homemade noize

I always in the mood for a good Rock Doc. Below a collection of music documentaries that I have enjoyed recently.

1. Dig!

Even though I am not really a fan of either the Dandy Warhols or The Brian Jonestown Massacre(or clever references to overrated 60’s artist in your band name for that matter) I this found this a very good watch. It is billed as a story of 2 bands one finding success and one not but it is really more of the the story of the one that does not. That is the interesting part especially band leader Anton Newcombe. Aton is referred to a genius through out the film. He is painted as kind of a mad eccentric genius. I doubt the genius part but the mad part is certainly there. I wanted to smack Aton and the tambourine player(yes The Brian Jonestown Massacre have a full time tambourine player) for there pretension. If you love ‘em or hate ‘em it is fascinating to watch a band that had a good chance to make it just not get along and stay sane long enough to make there chances count. The last of those chances when they get a showcase they blow it in the most spectacular and rock ‘n’ roll way. A must see.

The Film:

2. Scratch

It is a history of DJ and Turntablism and a good one but it is deeper than that. It is about culture and art. DJ Shadows in an amazing basement of records gets down right deep in the philosophical sense. And of course there are performances form the best turntablist out there.

The Film:

3. The End of the Century

This documentary follows the Ramones from start to finish. There was the epic struggle of personalities between Dee Dee and Joey in band that just wouldn’t quit. Through the CBGB days, Phil Spector, line up changes, a mountain of animosity and Dee Dee attempting to bend the world to this will what strikes you most is how the just kept going because it was the only thing they knew to do. They played music and lived the same way they played.

4. The Devil and Daniel Johnston

This is one of the better documentaries I have seen. I someways it reminds me of the excellent Crumb. In some ways it is because Robert Crumb’s bother Charles reminds me of Daniel Johnston. But in both films you feel like you get to know and artist even part of the knowing is the understanding that you’ll never fully understand them. And wonderful unique art work mix with a love of unique music. Daniel Johnston is not eccentric like Robert Crumb. Daniel Johnston is possessed by madness. To fragile and mixed up for really life he goes crazy. It is interesting to ride the ups and downs with him for a while but you’ll be glad you can get off the ride.

Trailer: