Leading thinkers in music, philosophy, astronomy and physics explore music’s universal yet mysterious power to elicit ecstasy, following famed Spanish poet Federico García Lorca’s imaginative theory of its spiritual (or demonic) origins.
In this brand new featurette, executive producer T Bone Burnett and the Coen brothers discuss the history of some of the songs that heard in Inside Llywin Davies and possible origin of the stories they tells, the folk movement during the 1960s and the social and cultural ideas that it represented, the authenticity and the identity of folk music and the balance between the two, the future of folk music, etc. Included with the featurette are illustrations by Drew Christie. The featurette was created exclusively for Criterion in 2015.
Dolly Parton leads a moving, musical journey in this documentary that details the people and places who have helped shape her iconic career.
Documents the true story of the final weeks of rehearsal for the Young at Heart Chorus in Northampton, MA, and many of whom must overcome health adversities to participate. Their music goes against the stereotype of their age group. Although they have toured Europe and sang for royalty, this account focuses on preparing new songs for a concert in their hometown.
SOUND OF THE SOUL is a compelling portrait of an Arab country where Muslims, Christians, and Jews have lived together in relative peace for centuries. Beautifully photographed during the Fez Festival of World Sacred Music, the film presents unforgettable performances from groups from Morocco, Ireland, Russia, Afghanistan, Mauritania, the USA, Portugal and France, which carry viewers into what the film's Moroccan sufi guide calls "the hearing of the heart": the essential Oneness at the core of all religions and faiths.
A rare 1979 BBC Arena documentary on the Albion Band, Ashley Hutchings and the development of English folk rock up to that time.
This documentary film is a celebration of Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) and the Black artists driving music culture forward.
The first authorized biography of Christopher Wallace, allowing Christopher to narrate his own life story. Using archival footage and previously unknown audio to tell the story along with interviews with those that knew him the best.
Billy Ruane, storied impresario of the 90s Boston indie music scene. Billy promoted shows and inspired cult-like followings of bands by the likes of The Lemonheads, Dinosaur Jr., Pixies, Superchunk, Buffalo Tom, Elliott Smith, Pavement, and Sonic Youth. His gracious treatment of artists set new standards in music. But underneath Billy’s exuberant cartoon-like demeanor and Harvard education, was the pain of a man with deep trauma, who struggled with bipolar disorder and substance abuse, and was confounded by the weight of an endless supply of money.
Scrappy documentary about a band that flew too close to the sun to make it really big. Albany, NY's Blotto rose from the ashes of the Star-Spangled Washboard Band and scored an unlikely hit with I Wanna Be A Lifeguard in the early 80's thanks in part to getting airplay on MTV when the network launched August 1, 1981. The film follows their struggles to land a major label deal despite huge success with touring and releasing their own EPs and Albums. First-time director Rob Lichter (aka Bert Blotto) puts together a funny, heart-felt portrait of the musical pranksters that is sometimes heartbreaking despite all the laughs.
The fascinating inside story of Apple Corps, The Beatles' very own multimedia corporation that became one of the most colourful, outlandish and chaotic companies that ever existed.
A documentary short catching up with John Halsey a.k.a. Barry Wom of The Rutles
A compilation of live performances from across Europe by the German electronicore band, Electric Callboy.
Be a part of The Garden State 20th Anniversary Concert. This one night only musical event features songs from the iconic Grammy Award-winning soundtrack that defined a generation. Watch performances by the original artists including The Shins, Iron & Wine, Frou Frou, Colin Hay, Thievery Corporation, Remy Zero, Cary Brothers, Bonnie Somerville, and Sophie Barker from Zero 7. Plus more special guests. Whether you remember the first time you heard “New Slang” or the emotional pull of “Let Go,” this is for fans of the film and music alike and is not to be missed.
Studio documentary about the making of the 2001 album 'Blackwater Park'.
Follow the charming Aotearoa New Zealand singer-songwriter on a life-changing journey of self-exploration as he embraces his roots and creates his first album in te reo Māori.
