General Music Chat

That list is pretty nebulous, Jimmy. What isn't a "Rock Movie"? American Graffiti? Ferris Bueller?

Ted it gets that distinction because it is a mockumentary, not a documentary. Although funny and poignant it does skewer the music we presumably love. Comedies always take a back seat to serious works.

but it was a very serious work!? Maybe the most important rock documentary ever made because it showed very clearly how pompous musicians can be. I don't think using humor to make the point should disqualify it. Heck, I went out to buy their second album "Break Like the Wind!"

I did some work with a local Dallas magazine called "Jam" in the 1980s, and did an interview for what would be the very last show of Nazareth. I had heard that Spinal Tap was based on their story. Not sure if that's true...but if it isn't, it sure could have been. After being an arena rock band for so many years, they were on a small club "retirement" tour

But how many of us have experienced everything in that show? I mean, the girlfriend who thinks she should be the manager, the inter-personal relationships that mimick a marriage, the super-star syndrome of self-importance, the beauty of music reduced to "Lick My Love Pump", the wrong venue in the middle of a road trip, etc..

And the music was all original and extremely well written. "Big Bottoms...talk about mudflaps, my girls got 'em!"

I briefly met Michael McKean at the premiere of "King Kong" in Times Square. All I could say was "This one goes to 11" which, of course, wasn't his line. He politely smiled because I'm sure he gets that a lot.

As much as I love the Tap, I would have referenced the greatest movie in Arizona history, Used Cars. That would be embarrassing. He might not remember it (from the 70's)!

I was only recently back from LA when I saw Spinal Tap. I was partly amused in a major way - and yet I cringed all the way through the movie.

I knew guys like all those depicted in the movie. My fear was that I might become one! And with the onset of all that formulaic eighties glam stuff I had to wonder if Merle Haggard was right and the 'good times were really over for good.'

And Ted - I have to admit - I heard 'Big Bottoms' on the car radio the other day and was so hard I nearly lost control of the vehicle when it got to "I just can't leave that behind!'

Talbot

Say what you want about Elvis movies (I thought they sucked too) but by gosh for a date in the early sixties an Elvis movie was the er, ticket!

Some of the songs were pretty good. Rock a Hula Baby? Maybe you had to be there.

In Blue Hawaii there wasn't a dry eye in the theater when Elvis and the lady sailed down the river on a barge at the end. Different times...

Talbot

I still have most of Elvis 50s & 60s stuff memorized, along with Hank Williams (the original one and only). They are probably the reasons why I'm a singer today actually.

I was only recently back from LA when I saw Spinal Tap. I was partly amused in a major way - and yet I cringed all the way through the movie.

I knew guys like all those depicted in the movie. My fear was that I might become one!

If you don't know at least one of those guys, then you have never played in a real rock band....or like them, you aren't able to see it that it was yourself.

- I heard 'Big Bottoms' on the car radio the other day and was laughing so hard I nearly lost control of the vehicle when it got to "I just can't leave that behind!'

Talbot

Yes, pure genius from their debut release, "SMELL THE GLOVE" with the total black cover.