“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

"William S. Burroughs: A Man Within"

Here's an upcoming documentary worth a look...from Chicago director Yony Leyser. And check out the folks interviewed. A must-see!

Maria Beatty - "Gang Of Souls: A Generation Of Beat Poets" DVD

This digital reissue of a 1989 New York TV program attempts to cover the history and motives behind the highly inspirational literary movement of the late 50's through 60's, and in 60 minutes, it really just barely scratches the surface. With precious little archival footage, Beatty's film is really a bunch of talking heads. She interviews some key figures (William S. Burroughs, Allen Ginsburg, Gregory Corso, Diane DiPrima, and later 'children of the beats' like Henry Rollins, Lydia Lunch, Jim Carroll, Richard Hell, Marianne Faithfull, and others), and they surely have lots to say, but still, I can't help but feel there could've been so much MORE. It's always great to see now-passed artistic giants like Burroughs or Ginsburg interviewed, of course, and Rollins is a consistenly great character and presence, but this alone can't carry this film. In actuality, 'Gang Of Souls' would make for a fun little 'bonus feature', added-on to a more comprehensive documentary (and I know there are some out there), but for now, unless you're doing some deep research into this scene and movement (or are a major fan/collector of an artist included here), this one's a wee bit lacking. (MVD Visual)