“Every Everything: The Music, Life And Times Of Grant Hart” DVD (director: Gorman Berchard)

Husker Du alumnus deserves a look

Having not been much of a fan of Minneapolis’ most inspirational punk/post-punk band Husker Du, I’ve never truly explored much of either Bob Mould or Grant Hart’s careers over the past 20+ years. Well, a shame that is, as this excellent documentary proves.

Looking at the life of drummer/singer/songwriter Hart from his own viewpoint (Hart is interviewed extensively here), his art is examined beginning pre-Husker Du and progresses through that band’s highs and lows, as well as his forays into solo rock and pop with bands like Nova Mob, his relationships with William S. Burroughs, Patti Smith, Bob Mould, Black Flag and the SST label, and even his visual art. Hart himself “hosts” this film, so it’s a very personal and honest portrayal of the events in his life.

Director Berchard has done a masterful job in collecting rare photos and films, and Hart’s well-spoken and charismatic personality more than provides a great intro to his world.

A wonderful film about a great artist who deserves more notice. Fans both casual and hardcore need to check this one out.

Every Everything site

Grant Hart site

"Color Me Obsessed: A Film About The Replacements" 2xDVD (director: Gorman Bechard)

This is a love-letter-slash-documentary to the Minneapolis band who changed the face of indie and college rock scenes in the late 80s, featuring many famous fans. Names interviewed here include members of Babes In Toyland, Husker Du, Decemberists, Archers Of Loaf, and the Goo Goo Dolls, plus names like Tom Arnold, George Wendt, Steve Albini, Jack Rabid, Robert Christgau, Dave Foley, friends, ex-wives, and tons more.

The Replacements were as known for their careless, rowdy attitudes (and drunken sloppiness) as they were/are for their music, which only added to their mythology. The band, not surprisingly, imploded in 1990, only 9 years after their initial formation, but not before they recorded some immensely influential albums and plenty of memorable, catchy, and just plain great rock music.

"Color Me Obsessed" differs from most music bios, as it eschews any use of Replacements music or visuals. The accounts and information are delivered solely through the words of those who were "there". And oddly, it works. The documentary itself runs nearly 2 hours, and the extra disc includes extended interviews and more deleted scenes.  It's a great set for fans, or for those merely curious about the life and times of a great American band. 

(MVD Visual)

Color Me Obsessed site