Iggy Pop - "The Document" DVD+CD

Mixed bag of Iggfo

Ah, it's another re-packaged mess from UK label Chrome Dreams. This time, it's a double-disc set of Iggy Pop documentaries. The 72-minute CD, titled "The Classic Interviews", includes 8 radio and TV interviews, from 1977 and Iggy's "Lust For Life" period (one interview also includes friend and collaborator David Bowie) through to a 2005 "Remembering The Stooges" interview. There's some great info here, including the famous 1977 interview in which Iggy explains his take on "Punk Rock", as utilized by the famous Mogwai song of the same name. This disc is evidence that as Iggy ages, his wisdom and well-spoken nature becomes much more apparent. The man is simply a genius.

The DVD is actually a clever re-packaging of an earlier DVD ("The Sacred Triangle:  Bowie, Iggy, & Lou") that focuses on the collaborations and interactions in the 70s-80s between Iggy, Bowie, and Lou Reed. The fact that even the packaging addresses the DVD as "Iggy Pop: The Documentary DVD" is shameful and deceitful. That is not to say it isn't a well-done documentary, but to not acknowledge the truthful contents is mercenary.

Iggy Pop is supreme, and there's some good stuff on "The Document", to be sure. Just be aware of what you're buying.

Chrome Dreams

Iggy Pop dot com

"Strange Fruit - The Beatles Apple Records" DVD

In their sixties heyday, as the Beatles were riding a wave to the top of the charts, they (and their management) decided to begin their own "artist-centric" record label called Apple Records. As an unauthorized documentary of the legendary label, this 162-minute DVD is absolutely essential for fans. 

Detailing now-obscure releases by names like Elephant's Memory, The Iveys, and Paul McCartney protege Mary Hopkin, as well as better-known releases by Badfinger and James Taylor, "Strange Fruit" includes interviews with experts, journalists, and the musicians themselves (though actual Beatles member interviews are not featured). Individual albums are dissected, and the involvement from McCartney, George Harrison, John Lennon, or Ringo Starr are noted. 

This is a fascinating and exhaustive look at the golden era of the Beatles and Apple  Records, and I applaud Chrome Dreams for this superlative release.

Sexy Intellectual

Beatles official site

"Mick Vs. Keith: The Strange Case of Jagger & Richards" 2xDVD

From the British kings of unauthorized bios, Chrome Dreams, comes this double-set of DVDs examining both of the Rolling Stones' guiding lights. And, as often is the case with these sets, it's a disguised reissuing of two older titles, simply packaged into a new slipcase. Shamefully, nowhere on the packaging does it mention the titles included within. So many serious fans will feel that they've been duped. And they have!

The first disc is "The Roaring 20s - Mick Jagger's Glory Years", which I have already reviewed here:

Mick Jagger DVD review on Goatsden

The second DVD is "Keith Richards - Under Review", which is a 2-hour documentary from 2007 that examines the charismatic Rolling Stones guitarist and madman, from his early years to his appearance with Johnny Depp in "Pirates Of The Caribbean". I won't fault the content, as it's a concise and well-studied look at the man at his heights and lulls. 

Still, I expect some semblance of accountability with Chrome Dreams' deceptive marketing. I mean, packaging a pair of older titles together at a discount is fine, as long as fans realize what they're buying. Shame on you, Chrome Dreams. 

As a caveat, this set is quite a fine set for Stones collectors. Just beware.

(Chrome Dreams)

Neil Young - "DVD Collector's Box" 2xDVD

Comprising two previous documentary titles ("Neil Young Under Review 1966-1975" and "Neil Young Under Review 1976-2006"), this well-done set provides a fairly comprehensive critical appraisal of one of Canada's most beloved (and perplexing) musical icons. 

The first disc details Young's early days with Buffalo Springfield, his work with Crosby, Stills, & Nash, and his early post-folk solo career. Disc two highlights his later solo career, and his collaborations with Crazy Horse, Devo, and Pearl Jam, among others. Both DVDs are individually-packaged and simply housed in the "DVD Collector's Box" slipcase.

As with most of Chrome Dreams' unauthorized documentaries, there are plenty of "talking heads" -- critics, biographers, writers, and associates, to narrate and analyze the recordings. With plenty of live footage and splices of music, this is an entertaining and engaging set, essential for serious Neil Young fans, and enlightening for those not so familiar with his extensive and widely-varying body of work. (Chrome Dreams)

Neil Young official site