News from the darkest corners...
Archive for the 'Films/Documentaries' Category
New Rolling Stones dvd in june
In the spring of 1971 the Rolling Stones reluctantly departed the UK to take up residence in France. Keith Richards settled at a villa called Nellcôte in Villefranche-sur-Mer and this became the venue for the recording of much of the band’s masterpiece “Exile On Main Street
The new dvd “Stones In Exile” (coming out june 22nd) tells the story in the band’s own words and through extensive archive footage of their time away from England and the creation of this extraordinary double album, which many regard as the Rolling Stones’ finest achievement.
Extensive additional footage including interviews with all the band members, footage from “Cocksucker Blues” and Mick Jagger and Charlie Watts returning to Olympic Studios and Jagger’s country house Stargroves where a lot of the early work on the album was done.
Zappa’s “200 Motels” out on dvd in february
More Frank Zappa dvd news:
200 Motels, the legendary Frank Zappa film, is due for release in early February. The film which was written by Frank Zappa and Tony Palmer and directed by Tony Palmer features Frank Zappa and the Mothers alongside guest appearances by Ringo Starr and Keith Moon. The film was groundbreaking at the time as it was filmed on videotape. The film has now been restored using the original source material and the work overseen by Tony Palmer who has also recorded a director’s commentary as a bonus feature. More details can be found here:
Soon on dvd: Frank Zappa – The Freak-Out List
When an artist, regardless of his significance, lists his favourite musicians and performers it is usually met with little fanfare, as over time the names mentioned are almost certainly going to change. But when Frank Zappa did likewise, and actually published a record of his most important influences on the inside cover of his debut album, it became a road map to the music he was to make over the following forty years. Even in the early 1990s, when asked about his most-loved composers, musicians and artists, he would repeat names from this, by then legendary, index.
This film explores the musical roots of Frank Zappa by putting The Freak Out List under the microscope and tracing the lineage from the most pivotal names thereon to the recordings and performances of the man himself. Featuring rare footage of Zappa and the Mothers plus archive film of Freak Out List artists, exclusive interviews with The Mothers Of Invention’s Ian Underwood, Don Preston and George Duke, 1950s Doo Wop legends, The Cadillacs, contributions from Zappa biographers Ben Watson and Greg Russo, Edgard Varèse biographer Alan Clayson, experimental modern music historian Professor David Nicholls, soul and R’n’B expert Robert Pruter, and many others.
Also features numerous seldom seen photographs, news archive, radio spots and a host of other features which all together make for a fascinating, unique and hugely watchable programme.
Extra features include: extended interviews; featurette ‘Frank Zappa’s Record Collection’; illustrated contributor biographies; and more.
Possible DVD release for Frank Zappa’s 200 Motels
According to director Tony Palmer’s official YouTube channel Frank Zappa’s movie “200 Motels” will be officially released on DVD soon.
There is no release date yet, but apparently the DVD will use the original master tapes of the movie, which were rumoured to be lost.
200 Motels is a 1971 musical film featuring Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention, produced at Pinewood Studios, England. Directed and written by Frank Zappa and Tony Palmer. Actors included Ringo Starr, Theodore Bikel and Keith Moon. A double album of the soundtrack was released in the same year.
Limited edition Residents DVD available
RalphAmerica reports that “Icky Flix Live”, the recent DVD release by The Residents is available again:
“If you missed out on the first pressing of the Icky Flix Live DVD, it’s back in it’s 2nd pressing form.
Icky Flix as recorded by 5 cameras at the Experience Music Museum in Seattle. We were there, this was a crazy show, with a HUGE video screen behind them, and all sorts of crazy added lights and effects that weren’t at any of the other shows on the tour. This is the entire show.
It’s exactly the same as the first pressing except: New cover, and no hand numbers as this 2nd pressing is limited to 350 copies (and this is acknowledged on the back cover).”
Place your orders at http://ralphamerica.com
Raymond Scott documentary in the works
RaymondScott.com reports:
During the past several years, Raymond Scott’s only son, Stan Warnow, has been making a documentary film about his pioneering & eccentric father. Stan, who has been a professional in movies & TV since the 1960s (including the Academy Award® winning WOODSTOCK film, HAIR, RAGTIME, ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL, plus SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, & THE WONDER YEARS on television), plans to unveil his doc in 2009 to coincide with the 100th anniversary of his dad’s birth.
The film combines archival footage & historic photographs with interviews of Raymond Scott’s family & professional colleagues, as well as followers such as John Williams, Mark Mothersbaugh, Don Byron, Hal Willner, & DJ Spooky. The documentary’s soundtrack has been constructed entirely from Scott’s own compositions.
Stay tuned for updates, trailers, & more: ScottDoc.wordpress.com
Alternative Christmas music documentary
Director Mitchell Kezin is working on a feature music documentary about “the fascinating underground world of alternative Christmas music…”.
Read all about the film and the ways you can donate to help Mitchell take his project to the next stage on the official website Jingle Bell Rocks!
Bruce Haack – The king of Techno DVD out now
“Bruce Haack was one of the most musically and lyrically inventive, but unknown artists in American history. Despite – or perhaps because of – his audience, his music was unusually expressive, combining homemade analog synths, classical, country, pop and acid rock elements with surreal lyrics. His music evolved from his passion and creation of numerous children’s albums but today his work has inspired the likes of world renowned musicians such as Beck and Beastie Boys’ Money Mark. One can only wish they had a mentor like Bruce Haack, a dude so cool his swan song was a rap collaboration with hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons. Packed with mind-blowing visuals, wild music and far out stories, Haack follows the King of Techno as he drops in on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and golden game show host Garry Moore.”
NTSC format DVD video, Running time: 70 minutes. Audio: Dolby Digital; Aspect Ratio: 4 x 3; 5.1 surround sound.”
Wild Man Fischer documentary
Wild Man Fischer is the subject of a soon to be released documentary called Derailroaded: “We visit him at home, follow him on the streets, and speak with those who over the years witnessed – and survived – his erratic behaviour: his family, his doctor, and industry professionals (including Frank and Gail Zappa, Weird Al Yankovic, Devo’s Mark Mothersbaugh, Solomon Burke, Dr. Demento, and Billy Mumy)”. Watch a trailer at http://www.derailroaded.com/.
Jandek on Corwood
A documentary film on Jandek will premiere in february:
L.A. Premiere – New Music Documentary:
JANDEK ON CORWOOD, 2003, 88 min.
Thursday, February 19 at 7:30 PM
American Cinematheque at the Egyptian
6712 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, CA
General Admission $9.00 * Members $6.00
Go to www.americancinematheque.com for more info on the screening.
Visit www.jandekoncorwood.com for info on the film.
Sun Ra’s “Space Is The Place” on DVD
On October 28, 2003, Plexifilm will release the director’s cut of legendary film SPACE IS THE PLACE (1974) for it’s 30th anniversary starring other-worldly jazz bandleader Sun Ra. With over 20 minutes of added footage, the film has been restored to its original theatrical length, reintroducing several subplots heretofore omitted in the previous video version.
