For those who are looking for some good educational history about the music business, as well as great gifts for yourself or a friend.
Standing In The Shadows of Motown, 2002: Grade: C+
Recounts the story of 'The Funk Brothers', the musicians who performed for most of the artists from 1959-72. Just recently watched this. It loses a lot of steam with cover tracks performed in '02, little original music played, unnecessary recreations of events, and jumps all over the place time-wise. But it deserves a viewing, as one gets an appreciation of these men's talents, as well as hardships.
20 Feet From Stardom, 2013: Grade: A++
The film follows the behind-the-scenes of backup singers and stars Darlene Love, Judith Hill, Merry Clayton, Lisa Fischer, Táta Vega, and Jo Lawry, among many others. On March 2, 2014, it won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature at the 86th Academy Awards.
Guest interviews by Jagger, Springsteen, Midler, Wonder, Sting, Sheryl Crow,.....
Saw this in a theater when released, and we watched again this week. Can't say enough great things about it. And, yes, 'Gimme Shelter' is discussed.
The Wrecking Crew, 2008: Grade: A++
Documentary of the LA based session musicians who played on damn near every hit that came from the area in the 60s/early 70s. Gets a higher grade than '20 Feet' simply due to all of the bonus material. Gained a great deal of respect for Cher and her comments, as well as the comments by everyone of Sinatra.
We watched 'Muscle Shoals' last night. I'd give this an 11+.
To think that a bunch of 'Crackers' were behind some of the biggest R&B hits of the 60s and 70s. Later on, the story relating to Lynyrd Skynyrd is rather jaw dropping.
Add this to your stockings as well.
Next up is 'Good Ol' Freda'