Editorial Review

This smartly produced, intelligently written documentary strikes a satisfying balance between thoughtful analysis, personal history, and sheer musical pleasure for a portrait of the seminal California pop band that will prove equally compelling to both knowledgeable fans and casual listeners.In the audiovisual equivalent of a loaves-and-fishes miracle, Read more

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Reviews (33)

Knowing How the Beach Boys Started
I attended my first concert of the Beach Boys at Westbury Theatre in New York. I was truly impressed with the group's performance.A few days ago before attending another of their concert in Connetticut, I decided to buy the Endless Harmony DVD to see how they looked like in their younger years and to know more about the group so as to come to appreciate them even more. It was very satisfying to see a deeper perspective of their lives as I got insights into their personalities. I liked the Wilson brothers and I felt sorry for the tragic ending of Dennis and Carl, but it's Brian that I loved the most. I felt sympathy for him because of the dark side that tormented him in his life to the fact that he withdrew from others and lost his self-confidence. I am glad that he got to recover from his seclusion so as to be able to re-join the group and perform again before the world. He was just not only full of talent, but as a young man he had the most boyish handsome face. I liked the melancholic melody in the music he created which at other times had to be balanced by Michael Love by putting some fun into it.
Indispensible!
This DVD is a real "must have" for any Brian Wilson or Beach Boys fan. Endless Harmony charts the group's history from their formation in the early sixties through to their effective end on February 6th 1998 when the late, great Carl Wilson passed away. It was a sad ending to a group that went on to make musical history over several decades and set the standards and success that many other bands strive to achieve today - this was without doubt one of the most influential rock and pop groups of all time. From the Worlds premier surfing band they went on to achieve the ultimate glory in pop music by producing what is probably the finest album ever made, the stunningly beautiful and critically acclaimed Pet Sounds. The eagerly awaited follow up album that never was, "SMiLE", dragged the legendary genius that is Brian Wilson into new depths of despair and the drink and drugs culture also saw the demise of fellow Beach Boy and brother Dennis Wilson. Brian Wilson did eventually come through his darkness to embark upon a solo career that in 2004 would see him perform the highly acclaimed "SMiLE" concerts to packed houses and rapturous reviews. This DVD follows the roller coaster ride that was The Beach Boys career with in-depth interviews from all the band members and other friends/musicians around at the same time such as Jackson Browne, Elvis Costello, Bee Gee Maurice Gibb and Eagles member Glen Frey. It also has some excellent "extras" that make this DVD great value for money. Buy it!

THE BEACH BOYS-ENDLESS SUMMER
MY WIFE IS A BIG FAN OF THE BEACH BOYS. WE JUST TOOK IN A CONCERT IN SANDIEGO. WE WERE VERY PLEASED WITH THIS DOCUMENTARY.
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Subjects:  1. Music Video - Pop/Rock    2. Pop    3. Pop/Rock    4. Psychedelic    5. Psychedelic Pop    6. Rock    7. Rock & Roll    8. Sunshine Pop    9. Surf   

Editorial Review

If you've ever wanted to sit in on a recording session for a Broadwaycast album--one that just happens to be one of the most successful in recent history-- you're in for a treat. Read more

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Reviews (28)

Not Too Insightful, But Interesting
This is sort of a documentary on the recording of the original cast album of THE PRODUCERS. It's also a chance for Mel Brooks to talk...and talk...and talk.
Simply Amazing !
If you've ever wondered what the making of a classic Broadway soundtrack looks like - - look no further !
WOW WOW WOW WOWWhat a set of LungsUlla has !!
This , This ManMel Brooks has added another string to his Talent bow.
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Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Documentary    3. Movie    4. Performing Arts - Theater   

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Subjects:  1. Jazz    2. Music & Musicals    3. Music Documentaries    4. Television & Documentary   

Editorial Review

Originally produced for cable and home video as a documentary project,the Classic Albums series offers in-depth profiles of enduring rock and pop albums built around first-person interviews with the artists, producers, and musicians that created them.Their strong sonic debt makes their DVD issues problematic, since the segments aren't intended to replace the original audio recordings, only to expand on them.If you haven't heard these albums, nearly all of them landmarks in late-20th-century pop, then this isn't the place to start.If you know the originals, however, these smartly written, well-produced documentaries can open up a richer understanding of the genesis for each album.Read more

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Reviews (24)

Great album, good DVD
I've heard all the of Who's major albums many times, have read the Dave Marsh history of the band as well as biographies of Moon and Townshend, have a live concert bootleg, find the post-Moon albums disappointing, have seen plenty of concert footage (of which there is never enough), and saw the boys perform Quodrophenia in 1996. That said, this DVD contains something for just about every level of Who fan. What I would have wanted is more footage from 1971-2, when the Who recorded the album and went on tour. There's no footage of the band in the studio making the album. Perhaps no such footage exists. But we do get some scenes of Pete working on the synthesizer parts. It's amazing to see how far technology has come. What took up a whole room of equipment in the early 70s can now fit on a Casio keyboard. The concert footage of "Won't Get Fooled Again" and "Baba O'Riley," which is shown repeatedly, is from the late 70s film the Kids are Alright. Novice fans might not be able to tell. Entwhistle's concert performance of "My Wife" looks to be from 1972, perhaps the closest the DVD comes to showing the Who at their peak. Still, this making-of DVD contains many pleasures. I had never heard Pete's "Won't Get Fooled Again" demo, which demonstrates that he was a one-man band (as those who have heard "Who Came First" can attest). I've always wanted to see Pete playing piano, and here the DVD obliges by showing him perform some of "Pure and Easy." Also nice here is Pete's solo, acoustic rendition of "Won't Get Fooled Again" near the end of the disk. I also liked it when the album tracks were isolated to emphasize the voice, bass, drums, or guitar parts. It's almost touching to see Roger get giddy over Keith's drum playing on "Behind Blue Eyes." Anyone who is familiar with the Who will know a lot about the Lifehouse project, and one can read liner notes of the "Who's Next" reissues to learn even more. This DVD goes heavy on the blockbuster songs "Baba O'Riley," "Won't Get Fooled Again," and "Behind Blue Eyes." "Bargain" and "Getting in Tune" are only played as background music clips, and "Love Ain't for Keeping" isn't mentioned at all. The commentary is good. Pete is the kind of guy incapable of giving a boring interview, and this DVD is no exception. It's particularly nice to see him talk without having to explain for the millionth time why the Who smashed their instruments--a question by the way, to which he has given various answers. The rivalry between Pete and Roger is also preserved when Pete jokingly refers to Roger as a "furry animal." In short, it's always great to see the Who, whether live or on tape. I would have liked this DVD to have been 2 hours or more, but it does give a good overview of perhaps the best rock album of the 1970s.

Who's Next - One of my favorites
I'd like to start by saying I really enjoy all the Classic Albums series documentaries. If you get the chance, check out some of the other titles, like Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon, Elton John's Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, etc.
Awesome Album & Hilarious Review by Ray Davies!!!
This is the most consistently brilliant Who album ever!!! Sure Tommy may have great songs, but many of them were filler and short little ditties. The Who's Next showed the true genious of Townshend and the boys. From start to finish, not a single throwaway track here. A must listen for any music fan!
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Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Hard Rock    3. Mod    4. Music Video    5. Music Video - Pop/Rock    6. Performance    7. Pop    8. Pop/Rock    9. Rock    10. Rock & Roll   

Editorial Review

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Subjects:  1. Music Documentaries    2. Religious    3. Special Interests    4. Television Documentary    5. bargain_vhs   

Editorial Review

With traditions that variously intersect and parallel those of jazz, the blues has likewise emerged as a uniquely American musical dialect that has powerfully influenced music from the early 20th century forward.Whether tuned to the stark individuality of country blues, with its often-harrowing,adult themes of sex, death, and violence, or keyed to the livelier cadences and more boisterous moods of the urban strains that would later evolve into R&B, the blues have become uniquely pervasive. Read more

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Reviews (2)

This DVD sucks. Buy somethign else.
More stock footage woven between three old guys too busy talking about, to actually live the blues. The rare footage of Bessie smith, Billie Holiday, etc., etc. (almost all the greats are listed as having footage on here) is non-existent and pretty much adds up to a couple of promotional photos. Lame. To top it all off, it's even incfredibly short, but I didn't even notice that much. Poor.

Start "The Year of The Blues" by Watching This!
The first five minutes tells it all with fine editing of a diddely bow, Sonny Boy Williamson, Muddy Waters, Duke Ellington, John Coltrane and Miles Davis into a mosaic of images and music that define blues and blues-based jazz for all time. You will find some new insight at which to marvel everytime you revisit this classic. One of the very finest blues documentaries ever made. You don't have to be a blues historian of even a fan to enjoy this fine DVD and gain new insights into the history not only of bluesmen or Blacks but America. The diaspora, the great migration from the deep South to the North was, at the time, the greatest peacetime migration in human history and its story is told in Bluesland. Toby Byron and his associates are to be celebrated for this excellent work of art. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blues    2. Blues Music    3. Documentary    4. Music Video    5. Performance    6. Pop   

Editorial Review

Oh, the heartache. Oh, the drug intake. And oh, the sales records theydid break. It's all here in this 70-minute, 1997 chronicle of the making of oneof pop music's biggest albums ever, Read more

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Reviews (42)

They Snipped the Songs Short!
I bought this hoping that the promised songs on the back of the box would be the videos or "promotional short" versions songs I had seen on the internet. They were floating around Windows Media player when they were promoting the re-release of Rumours with extras and demos. They were indeed the cuts I was looking for: Fleetwood Mac jamming live versions Rhiannon, You Make Loving Fun, and Dreams. Filmed in 16mm on what looks like their touring stage running through impressive live renditions of these tunes, I yelped with joy that I had these chestnuts on DVD. Unfortunately, on this disc they are present as small samples of the various songs, and cut down to about 30 seconds each. More than enough to tease the viewer but not enough to satisfy. Apparently the producers of this documentary felt that we would be happy to sit through lots of inerview segments on the making of Rumours, but not fantastic footage made at the time of Mac playing the songs. Having seen them, I now realize what a great band they are (and were) live, but I wish they hadnt snipped down these awesome videos for this release. Dangit.

Nothing But Rumours
Well what more can be said here than has ! But I must say I would rather listen to the old Fleetwood Mac. Lets face it, all the Fleetwood of later is nothing but more rumours. They all have the same things in common each and every record! Sappy, mysical fakeness, single drum beats as if your hearts going to pop from your chest. On and on Fleetwood Mac goes, when they stop nobody knows! I do know when they should stop! NOW! There is one track I heard the other day and yes I don't know the name of it... "Thank God", but it will be easy to find out. They repeated the line over 100 times! Name that tune! I must admit they did write some great songs, but I don't like hearing other peoples problems on record and I don't see how their music will get someone who is on valuim through the day! Don't Stop about thinking of tomorrow! Trust me I won't. If you want to hear a woman sing, listen to Blackmore's Night, and she don't do coke, Candence Night this woman can sing! And speaking of a great guitar player... Mr Blackmore knows the world and styles of mystical treatments! Guess what? The the Worlds still turning!

eBay, here I come!
Well, I am among those who expected the basic performances along with the documentary, based on the packaging and the song titles listed in the text. Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Music Video    3. Music Video - Pop/Rock    4. Performance    5. Pop    6. Pop/Rock    7. Rock    8. Rock/Pop    9. Soft Rock   

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Reviews (13)

Intriguing and eerie
This is the most in depth documentation on the great Peter Tosh I have ever seen.It is almost eerie to listen to the tapes Tosh had been making and how prophetic they were.It shows Tosh for what he really was, a revolutionary, a visionary, and a reggae master!!The interviews with friends and relatives give this documentary credibility from the roots of Tosh's past.One truly gets a sense of where Peter came from, and after all that's half the story.

"Stepping Razor" cuts a convincing slice of life...
An unflinching and unexpectedly moving portrait of musician Peter Tosh. This is not your typical "rockumentary", as it delves more into the political and spiritual aspects of its subject as opposed to the theusual formula of concert footage + backstage drama. One minor criticism,(personal pet peeve) is the director's over-use of the "JFK"style inter-cutting of real footage with actor portrayals to illustratesome events; but this will not distract most viewers. There are also a fewdubious statements made (and presented as fact);specifically, theinsinuation that Tosh was the the real leader and force behind the Wailersand that Bob Marley was just a puppydog-like follower. Like the Beatles orother groundbreaking bands,I think it was more of a symbiotic blend of two(or more) massive talents that made the Wailers such a powerful influence.Nitpicks aside-- this is required viewing for reggae fans!

A Prophet
This video is one I have watched countless of times and will watch it again and again. (I wish it was available on dvd so that the quality would not deteriorate). The words of Peter is that of a prophet, when I watchthis video, I always click to the bible on King David. Somehow they seemsto be very similar. The concert clips are the best. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Documentary   

Editorial Review

"The story of bluegrass is the story of Bill Monroe's musical legacy."So begins this superb 1991 documentary, which frames its historical surveyaround Monroe, the father of Kentucky bluegrass. As Monroe visits his oldKentucky home, now dilapidated and full of memories, the film traces theemergence of bluegrass from Appalachian descendants of Scotch-Irish settlers,and a variety of bluegrass greats (including narrator Mac Wiseman) offerinformative anecdotes, accompanied by evocative archival footage and concertperformances from the bluegrass festival circuit. Monroe's dominance is dulyacknowledged, but ample time is devoted to his contemporaries and successors,including the fast-pickin' duo of Flat & Scruggs, the Osborne Brothers, JimmyMartin, and finally Alison Krauss, who passionately defends the music's acousticpurity. The rise, fall, and consistent revival of bluegrass is thus chronicledthrough oral history and visual record, resulting in a priceless film that evencasual fans are sure to enjoy. Read more

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Reviews (19)

Great Imagery of America
As some of the others have said (or over-stated), it may not be the best Bluegrass documentary out there....but it is really good, especially for novices.
Save your money
This is an outdated, very limited documentary on Bluegrass, with a few interviews, most of them looking like they were done in the 1970s. There are huge gaps in this "story of Bluegrass music" -- if you know anything at all about the history, you will be shocked at what is left out. It's not even a good introduction, nor a good general overview, to Bluegrass. I saw a MUCH better documentary on CMT's bluegrass week back in January 2002. What a dissappointment this DVD is!

High Lonesome-The story of Bluegrass Music
Very disappointed with the quality of the DVD. I had to return it for a refund. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Documentary    3. Movie    4. Music Video    5. Music Video - Country    6. Performance   

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Reviews (1)

you aint got it?order it now!"The Times They Are A Changin"
In short, if you are a fan of Billy Bragg and you don't see him enough live in person then this video is for you.You learn a lot more about bill's witty character, his humanitarian efforts to raise money forstriking miners in Virginia, and his efforts to reach out to those in theUSSR (at that time) for the sake of solidarity if you indulge in thisdocumentary video.The first 50 minutes feature the best sound quality,while the musical recording in last 50 minutes in the Soviet Union is notas good (it varies from good to ok).Add this to your collection, Itfeatures priceless footage of Uncle Bill w/his band of characters; Cara(w/her baby boy, George), Wiggy, and Bill's "really cool manager"Peter Jenner, and Grant Showbiz "at the controls".You would bea fool to pass this up!All the songs are great accept when Bill plays theRussians "Heard It Throught The Grapevine" !!! Oh, muck! It'sstill Quite good ! Please write if you have furthur questions or wouldlike to get to a concert! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. British Folk    3. Folk & Traditional    4. Folk-Rock    5. Music Video - Pop/Rock    6. Pop    7. Rock    8. Singer/Songwriter    9. Urban Folk   

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Reviews (1)

Excellent early Tim
This video has some really good interview clips of Tim and his band, clips of videos such as Not A Moment Too Soon, Indian Outlaw, Down on The Farm.Also includes concert footage, and 'making of the video' footage. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. Country-Pop    4. Music Video    5. Music Video - Country    6. Neo-Traditionalist Country    7. Performance    8. Pop   

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Reviews (7)

The best of Satch on DVD (so far), Swiss Krissly yours!
I would agree that this is by far the best DVD documentaty of Satch so far (the commendable Ken Burns' Satch segment are spread throughout the series, although quite well done). It handles all the major issues (including the rarely discussed issue of Louis Daniel Armstrong's foray into civil rights) and gives a pretty complete portrait of Louis Armstrong the man and what made him so special.
Disappointed
I strongly disagree with the other reviews.While the DVD is a good documentary of Louis Armstrong's life, it only has "imbedded" songs, and the menus are not set up to go to the songs, so you have to search for them.Unless you enjoy watching the documentary over and over, this is not way to enjoy his music. I wish I could view the songs without having to shift though a bunch of commentary.

Pops at his best
This biography is very well produced and is worth the money just for the performance scenes. I find myself watching certain segments over and over. Watching Louis and Jack Teagagarden performing Rockin' Chair or the older clips of a young Louis performing in Denmark are just pure joy. A clip from the movie New Orleans with Louis and Billie Holiday is a show-stopper. I absolutely love this DVD and highly recommend it to anyone who is a Louis Armstrong fan. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classic Jazz    2. Dixieland    3. Jazz    4. Music Video - Jazz    5. New Orleans Jazz    6. Pop    7. Swing    8. Traditional Pop   

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Reviews (12)

For 'Die-hard fans' only --also beware in PAL not NTSC.
I purchased this tape in Nov.2000.
A brief look at the peak of the swinging sixties
This is not for people who try synchronizing "Dark Side of the Moon" with "The Wizard of Oz". Nor is it for those who think "Comfortably Numb" has a "kick-[bottom] solo." Nor is it for those expecting live concert footage of Syd Barrett with the band (although there is a little without sound). It's mainly just shots of Floyd in the studio jamming on "Interstellar Overdrive". The visuals are terrific.In one scene, it shows us rare footage of a Yoko Ono exhibit in which a model has her clothes cut off by scissors. A very interesting look at a very interesting era. However, at just under a half hour, the film leaves much to the imagination. This might be worth it just for footage of Syd, which is hard to come by.

Rare footage
This film won't win awards for musical content or cinematography but for sheer historical value it is a "must have" for any Pink Floyd fan. The best parts of the film are the segments with the legendary Syd Barrett, the reclusive genius that inspired the band in the early years. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. British Psychedelia    2. Music Video - Pop/Rock    3. Pop    4. Psychedelic    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop   

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Reviews (2)

The Best Ever!
I saw this on CMT one night while surfing the channels.I have always enjoyed Willie Nelson's music for many years.After seeing and listening to Teatro I went ordered the CD the next day.There is not a bad song onthe whole thing.The video is just as good and possibly more entertainingas you can see as well as listen.There is a song on this called I JustCan't Let You Say Goodbye".it is the most beautiful song of murder Ihave ever heard.I know that sounds strange, but it is an incredible song. It is a great video/CD for any mood.

Willie Nelson Teatro
We just watched this video on CMT and it is splendid.For those Rumba dancers - this is great music to rumba to and just another side of the greatly talented Willie Nelson. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Country    2. Music Video - Country    3. Pop   

Editorial Review

Latin music hasalways been a fixture in American popular culture, but itshistory reflects centuries of change and complexity from diverse sources.Read more

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Reviews (5)

Roots of Rhythm
If you want to know the roots of Cuban music you must see this DVD. Mr. Harry Belafonte takes you on a tour through Africa, Spain, Cuba and finally to the United States. On this DVD he made a thorough investigation and explains how the Afro-Cuban music evolved from the African/Spanish ancestors and spread to other regions including Argentina. Also he shows how the U.S borrowed the Cuban beat to make songs Like "little Darling" by the Diamonds among other hits in America where the lyrics are in English with the Cuban influence sound. He interviews Gloria Estefan, Celia Cruz, Dizzy Gillespie and many others, you will see a rare clip of the great trumpet player a young Louis Armstrong singing "El Manisero"(a traditional Cuban song) in one of his early recordings. Many people have asked me to borrow this DVD because it covers an extraordinary amount of information that most people are not aware, not only is the African sound involved, also the Gypsies and the Spanish Flamenco are traced. It's amazing how much information is available to anyone who is serious in learning the roots of what some are calling Salsa (Afro-Cuban) today. To all musicians this is a must for your collection. Three hours of music to educate the true musicians who want to expand their knowledge in the Afro-Cuban or the Afro-Latin roots.

Roots Of Rhythm
Wow! I don't even know where to begin...it's a great documentary on the history of Cuba, music, roots, rhythm, culture and the people. It was beautifully edited! Belafonte did a wonderful job in explaining the history of cuba's music. You will want to stand up and begin to dance. Why sit down?
So Glad it's on DVD!
This is one of my all time favorites, and Harry Belafonte is the perfect host. He's delightfully informal and shares personal insights along the way, such as how his contract was cancelled by the mob who ran the Copacabana because he'd married interracially.
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Subjects:  1. Documentary    2. Movie    3. TV Shows   

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Reviews (7)

The ultimate jazz record label, lovingly documented.
Well, as a fan of jazz I simply never get tired of this film! This 1997 documentary covers all the bases - the background and perspective of Blue Note's founder, Alfred Lion, the recording session atmosphere, the enthusiasm and dedication of the musicians, Francis Wolff's photographs, Reid Miles' covers and Rudy Van Gelder's sound. If you own the Burns series, this film fills in some of the gaps and corrects some of the misconceptions perpetrated by that series' final few episodes, and it does so without all the constant cloying narration. The director does a masterful job of editing and sequencing the various segments to provide an expert and entertaining balance between interviews and performance footage and between coverage of the label's heyday and its contemporary influence. The performance footage for the most part is electrifying, including period clips of Art Blakey, Horace Silver and Thelonious Monk, the Town Hall concert of '85 (showcasing Freddie Hubbard's virtuosity), and Junko Onishi from '96. There is one b&w clip of a Sonny Rollins performance that is just mesmerizing to watch! (The only soft segment for me is a clip of Cassandra Wilson performing one of her tunes in a "smooth jazz" arrangement - ugh!) The interviews are in a variety of settings and include all the right folks such as Blue Note heroes Herbie Hancock and Horace Silver, session players Bob Cranshaw and Tommy Turrentine, industry figures Gil Melle and Michael Cuscuna, Alfred Lion's former wife Lorraine Gordon (interviewed while taking reservations at the Village Vanguard!)and his widow, Ruth Lion, plus several of Lion and Wolff's colleagues from Europe, who give a valuable perspective on the reception of jazz as high art. The soundtrack is well-crafted and indicative of the range of the label's music with selections from artists well known to Blue Note fans like Joe Henderson, Grant Green, Kenny Burrell, Lee Morgan, Jimmy Smith and Grachan Moncur. This film ranks alongside Monk's documentary "Straight, No Chaser". Highly recommended!

Classic Video
Blue Note is a Dream label to me.the depth&Importance of it is well documented here.so many Great Artists have Made this Label what it is truly in a class of it's own.this is a Jazz Video dream to me.from start to finish everything is special here.

More Great Jazz History That Ken Burns Didn't Cover
This video documents one of the great music labels in the history of American music. Alfred Lion, Blue Note's founder, recorded music that was the real thing, the authentic stuff. No other label in jazz or in any other form of music can boast at accomplishing what Lion and Blue Note were able to do. They were not interested in making hits to attract or pander to a popular audience. This video shows the history of a label in which some of the twentieth century's best musicians could have the freedom to perform and develop the way they wanted. We should be grateful that someone was able to create a space in which such musical expression could take place, and the history of Blue Note is still sadly overlooked for the most part by those attempting to make a definitive statement on jazz history. What it all comes down to is this: Every Blue Note record or CD is worth picking up. You know it will be great. How many other record labels can you say that of? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Documentary    2. Movie    3. Music Video - Jazz   

Editorial Review

This superb documentary vividly illustrates the enduring vitality of country blues, an idiom that most mainstream music fans had presumed dead or, at best, preserved through more scholarly tributes when filmmaker Robert Mugge and veteran blues and rock writer Robert Palmer embarked on their 1990 odyssey into Mississippi delta country.What Arkansas native and former Memphis stalwart Palmer knew, and Mugge captured on film, was that the blues was not only alive but still intimately woven into the daily lives of rural blacks. Read more

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Reviews (40)

Dull
I'm a big fan of the blues. I even play a little country blues on the guitar. That being said, I was really looking forward to reading this book. Unfortunately, I have found this to be a really dull read. The book just seems to ramble along, trying to romanitize the blues instead of just giving the facts. I already understand the magic of the blues. I didn't need a book convincing me of that magic. It was also difficult to keep track of the chronology of the development of the music.
A review on the book, not the DVD.......
Robert Palmer's book "Deep Blues" is nothing short of an anthropological journey to find the genesis of the blues. He does an excellent job of highlighting the various early popular bluesmen, men such as Tommy Johnson, Charlie Patton, and Robert Johnson.He details life working on the plantations of the deep south, life on a Saturday night living it up in the various juke joints of the south, and the personal lives of early blues singers which led to the creation of the blues, and by extension, American music as we have come to know it.He begins the book by going back to the western coast of Africa, where the slave trading occurred, and details very well the oral music traditions of people from the various tribes and countries, presenting styles which could be found in the music of the eastern and southern United States from the late 19th and on into the early 20th Century.He highlights, in great detail, the sounds and how they were made in the mouth by particular tribes in Africa, and in what areas of the country and these sounds began showing up performed in field hollers done by workers on plantations throughout the south.I do not use the word anthropological lightly, as Robert Palmer does a magnificent job of highlighting the blues tradition from it's specific oral traditions in Africa, to it's nascent phase in the early 20th Century, to Muddy Waters' time in the Delta on up through his success in Chicago, to Sonny Boy Williamson's King Biscuit Time radio show and beyond.Various interviews abound from people and relatives of the blues musicians and by articles from early periodicals detailing their lives, so by the end of the book one really feels as though we were on the freight car with Robert Johnson traveling and avoiding the hellhound on his trail.
A must read for any true music fan
Robert Palmer explains on this fantastic book, the origins and development of one authentic and unique american art form.
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Subjects:  1. Documentary    2. Movie   

Editorial Review

"Ever get the feeling you've been cheated?" sneers Johnny Rotten at theSex Pistols' farewell performance. After seeing this picture you'llunderstand his disgust, but Julian Temple's sharp portrait of the ragged,raw band of working-class Brits won't leave you disappointed. The SexPistols left their legacy in a whirlwind 26-month reign, spitting out acaustic, confrontational brand of rock & roll that became the rallyingcry for angry, disaffected youths in late 1970s England and defined thepunk movement. Their story was first told two decades ago in the cynical Read more

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Reviews (84)

The Punk Is Dead
I rate this movie 8/10 or 4 stars. This movie is among the 1000 Best Movies on DVD by Peter Travers. It won 3 awards in 2000 as best documentary in Chicago, Sao Paolo, and the Online Film Critics Society Awards.
God Save The Queen, Here's the Sex Pistols
The Filth and The Fury is a must have for any true Rock'n' Roll fan! The film charts the meteoric rise and fall of the Sex Pistols. You get the story straight from the band who, tell the truth and pull no punches. The film includes many rare performance clips and interviews. Although the band only lasted a mere 26 months, the film proves that the Pistols' music is just as relevant today as it was in 1977 (maybe more so!). If you're a Pistols fan, buy this DVD! If you're not a fan, buy this DVD (you'll become one!!).

NO FUTURE FOR YOU!
Yes, I agree with all the others before me, a real documentary!! Finally something to watch other then the crap put out by McClaren.I loved this because it had the actually means of telling you what happened. With real interviews, even with Sid Vicious himself! Why should anyone have to buy anyother "documentary" when you have John Lydon himself telling you what happened? You have the actually televised interviews that made the pistols their "filthy"-selves. This tells the story from begining to end, with no bull. I see this as not only an important part of my Sex Pistols collection, but as a masterpiece. Because it tells the story from the mouth of the creators. Not the snakes. Great for all Pistols Fans and even those who want the truth. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Documentary    2. Movie   

Features

• Color
• NTSC

Reviews (1)

A BIT DISAPPOINTED
I ordered this video because of the release date of December, 2002.Little did I realize this is a video from 1963!And that's where the disappointment comes from.The dancers and Johnny were really from the 60's!!Johnny's singing is wonderful as usual, but not from 2002!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Music & Musicals    2. Music Documentaries    3. Television    4. Television & Documentary   

Features

• Color
• NTSC

Reviews (7)

Kingdom of swing and "The King"
Benny has only one thing in his mind since the age of nine: "Clarinet".
GOODMAN FAN'S SHOULD OWN THIS
I FOUND THIS DVD VERY INTERESTING. YOU'LL BE DISSAPPOINTED IF YOU'RE EXPECTING A CONCERT. ANYWAY THIS DVD COVERS BENNY'S RISE TO THE TOP. INTERVIEWS WITH FORMER BAND MEMBERS AND FAMILY, PLUS BENNY HIMSELF, MAKE THIS GOOD. WHAT A FANTATIC MUSICIAN. HE ALWAYS SURROUNDED HIMSELF WITH A GREAT BAND, SOME OF WHOM BECAME STARS THEMSELVES. THERE ARE LOTS OF EXAMPLES OF BENNY PLAYING IN DIFFERENT SITUATIONS. ONE OF THE BEST IS BENNY PLAYING "AVALON" WITH LIONEL HAMPTON, GENE KRUPA AND TEDDY WILSON. THIS ALONE IS WORTH THE COST.

A great hour about BG
I agree with most comments from previous reviewers, but they forget this was only a one hour program for pubic television! Benny's career lasted for 60 years; even a mini-series wouldn't be long enough to do it real justice.