Neil Young & Crazy Horse – Rust Never Sleeps (DVD)

The live concert video featuring a performance from the 1978 Rust Never Sleeps Tour.  Originally released in 1979 and reissued by Sanctuary on DVD in 2002.  I’ve never really enjoyed live concert films very much, but I regard this one as a gem with its classic set list, bizarre interludes, and odd stage props.  Neil really went all out on the concept for these shows in 78′ as his usual humorous between song banter is replaced by weird rock music and pop culture references.  One of the most striking things about the film/tour is the inclusion of the "Road Eyes", which were glowing eyed jawa looking creatures who took over the stage hand/roadie duties during the performance.  Another interesting inclusion is the PA announcements that take place during the intermission, which after awhile you may or may not realize are from the overblown festival Woodstock (an event that Young played at as part of CSNY).  Even after all the osbscure references, costuming, and odd set design… at the films core is a rock solid performance from Young and the Horse.

A little known fact about the title for the film and album of the same name is that its a direct quote from the lead singer of Devo, Mark Mothersbaugh (aka Booji Boy).  Neil first heard Mark say this during filming of the feature Human Highway; a film project that Neil worked on in the late 70s and early 80s that featured the actors Dennis Hoffman & Dean Stockwell and also the members of Devo.

Enjoy the performance of one of my favorite Neil Young songs from the show below.  Beware if you are short on patience… its a long jam.

The Clash – Westway To The World

This documentary was released in 2000 before Joe Strummers death on December 22nd 2002.  The movie is a pretty dry re-telling of the bands history straight from interviews specially filmed for this documentary from each of the bands members. Included in the movie is a treasure trove of live footage of the band from before the first record all the way up to their last performance.  You will get a smattering of short clips of interviews from other characters from the bands past, but the interview footage is mostly from the main group members.  I definitely think that the documentary would have benefited from the inclusion of  interviews from a wider variety of people, but I guess it is what it is.  Even though the documentary comes off a little plain, I would say its a must see for big Clash fans.  If you one of those…  check it out by renting it, buying it, or just watch it on Youtube. Directed by Don Letts, the British bedreaded DJ from The Clash’s early days playing at the early London punk club The Roxy.  Bonus features include hard to find minidoc/concert film about there shows in Madison Square Garden in 1981 Clash On Broadway.

Other Clash related film projects that are worth mentioning:

The Punk Rock Movie - 1978

Rude Boy - 1980

Joe Strummer – The Future Is Unwritten – 2006 (I’ll post on this one soon)

You’re Gonna Miss Me – A Film About Roky Erickson

Roky Erickson was the lead singer of the late 60′s psychedelic rock band the 13th Floor Elevators.  He has always been a bit of an enigma for Rock N Roll fans as he disappeared from the scene after a few full length records.  As drugs were extremely prevalent in the psychedelic rock scene in San Francisco,  Roky started to get a little out of control and eventually got thrown into an institution after getting in trouble with the law for drugs one too many times.  He eventually got released and started making music again as a solo artist.  By this time he had increasing mental issues and he was getting back into drugs.  He eventually gave up music altogether and put himself under his Mothers care.

The movie documents his life, his music and the legal battle that his brother instigated to to wrest him away from his Mother’s care so he could help Roky get into a healthier lifestyle.

Here is the films trailer.

I was surprised a how instantly enjoyable and impressive Roky’s music was both in the Elevators and his solo stuff.  I found his story to be very interesting and I immediately started rooting for him.  The film does a fair job at telling his story with archival footage and interviews with characters from his past and other musicians that are fans. I would say what the film does best is featuring his music from over the years. Check some of my favorite tracks out below.