When I get ready for recording in the studio, I’m reminded about the great rock documentaries that I find myself watching over and over again in hopes to glean some grand timeless insight to making music. Here are my top five music documentaties that I watch before any studio project:
1) It Might Get Loud:
This brilliant documentary explores the influence of Jimmy Page, Led Zeppelin, The Edge, U2, and Jack White have on guitar. Some would consider these three to be THE pivotal players of the last 40 years, as the innovations they brought to the instrument fundamentally changed the way the guitar was played. I tend to agree with that assessment.
2) Standing in the Shadows of Motown
I consider this documentary to be one of my all time favs. This film explores the musicians, back stories, and inspirations behind the string of Motown hits in the 60’s and 70’s that are to this day still some of the most well known music of all time. In fact, this group of musicians were so influential, they played on more No. 1 hit songs than Elvis, The Beach Boys, and The Beatles combined. Those songs include, “Ain’t no Mountain High Enough,” “Heard it through the Grapevine,” and “My Girl,” to name a few.
3) The Search for Robert Johnson
Robert Johnson’s blues music was the first cassette tape I owned as a kid. I was blown away by the power and myth of the man and his playing. In this documentary, John Hammond, son of the legendary music promoter John Hammond, Sr., attempts to finally put to rest the mysteries surrounding one of the most famous guitarists of all time.
4) Radiohead: Meeting People is Easy
This understated film captures perfectly the most influential band of the last 20 years, Radiohead. Enough said.
5) This is Spinal Tap
This classic rock-umentary, follows the triumphs and pitfalls of England’s loudest band, Spinal Tap. Known best for their punctuality, this film explores delicate inter-working of band mates on tour, in the studio, and stage makeup development. The raw power and true-to-life representation of a band in this movie speaks so loud that by the end of the film, all of us wish our amps would “go to 11.”
Well, those are my top 5, what are yours?
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