Movie Review - "Sound City"

Last night we went downtown to the Film Bar and saw the movie "Sound City."  This isn't the kind of show I typically like but I have to say I loved it!

 

The main character is the Neve Soundboard used to record hundreds of albums, many which went on to be top sellers.  If you are fifty-plus years old, you will recognize every artist and musical period covered in this film.  It is a fun trip down memory lane!  Plus it is directed by one of its stars, Dave Grohl, who is so talented and sexy.

I recommend this movie to anyone who loves music and appreciates the uniqueness/imperfection of live performance.

Lucinda Williams

 

We had the priviledge of seeing Lucinda Williams in concert on Friday evening in a small venue from a front row seat.  If you are not familiar with her music, I encourage you to listen to a few of her songs.   

 

She is a singer and songwriter who cannot be classified under any one genre.  I love her songs because they have a poetic style without being obvious or highbrow.  She sings about places and people and how it feels to be in love and then to lose in it.  The phrase "car wheels on a gravel road" evokes so many images and happenings in just one song (of the same name.)

 

When she walked out on stage, I was surprised at how petit she is and how nervous she seemed but the minute she started strumming and belting it out, it was obvious she has true talent and soul.  Swoon.  She is a musical goddess who has influences so many in the past 30 years and she continues to make albums while filling concert halls.  And she is 61 years old!  What an incredible woman.

 

*  The winner of my birthday give-away is Shirle.  Congrads, Shirle.  I will be in touch so I can get the calendar sent to you.  Thanks to all who commented on that post. 



Look Who's Fifty!

The James Bond film series has been alive and well for fifty years.  The first movie, Dr. No, came out in the UK during the fall of 1962.  The latest thriller, Skyfall, opened in theaters just a couple weeks ago.  I have yet to see it but my local newspaper gave it 4.5 out of 5 stars.  The main character is aging along with the rest of us, perhaps a bit slower than most of us, but the film industry is certainly not done with him yet.  There is even an official James Bond 007 website, if you would like to know even more about these exciting, entertaining movies.

 

Another fifty candles can be lit for the iconic Rolling Stones.  They started playing half a century ago in London and have managed to retain 3/4 of their most notable original members.  The new guy, Ron Wood, has been with the band for 37 years!  At their start, they were dubbed the "Anti-Beatles" for being the bad guys compared with the fab-four's shining reputation in the early sixties.  The Stones have a 50th anniversary tour coming up and a new documentary out on HBO titled "Crossfire Hurricane."  If you are a fan, or just interested in cultural longevity, you must check them out.

Both of these events make 50 look like more of a stopping point than a large number.  And don't we all love a Happy Birthday?!

Searching for Sugar Man

Last weekend we went to see the movie "Searching for Sugar Man", which documents the transformation of a country and the man who sang the songs that inspired its citizens.  Sixto Rodriguez was a folk singer from Detroit in the early 70's with a promising career who ended up disappearing from the public eye.  A bootleg tape of his music found its way to South Africa, becoming a favorite to those young listeners who were looking for a life beyond aparthiod.  Rodriguez, himself, is a man of emense musical talent who is as comfortable on stage in front of an audience of thousands as he is carrying a refrigerator on his back out of a house that is being demolished.  He has navigated for many years in a world where his talent stands far beyond his living conditions but his character never wavers.  The movie is a bit hard to follow at times and the scenes have a vintage quality to them, for better or worse.  I heard fellow movie goers cry, cheer, and sing along.  This film is a testiment to the old adage that we never know exactly what kind of impact we will have on others or how far the reach of our existance may extend.  I highly recommend seeing it.  We bought the sound track and have been enjoying it as great music and also a way to reflect on the depth of this story.