"Johnny Yesno" (director: Peter Care)

This early short film (it's around 20 minutes or so) by director Care (later of videos by Depeche Mode, R.E.M., and director of episodes of "Six Feet Under" and "Red Shoe Diaries", among others, and director of the Jodie Foster film, "The Dangerous Lives Of Altar Boys") is a long-forgotten cult favorite, which hasn't got it's due (though it seems a remake/re-imagining is imminent?). Anyhow, gaining most of it's notoriety through the soundtrack by Cabaret Voltaire, "Johnny Yesno" is a hard-boiled, eerie, and gritty noir film depicting the streetwise Johnny, who gets himself mixed up with some seedy characters -- all in the interest of a lady whom he finds himself mesmerized by upon first sight. The dreamy hallucination sequence is spectacular, with groundbreaking camerawork most certainly appropriated by Darren Aranofsky for his critically-acclaimed films "Pi" and "Requiem For A Dream". And there are hints of David Lynch's surrealism in here as well, perhaps inspiring or inspired by his left-of-center visuals. Care's tough, urban environments are enhanced exponentially here through the prominent use of Cabaret Voltaire's sound environments. This is prime period CabVolt (with Chris Watson still in tow), in their delightfully dirty, urban, post-industrial, proto-funk phase. The soundtrack is still available, and can be found for reasonable prices, but this film has been all but forgotten and hasn't been reissued onto DVD as yet. A few Cabaret Voltaire videos by Care (he was basically their third member and created the group's entire visual persona) are appended to this film (at least in the copy I gleaned from nontraditional sources). A fine work, tough, unsettling, and cerebral. Do some searching and treat yourself to this one!

"Joy Division" (director: Grant Gee)

Watching this as a 1-2 punch, right next to 'Control' makes for the most comprehensive, and authoritative visual journey into the music of Joy Division, unquestionably. At a running time of an hour and a half, this feature-length documentary enlists the firsthand accounts of all surviving JD members (in remarkably in-depth interviews), as well as other 'I was there' types, including Curtis' little-seen mistress, Annik Honore, as well as people like Factory Records mogul Tony Wilson (who first signed the band), friend Genesis P-Orridge, photographer Anton Corbijn (who took the iconic photos/videos of the group), Cabaret Voltaire's Richard H. Kirk, the Buzzcocks Pete Shelley, and numerous others. There's tons of archival footage of the band, TV appearances, legendary producer Martin Hannett, associates, friends, you name it. The only person missing from the equation is Debbie Curtis - but some of her quotes are used here, so 'Joy Division' is as complete as could ever be hoped for. It's a beautiful film, illustrating the rough, industrial city that birthed the desolate sound, and how it shaped the Factory scene that Joy Division spearheaded. At the same time, it's a celebration of what made the group so great - and the important musical and cultural legacy they left behind. A magnificent documentary and a supreme example of a documentary done proper. (major release)

Cabaret Voltaire - "Rock City, Nottingham 05.26.82"

Those who know of the legendary Sheffield group Cabaret Voltaire know them as early 'industrial' music proponents, especially as the group pioneered the combinations of electronic sequences, found sounds, tape voices, and dance-oriented rhythms that would eventually define a genre.

What is less discussed is the serious mutant FUNK that (Stephen) Mallinder and (Richard H.) Kirk had. Their middle-period (early 80's) was funky in an urban sci-fi nightmare way. Predating much of what was later to become the tepid 'industrial dance' scene, the Cabs created odd and otherworldly soundscapes based around loose beats and hallucinogenic cut-ups.

This live recording, never officially released, is reportedly from the Rock City Club in Nottingham, from May 26, 1982. The quality is superb (actually worthy of release, and obviously soundboard) and this highlights some of the finest work Cabaret Voltaire were to produce, synthesizing their early avante-garde roots with forward-thinking electronic music, compete with accessible basslines and uneasy vocals.