"Dawn Of The Dead - The Grateful Dead &The Rise Of The San Francisco Underground" DVD

This unauthorized bio covers the Dead's earlier days, as well as presenting a well-researched look at the whole mid-to-late sixties psychedelic scene coming out of San Francisco. As with other Sexy Intellectual releases, a number of critics, musicians, and historians are interviewed, and a plethora of classic footage is highlighted.

 Not being a fan of the Grateful Dead, I remained engrossed in this well-done documentary, so anyone interested in the whole counterculture scene and music of the 60s shouldn't be disappointed. Deadheads will certainly revel in this look at the formative days of the world's foremost peacenik "jam" band. Well-done and enjoyable! (Sexy Intellectual/Chrome Dreams)

Mick Jagger - "The Roaring 20's - Mick Jagger's Glory Years" DVD

This feature-length documentary examines the charismatic Rolling Stones frontman's earliest years with the band, including plenty of photos and film clips. Jagger's early years (from the 60's and early 70's) were his wildest and most impressive, as he morphed from mild-mannered schoolboy to swaggering rock adonis, providing the antithesis of the Beatles' cleaner, more wholesome image. It was in this era that Jagger became a template for future generations of rock singers. To this day, he is a symbol of rock excess and sexual abandon. Props to the man.

As is the usual with these unauthorized UK rock bios, "The Roaring 20's" interviews several Jagger associates (but not the man himself) and the usual array of journalists and writers. I say well done, and this is a worthy addition to any serious Rolling Stones fan's collection. (Sexy Intellectual via MVD Visual)

Honda Ryuichi - "Operation: Pussycat" DVD

An uncomplicated, simple, and short Japanese 'pink' film here that takes a lot of cues from Russ Meyer's trashy 60's 'bad girl' sexploitation flicks, which is funny to see but somehow it works. It's the tale of a trio of fast-driving, bisexual go-go dancers who aren't above killing if it means fun or profit. When a young slave girl witnesses their foul play, they go on a mission to 'kill, kill' her, as well. There's plenty of humor and trash-talking, but nothing more than a little jiggle and blood, all done nice and campy and never hardcore. Fun and memorable! (MVD Visual)

Nick Drake - "Under Review" DVD

This critical overview of the tragic English guitarist/songwriter's life and music is a top-notch look into the world of his inspirations & aspirations, and includes fine posthumous assessments of his influential recorded works. From the point of view of Drake's peers, journalists, and even neighbors, this 90-minute film encompasses just about everything a fan needs to know about Drake's painfully sensitive music and the life that led up to the creation of such memorable songs as 'Pink Moon' or 'Black Eyed Dog'. It's well-produced, literate, and functions as possibly the most comprehensive document of Drake's life available on DVD. Essential for fans. (Chrome Dreams via MVD Visual)

Donovan - "The Donovan Concert Live In L.A." DVD

Unapologetically a product of the hippie-dippie 60's, folk minstrel Donovan spearheaded a lysergically-friendly pop sound with whimsical, childlike sing-a-long appeal. Here, introduced by none other than surrealist filmmaker David Lynch and featuring guest appearances from folks like (Beach Boy) Mike Love and Donovan's own lovely daughter Astrella Celeste, Donovan recreates his classics like 'Hurdy Gurdy Man', 'Season Of The Witch', the superb 'Colours', and, of course, his trademark 'Mellow Yellow'. All of this recorded live in front of a rather huge large audience in L.A. in 2007 to benefit the 'David Lynch Foundation For Consciousness-Based Education and World Peace'. Hmm. Anyway, this is a fun listen and a well-done recording. (MVD Visual)