lows of their 20-year career; meet the
people who surround them via interviews and video footage; and more.
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FREESTYLE: THE ART OF RHYME
(2004)
The trailblazers and contemporary purveyors of freestyle rap rub elbows
in this one-hour documentary chronicling the genre's genesis, taboos,
societal influence and future. Recorded in Los Angeles, San Francisco
and the Big Apple, the film rotates between off-the-cuff vocal
performances and commentary from hip-hop mainstays such as Mos Def,
Supernatural and the Last Poets. Featured artists include Lord Finesse,
Craig G, Jurassic 5 and more.
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THE FRESHEST KIDS: A HISTORY
OF THE B-BOY (2001)
It was the 1970s in the South Bronx when a handful of innovative DJs and
fast-rhyming MCs laid down the sound for a dance revolution. These
B-boys -- also known as "breakboys" or "breakdancers" -- helped pioneer
hip-hop culture, and their stories are told in this lively documentary.
The film gathers archival footage from the '70s through the new
millennium, as well as interviews with celebs KRS-One, Redman, Mos Def
and many others.
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GIGANTIC: A TALE OF TWO
JOHNS (2003)
Beloved by a wide variety of fans, the musical group They Might Be
Giants boasts a huge following. How did they get so massive, so to
speak? This fascinating documentary chronicles their rise from a duo of
instrumentalists (John Flansburgh and John Linnell) to an established
band that's managed, over time, to maintain its witty and always
refreshing edge. Includes concert footage, interviews and more.
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THE ROLLING STONES: GIMME
SHELTER (1970)
Full of classic renditions of "Sympathy for the Devil," "Under My
Thumb," "Satisfaction," "Jumpin' Jack Flash" and "Wild Horses," this
unvarnished documentary chronicles the Rolling Stones' chaotic 1969
American tour. Starting off on a high note at a riveting New York City
show, the film concludes in the aftermath of the infamous Altamont
Speedway gig, where Hell's Angels hired as security brutalized
concert-goers (even killing one).
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HALF JAPANESE: THE BAND THAT
WOULD BE KING (1993)
Hyped as "the world's greatest underground band," Half Japanese is
fronted by Jad and David Fair, a gonzo "Wayne and Garth" musical duo.
The Fair brothers record punk tunes in their bedroom for mail-order
distribution. Although rabid fans and enlightened critics don't
necessarily augur a new Beatlemania for the eager rockers, the Fairs
press on because breakout fame may be just around the corner.
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HEAVY METAL PARKING LOT
(1986)
Shot in 1986 in the parking lot of a Maryland arena before a Judas
Priest concert, this cult classic captures some of the most devoted
metalhead fans in all their unbridled, mulleted splendor. In addition to
its quotable musings on the rock 'n' roll lifestyle's allure, the
profanity-peppered film also serves as a time capsule of bad 1980s
fashion, complete with acid-washed jeans, Spandex, teased-out perms and
badass muscle cars.
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HEIMA: A FILM BY SIGUR
RÓS (2006)
In 2006, Icelandic ambient rockers Sigur Rós traversed their homeland to
present a series of free concerts at surprising locations across the
country. This atmospheric documentary captures the beguiling -- if
unusual -- tour. Fans will appreciate the wealth of concert footage in
which the band draws upon their entire catalog to perform such classic
beauties as "Staralfur" and "Agaetis Byrjun" as well as previously
unreleased tracks.
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I'M NOT THERE (2007)
Six actors portray six personas of music legend Bob Dylan in scenes
depicting various stages in the musician's life. Chronicling Dylan's
rise from unknown folksinger to international icon, the film reveals how
he reinvented himself many times. Todd Haynes directs this stylized
portrait, the first biography approved by the singer-songwriter. Marcus
Carl Franklin, Ben Whishaw, Heath Ledger, Christian Bale, Richard Gere
and Cate Blanchett (in an Oscar-nominated role) star.
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JANDEK ON CORWOOD (2003)
Hidden from the spotlight, Jandek has released almost 30 records since
1978 -- but who is he? The avant-garde musician hides from the spotlight
-- no live performances, no interviews -- and yet a tribute album
celebrates his songs. This documentary reveals facts and facets of the
enigmatic musician via candid interviews with friends, critics and
colleagues. Extras include a video tour of Jandek's world, articles and
plenty of Jandek music.
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THE LEGEND OF LEIGH BOWERY
(2002)
The colorful escapades of outrageous fashion designer Leigh Bowery are
chronicled in this documentary about the dynamic Australian, whose life
was cut short at age 33. The film highlights Bowery's many occupations
-- including host at a London nightclub in the 1980s, flashy performance
artist, lead singer of the rock band Minty and costume designer for a
dance troupe. Damien Hirst and Boy George contribute their thoughts via
interviews.
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LOUDQUIETLOUD: A FILM ABOUT
THE PIXIES (2006)
Hailing from Boston, the influential alternative rock band The Pixies
mesmerized fans during the late 1980s and early '90s until internal
tension broke them up. Get an insider's look at the band's reunion tour
in 2004, in which they perform "Wave of Mutilation," "Here Comes Your
Man" and other hits. The rockumentary also delves into the personal
lives of the band members, including Kim Deal's battle with sobriety,
and Frank Black's family.
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MOOG (2004)
Inventor of
the synthesizer, Robert Moog revolutionized modern music and culture. In
addition to tracing the roots of electronic instruments, this
film, through interviews, photos and archival footage, offers an
up-close look at the maverick responsible for integrating technology and
art. A philosophical eccentric complete with wild hair and intense gaze,
Moog shares his sometimes mystical views on creativity, interactivity,
music and machines.
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NEGATIVLAND: OUR FAVORITE
THINGS (2007)
Experimental rockers Negativland team with 18 American filmmakers to
transport the work of the prolific aural appropriators into the realm of
video. The videos cover 27 years' worth of Negativland hits. The set
list includes "Time Zones," "Christianity Is Stupid," "No Business," "Gimme
the Mermaid," "Greatest Taste Around," "Over the Hiccups," "U2," "Guns,"
"Yellow, Black and Rectangular," "Aluminum or Glass" and others.
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THE NOMI SONG (2005)
Through concert footage, still photographs and vivid anecdotes,
filmmaker Andrew Horn celebrates the brief but bittersweet life of 1980s
cult sensation Klaus Nomi in this engrossing documentary. The
German-born Nomi -- who died at 39 from AIDS complications -- was one of
the most bizarre characters to rise to prominence on the pop-culture
stage with his startling act, which spanned the opera, cabaret, New Wave
and performance-art genres.
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OFF THE CHARTS: THE SONG
POEM STORY (2003)
A fascinating documentary in the style of Errol Morris, Off the Charts
chronicles the fearless types who, via advertisements in the backs of
magazines, send heartfelt poems (and a check for $295) to be made into
hit songs -- hopefully. What few of them realize is that of the
estimated 200,000 songs that have been concocted by this mail-order
method, not one has ever been a hit.
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PIECE BY PIECE (2004)
Chronicling more than two decades within San Francisco's graffiti
movement, this film provides a journey into an underground art scene
that few outsiders have been privy to. Through interviews with the
artists (many of whom don't want their identities revealed), archival
footage synced to a soundtrack by DJ Q-Bert and others, and a historical
overview of the form, Piece by Piece captures the brash energy of the
artists and their work.
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PUNK: ATTITUDE (2005)
From London's 1970 mod scene to Sonic Youth, punk music has always been
about attitude and anarchy. This comprehensive rockumentary traces the
roots of punk, from The
Velvet Underground and the
New York Dolls to the
Sex Pistols and The
Clash. Punkers
Henry Rollins,
Jello Biafra, Tommy Ramone and David
Johansen share their wild stories, and there's vintage performance
footage of the
Sex Pistols, the Ramones, The
Clash,
The Damned and much more.
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RIZE (2005)
Former commercial photographer and music video director David LaChapelle
delves into the "krumping" culture in South Central Los Angeles,
capturing the unbelievable gyrations of dancers with moves so quick that
they warrant a special disclaimer. The high-octane documentary centers
on "Tommy the Clown," a former birthday entertainer who opened a school
to train community kids to krump -- and keep them out of trouble.
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SPEND AN EVENING WITH SADDLE
CREEK (2005)
Learn the story of the Omaha, Neb.-based Saddle Creek record label from
the people who made it happen. This program features extensive
interviews, archival footage and rare performances from the bands the
label spawned, including
Polecat,
Azure Ray,
Rilo Kiley,
Bright Eyes, Sorry About Dresden,
Lullaby for the Working Class, Desaparecidos,
Slowdown Virginia,
The Good Life, Commander Venus,
Mayday,
The Faint and Now It's Overhead.
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SCRATCH (2002)
This energetic, insightful film, which was a big hit at the 2001
Sundance Film Festival, traces the birth of "turntablism." Doug Pray
documents the ongoing history of today's turntablist movement and
features many of the DJs who gave birth to the hip-hop movement and
continue to reinvent it. This exhilarating film features such
charismatic figures as DJ Q-Bert, DJ Shadow and Mix Master Mike in
full-blown exhibition of their powers.
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SONIC OUTLAWS (1995)
They fought the law, and the law didn't win! On the heels of
Negativland's parody of U2 and deejay Casey Kasem, the suits at Island
Records declared war on the rock band and instituted court proceedings
that would have expunged the satiric piece from existence. Video
essayist Craig Baldwin examines this and other copyright disputes and
investigates the potential for an "electronic folk culture" despite
increasing corporate media hegemony.
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SONIC YOUTH: CORPORATE
GHOST: THE VIDEOS 1990-2002 (2004)
Groundbreaking alternative band Sonic Youth came on the scene in 1990
and changed the face of music with their edgy, inspired sound. This
volume collects their acclaimed videos, directed by the likes of Spike
Jonze and Harmony Korine, and features interviews with the members of
the group. Songs include "Dirty Boots," "Mary-Christ," "My Friend Goo,"
"Scooter and Jinx," "Swimsuit Issue," "Ono Soul," "My Sonic Room" and
more.
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STYLE WARS (1983)
This documentary, first broadcast on PBS in 1983, opened the world's
eyes to the phenomenon taking over New York City. The urban landscape --
in particular, the ramshackle subway system -- had been transformed by
graffiti artists who invented a new visual language to express
themselves. Adding to the phenomenon, MCs, DJs and B-boys rocked the
city with new sounds and moves, as street-corner break-dance battles
turned into performance art.
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TV PARTY: THE DOCUMENTARY
(2006)
Filmmaker Danny Vinik's bracing documentary traces the rise and fall of
"TV Party," an innovative punk-rock cable show hosted by Andy Warhol
associate Glenn O'Brien and Blondie guitarist Chris Stein. Rocketing to
cult status among hipsters, the program featured guests such as Iggy
Pop, David Bowie, George Clinton, Mick Jones and Klaus Nomi, with
high-voltage live performances by Tuxedo Moon, the Brides of Funkenstein
and Alex Chilton.
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THE U.S. VS. JOHN LENNON
(2006)
David Leaf's provocative documentary examines John Lennon's growing
involvement in antiwar efforts from 1966 to 1976 and the U.S.
government's attempts to silence him. The film picks up Lennon's story
as he begins to shed his Beatles identity and adopt the role of a peace
activist. Lennon's wife, Yoko Ono, collaborated on the film, which
features interviews with Carl Bernstein, Walter Cronkite, Gov. Mario
Cuomo, Angela Davis and others.
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WE JAM ECONO: THE STORY OF
THE MINUTEMEN (2005)
Tim Irwin's documentary chronicles the ups, downs and all-arounds of
pioneering punkers The Minutemen. The film weaves together more than 80
interviews to tell the story of the underground punk band from San
Pedro, Calif. Punk icons including Red Hot Chili Peppers' Flea and
Blackflag's Henry Rollins discuss the band's influence on the genre, and
never-before-seen vintage footage captures the raw intensity of The
Minutemen live onstage.
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WENDY O. WILLIAMS AND THE
PLASMATICS: 10 YEARS OF REVOLUTIONARY ROCK AND ROLL (2006)
Pioneers of punk-metal fusion, Wendy O. Williams and the Plasmatics
revolutionized the culture of American music with unparalleled live
performances and jaw-dropping theatrics, on and off stage. Lightning
rods for controversy, Williams and the band endured police arrests and
countrywide bans. With unforgettable stunts such as taking chainsaws to
guitars and blowing up full-size cars, their chaotic live concerts are
the stuff of legend.
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THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT: THE
WHO (1979)
Through rare concert performance footage and interviews, this 1979
documentary offers an in-depth look at the wildly successful career of
classic rock group The Who -- from their initial formation to their
first major hit. Highlights include footage from many of the band's
early performances, capturing their zaniness and outrageous antics, plus
an interview with drummer Keith Moon and footage from his last
performance just prior to his death.
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I AM TRYING TO BREAK YOUR
HEART: A FILM ABOUT WILCO (2002)
Photographer turned director Sam Jones started filming experimental rock
band Wilco as they recorded their fourth album, "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot,"
which has since been released to critical acclaim. As depicted in the
film, however, it was a tumultuous time (the band nearly broke up). This
documentary captures both Wilco's music and the story of how the band
weathered through the storm to release the album under a new label.
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