Lou Reed - "Tribute" 3xDVD box set

Shameless cash-in, some worthy info

Another opportunistic repackaging from Pride DVD, this set includes 3 previously-released (unlicensed) documentaries featuring Lou Reed and the Velvet Underground. With Lou's passing making recent headlines all over the world, this re-release, however worthy, is still rather shamefully mercenary.

The first DVD, "Punk Revolution NYC", focuses on the 1966-1974 New York proto-punk scene -- The Velvet Underground, New York Dolls, and CBGB's feature most prominently. Also discussed are Television, Suicide, Wayne County, Blondie, Patti Smith, Talking Heads, and Andy Warhol's influence on the scene. Many of the original artists are interviewed, alongside the usual critics and journalists. This 87-minute film includes a great many historic videos and photos, and with the insights of the artists' themselves, it all makes for a superb portrait.

The next disc is "The Sacred Triangle: Bowie, Iggy & Lou 1971-1973", examining the personal and artistic symbiosis that went on between these rock legends in that era. I've already reviewed this release, on it's own, back in 2010:

http://goatsend.blogspot.com/2010/11/sacred-triangle-bowie-iggy-lou-1971.html

Finally, the remaining DVD in the set is "The Velvet Underground: Under Review". This one covers the band's entire existence and all major releases, and features archival interviews with most VU members and colleagues, as well as Andy Warhol, historians, journalists, and even fans like Dean Wareham (Galaxie 500, Luna). With plenty of live footage and photos, this is probably the closest we'll ever get to a comprehensive documentary on the Velvet Underground and their legacy.

So despite serious fans likely already having these volumes, "Tribute" does include some worthwhile material, and could be a good bargain for those who didn't already purchase  these DVDs individually.

Lou Reed dot com

"I Need That Record! - The Death (Or Possible Survival) Of The Independent Record Store" (director: Brendan Toller) DVD

Having not grown up with iTunes or Amazon (or even eBay) at my fingertips, it's easy for me, at my age, to understand the ideals and importance of the independent record shop. I credit certain amazing, thoughtful, and creative record shops for helping me find my niche(s) in music, both as a (debatable) musician and as a collector and fan. Having a central location to find (and discuss) obscure, unknown, and amazing recorded music has been a blessing to those of us who live and breathe music. This full-length documentary examines the reality and relevance of having an indie record shop in your hometown, and the alarming reasons so many have dropped off and closed over the past decade. To make his case, director/editor/writer Brendan Toller assembles a worthwhile and knowledgeable base of interviewees, from indie musicians like Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth), Ian Mackaye (Minor Threat, Fugazi, Dischord), Lenny Kaye (Patti Smith), Mike Watt (Minutemen, Stooges), Glenn Branca, Patterson Hood (Drive-By Truckers) to writers like Legs McNeil and actual record store owners themselves. Did the corporate record industry kill the indie shop scene? Do chain music stores that cater only to the lowest common denominator ultimately hurt indie shops? Is the increasing homogenization of radio also to blame? Or is it technology's ever-changing grasp at fault? These topics are debated and discussed intelligently and with a hopeful nostalgia, and they make a compelling case to go local and indie. As if you'd consider otherwise, right? Right? (See Of Sound via MVD Visual)

"The House Of The Rising Punk" DVD (director: Christian Dreher)

This 1998 documentary chronicles the early-mid 70's New York pre-punk music scene, told via a series of firsthand accounts from some of the great artists who helped to spawn it (Patti Smith, Tom Verlaine, Richard Hell, Jim Jarmusch, Alan Vega, Legs McNeil, etc.). Of course, this tale involves Hilly Kristal and his Bowery club, CBGB's, which gave these artists and others (Blondie, Talking Heads, Television, Suicide, Ramones, New York Dolls, Wayne/Jayne County, Stooges, etc.) a place to play and grow. 'Rising Punk' is brief (60 minutes), with no extra features, but it doesn't need more. There are tons of rare photos and film clips to illustrate the importance and relevance of New York's CBGB's scene, and it's relation to the 'punk' explosion in general. An excellent and informative look at a counterculture that was (at the time) untainted by commercial pressures or corporate marketing. Recommended for anyone wondering about the genesis of punk rock and alternative music in general. (ABC Entertainment via MVD Visual)