Five Music Documentaries Every Music Fan Should See

DVD releases from bands are more and more common today, the problem is that many of these "concert" DVDs or "behind the scenes" DVDs are extremely disappointing. Footage always seems to be quickly slapped together simply so the current flavor of the week has another product to release on the public. I should know, considering I've been duped into buying quite a few. So that is why I've decided to make this list of 5 music documentaries worth watching.

Maybe the first thing you should notice is that I am referring to them as "documentaries," because that is what these five films are. These are not simply a concert (although some contain concert footage) nor are they some promotional tool created to show how goofy a band are on the road, while giving them a chance to talk about how awesome their new album is going to be. These are not DVDs for completists or avid fans either, these are movies that anyone can sit down, pop in, and enjoy. So without any further ado here are 5 music documentaries worth watching.

The Devil and Daniel Johnston (2006) Directed by Jeff Feurzeig
This film tells the story of Daniel Johnston, a mentally-damaged artist and musician who's cult-following, that started in the early '90s had led to such famous fans as Beck, Wilco, Sonic Youth, and Kurt Cobain. The film explores Daniel's life from his as imaginative child to his first breakdown as a young adult and his current status as a reclusive and haunted figure. The movie walks a fine-line between telling the tale of a tortured genius and exposing a music industry willing to exploit an unwell person because of marketing ploys. Much of the film is a compelling and detailed look at the world Daniel inhabited from his time spent drawing comics in his parents basement and growing up in the suburbs, to his time spent hanging with the Butthole Surfers and Sonic Youth. At points it is difficult to watch the downward spirals of fear, paranoia, and violence Daniel would find himself in, but they are also play a necessary part in the story of his life.

Drive Well, Sleep Carefully: On The Road With Death Cab for Cutie (2005) Directed by Justin Mitchell
While this film does follow Death Cab for Cutie on tour, and does include concert footage, it is not your typical concert DVD. Justin Mitchell followed the band for an entire tour, their final tour before signing to a major label and presents a band that is on the cusp, but wary of what is to come. You will quickly realize the guys in Death Cab for Cutie do not fit any rock-star stereotypes. Simply put, they are nerds, but introspective nerds who make for extremely interesting subjects. Couple that with Mitchell's often beautiful footage, and you've got a well crafted documentary that not only gives you insight into the band, but also leaves you with the same sense of uncertainty about the future and the dangers of the major-label music world that they are feeling.

Kid Dynamite: Four Years in One Gulp (2006) Directed by Jason Shevchuk
This may be the most straight forward film on the list so far as it has a defined staring and ending point, that is the start and finish of the band, but thanks to a massive amount of archival footage instead of just interview after interview, and the having a band member be the one to put it together (Shevchuk was the group's vocalist) we get an intimate picture into the short life of this melodic-hardcore band. Over the course of four years and two albums Kid Dynamite ran like well-oiled machine, albeit one that had a great sense of humor. This film shows how such a rugged schedule, as well such a thorough conviction to one's art can lead to a burnout. With commentary from the band, tour-mates, friends, label-workers, and fans we are able to get a pretty complete view of the band, its dynamics and its struggles. The world of hardcore punk can often seem intimidating, but here we see more of a reliance on friendship than violence or tough-guy mentalities. You will find yourself laughing a number of times over the course of this DVD while the concert footage that goes from basements to stages and back again is a definite bonus.

Kurt Cobain: About a Son (2006) Directed by AJ Schnack
About a Son is the most unconventional film on this list, but one well worth checking out. The idea behind that film is that the viewer will be shown different places (apartments, a parent's work, clubs, stores, bars, etc) where Kurt Cobain lived, while audio interviews with the man play over-top. I know it almost sounds too simple, but these interviews are from famed music writer Michael Azerrad, who's book Come as You Are: The Story of Nirvana is still considered by many to the best Nirvana bio out there. That means that we get intimate and detailed revelations from Cobain, ones that are sometimes uncomfortable to listen to thanks to streaks of anger and threats. Schnack has done an incredible job of collecting footage here too, treating the viewer to simply beautiful shots, and when Cobain isn't speaking music that shaped his life is playing in the background, making for yet another very personal touch. If you are already a fan of Cobain looking for another angle to view the artist from or merely a someone interested in a close examination of a man's life, About a Son does the job.

The Flaming Lips: The Fearless Freaks (2005) Directed by Bradley Beesley
The Fearless Freaks is a fantastic documentary that traces The Flaming Lips from their humble beginnings to their current mass popularity, and its success lies in its attention to detail, as well as its ability to show celebratory moments as well as ones of despair. The guys in The Flaming Lips are from small-town USA and we quickly learn how the band started as a way to express their often drug-fueled and bizarre imaginations. Still, as the band went on they moved from being a noisy freak-show with a killer live show to fantastic songwriters, stage performers, and artists. The details behind many of the band's projects including singer Wayne Coyne's film about Christmas on Mars, allow for an insight into and humanization of a band that often simply seem weird. Still, it is the scenes of band member Steven Drozd's drug use and subsequent denial that are the most chilling, and perhaps revealing. Much of the film is uplifting however, showing how small town weirdos can gain a lot of success and never lose their heads.