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Reviews
Sound City (2013)
great rockumentary about a legendary studio.
The best thing about this documentary is how the studio Sound City gained a legendary status: it took two crucial, million-selling records. Fleetwood Mac, looking for a studio, heard the recording of singing couple Bukingham and Nicks. Not only were they sure they found the right place, but also the right people to complete the band. The album called Rumours is where it all gets together. The second album is of course Nevermind by Nirvana, through which Sound City survived its demise in the digital eighties. Unfortunately, the studio is closed now. Luckily Dave Grohl got the mix board, and made a film about it.Made out of love for music, sound,and analogue, this rockumentary is highly entertaining, and not just for music aficionados.
American Masters: Inventing David Geffen (2012)
Incredibly complete account of David Geffen's work and psyche.
Most of us know the name of David Geffen, but most probably because of the name Geffen appears prominently on big selling CDs like Aerosmith's, or Guns 'n Roses'. This documentary shows the whole picture. How a poor, Jewish boy from New York, works his way up in the entertainment business. He uses a little cheating, a bit of bluff, but thanks to his incredible work ethos, and relentless support for his artists, ends up on top of the pyramid.
What struck me most was the completeness the documentary shows of Geffen's career and personal life. The makers surely managed to grasp the essence, without getting lost in too many material available. They pay tribute to very prominent personality in entertainment. But not just looking at his work and accomplishments, but also where his drive comes from, what negative experiences he has had that made him the way he is. All in all, I'd like to call this a solid account of a survivor, a macher in the entertainment industry, that would have existed without him, but that wouldn't have been the same.
A more extensive review, on this documentary and others, you'll find on the CasparSongs blog.