In 2013, I saw four really amazing movies that had music at their core. If you haven't seen them, give 'em a whirl when you get a chance.
1. "20 feet from stardom"-If you've never heard of Merry Clayton or Darlene Love, chances are you're like the rest of us. But once you discover that you've forever sang along to their vocals on many of the famous songs they've been a part of, you'll be fascinated. In this documentary, the lives of several in-demand backup singers are examined in-depth, through interviews and performances.These are women of extraordinary talent who are in high demand as backups, but some have bigger dreams that may or may not ever be fulfilled.
1. (Tie). "Sound City"-Another fascinating music documentary. This one is about the rich history of a studio in Van Nuys that artists gravitated towards for years because it had one of the best custom analog sound boards in the nation. The Neve console is one of the main characters in this great documentary, directed by Dave Grohl of Nirvana/Foo Fighters fame. "It's mathematically crisp and very solid. It's like a tank," says Neil Young. When digital recording dried up business, Grohl intervened and saved the board he loves so much. Prior to this, the story is told in a chronological narrative that highlights some of the more interesting careers that have intersected with the board in Sound City, including Rick Springfield, Rage Against the Machine and Fleetwood Mac. You'll be amazed at how many albums that you own were recorded on the Neve.
2. (Song for Marion) Unfinished Song-An endearing British story about doting, but grumpy Arthur (Terence Stamp-General Zod from Superman 2), a devoted husband who takes his ailing wife (Vanessa Redgrave) to the local community center every week to sing in a senior choir. The twist is that the young choir director (Gemma Arterton) teaches these folks songs like Salt N Pepa's "Let's talk about sex" and Motorhead's "Ace of Spades." Arthur is reluctant to participate, but when Marion's health takes a turn, he rediscovers his love for music. Stamp's best performance since he played Ralph/Bernadette in "The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert."
3. Place beyond the pines-This isn't a movie about music per se, but it's the debut soundtrack by Mike Patton (Mr. Bungle, Tomahawk). Patton pens a few moody originals including "The weight of consequences," and "Contrapositive. " However, he shines with the array of classics he selects, which include a Burt Bacharach tune and a number by Ennio Morricone, whom he honored on the great Fantomas album Directors Cut. The movie itself is the tale of a circus motorcycle stunt rider (Ryan Gosling in a great bad boy performance) who becomes a bank robber and the cop (Bradley Cooper) with whom his life intertwines. Ray Liotta is disturbing in a supporting role as a bad cop. He plays Hall and Oates "Maneater" on his car stereo to get in the mood for malice.
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