Rock Docs

Welcome to Nick's Pick's Vol. 5, in which we invite our friend and returning champion Nick McCann on to discuss any documentary he chooses. Today's episode is about "Miss Americana", a 2020 doc about Taylor Swift directed by Lana Wilson. TS works on her album "Lover" while dealing with personal and political issues. Plus: Is Dave Grohl a megalomaniac? Do we need a new genre called "Pop Docs"? Do you eat burritos? Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts Check out the Treble review of TS' "Red" Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt

Today's episode of Rock Docs is about "Shut Up and Play the Hits", a 2012 film about the final, uncontroversial, conclusive, never to be reversed ending of LCD Soundsystem directed by Dylan Southern and Will Lovelace. Our guest today is self-professed LCD superfan and New York guy living in LA, film director Luca Morganti. Shut Up and Play the Hits, of course, is about LCD's 2011 retirement show at Madison Square Garden. The documentary features an interview with LCD mastermind James Murphy and journalist Chuck Klosterman, some backstage stuff before and after the show, and James Murphy's French bulldog. And perhaps more Arcade Fire than one would expect or prefer from the vantage point of 2025. Does this era of music and culture hold up? Is it too soon? Is LCD's dramatic conclusion and subsequent reformation the most (or least) interesting thing about the band? When will they finally put out their new album? All this and more in this episode of Rock Docs. Check out the Treble 100 review of "Sound of Silver": https://www.treblezine.com/treble-100-no-52-lcd-soundsystem-sound-of-silver/ Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt  

Today's episode is on "Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius)", a 2025 Questlove jawn about Sly Stone (and the Family Stone). The movie shows us how Sylvester Stewart evolved into Sly Stone, co-founded the Family Stone, and cranked out a pile of classic tunes over the course of a few years. And, of course, we learn about Sly's drug-fueled downfall and late in life redemption. This movie looks and sounds great, and Sly's story is endlessly interesting. But is this the best Questlove can do? Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts Check out Treble's review of "There's A Riot Goin' On" Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt  

Today's episode is on "George Harrison: Living in the Material World", a 2011 film about The Quiet One directed by Martin Scorsese. It's available on Max. Our guest today is George Harrison and Bob Dylan superfan Britt Eisnor. Check out her excellent Dylan content on Instagram. This movie is about George's mysticism, more or less, and weaves in and out of his very famous life story. There are some great talking heads, not all of whom are great people (I'm looking at you, Phil Spector) or come of as well as they think they do (and now I'm looking at you, Eric Clapton), and one conspicuous absence. Also, this movie would have you believe that George Harrison only recorded one solo album. It seems like his career as a musician continued on past 1970, but who can really tell for sure? Check out the Treble review of "All Things Must Pass": https://www.treblezine.com/george-harrison-all-things-must-pass/ Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt  

Today's episode is on "Searching for Sugar Man", a 2012 film about the long-forgotten Detroit balladeer Rodriguez, his mysterious fame in South Africa, and his rediscovery. This Academy Award-winning classic was directed by Malik Bendjelloul. Sixto Rodriguez, who recorded as Rodriguez, had a brief recording career from the late 60s and early 70s. He sold "about 6" records in the U.S., but, unbeknownst to him, his music became wildly popular in South Africa. Rumors abounded about his ultimate fate. Finally, a few intrepid South Africans decided to try to track the man down. The rest is rock docs history. Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt  

Today's episode is on "Wild Combination: A Portrait of Arthur Russell", a 2008 film about the singer, instrumentalist, composer, collaborator, and all-around musical pioneer whose work has become more widely recognized well after his untimely passing. The movie is directed by Matt Wolf. Our guest today is Matty Monroe, the person behind the Indieheads subreddit and general knower and lover of all things indie music. Wild Combination is a biography of a man who was hard to know. He didn't leave a lot of surviving interviews, spoken audio, or writing. But he left behind a vast trove of music which is still being discovered and released. The film reflects on his beautiful relationship with his longtime partner Tom Lee, his parents, Chuck and Emily Russell, and the many musicians and artists who had the opportunity to work with Arthur. Plus there are some weird vibes from Rock Docs regular Allen Ginsberg. Arthur Russell's music is singular and transporting, and the movie is a fine tribute to the man and his work. Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt  

Today's episode is on "Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band", a 2024 film about Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band's 2023-2024 tour. It's directed by frequent Springsteen collaborator (and a guy who shows up a lot on Rock Docs), Thom Zimny. The film can be found on Disney+, the official home of rock and roll. Our guest today is Caryn Rose, whose newsletter jukeboxgraduate is essential and whose essay "Why Bruce Springsteen's 'Road Diary' works so well" inspired this conversation. Road Diary follows Bruce and the band as they embark on their first post-Covid world tour. Do they shake off the dust and rediscover their connection to the rock and soul that inspired them so many years ago? Does the film feature loads of great previously-unseen archival footage? Does our pal Steven Van Zandt get in a few classic zingers? You bet! Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt    

Today's episode is on "No Direction Home: Bob Dylan", a 2005 film about Bob Dylan directed by our old pal Martin Scorsese. Our guest today is Erin Callahan, host of the "Infinity Goes Up on Trial" Bob Dylan podcast. Please also check out the Treble 100 essay on "Blonde on Blonde". No Direction Home was originally broadcast as part of the American Masters series on PBS. It features lengthy interviews with Bob as well as many of the musicians and other folks he interacted with on his rise to superstardom. It ends in 1966 and then that's that. It's the kind of documentary that mostly hits the highlights, but honestly, the dude had a lot of highlights! So that's OK. Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt    

Today's episode is on "Yacht Rock: A Dockumentary", a 2024 MAX/Music Box documentary about the smooth sounds coming out of LA's finest music studios in the late 70s & early 80s. We're joined by the director of the film, Garret Price. Garret previously joined us to discuss his 2021 documentary "Woodstock 99: Peace, Love and Rage". As you'll hear, this one is way mellower but no less compelling. The movie features luminaries from the era such as Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, Christopher Cross, various members of Toto, and (sort of) Steely Dan's Donald Fagen, as well as contemporary musicians who are inspired by the genre. Also included are the creators of the mid-2000s Yacht Rock webseries that ended up defining "Yacht Rock" as a thing. Garret tells us how the movie came together thanks to a surprising pair of roommates, shares the real story behind the Fagen encounter, and happily engages in the time-honored "What is Yacht Rock?" debate. Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt  

Welcome to Nick's Pick's Vol. 4, in which we invite our friend and returning champion Nick McCann on to discuss any documentary he chooses. Today's episode is about "Backstage", a 2000 doc about the 1999 Hard Knock Life Tour that featured several of hip-hop's top acts including Jay-Z, DMX, Method Man, and Redman. As well as, of course, Pain in da Ass. The movie was directed by Chris Fiore. If you like arguments about which hip-hop record label's brand should appear on the official tour jacket, then this is the doc for you. Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts Check out Treble's review of Jay-Z's "The Black Album".   Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt

Welcome to the Very Special 100th Episode of Rock Docs! Today's episode is on "History of the Eagles", a 2013 film about the California rock band, directed by Alison Ellwood. Our guest today is our pal, American Painter Jake Longstreth, who's in the bands Mountain Brews and Richard Pictures as well as being a co-host of the Internet Radio Show Time Crisis. Our longtime listeners may recall Jake previously joined us to discuss "We Are Twisted Fucking Sister!" History of the Eagles is, of course, the Godfather of rock docs. It's the ur-text from which this all began. Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts Check out this cool Treble article on the Talking Heads Live in Rome Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt  

Today's episode is on "Listening to Kenny G", a 2021 film about the saxophone colossus, directed by Penny Lane. Our guest today is Franz Nicolay, multi-instrumentalist and composer, who records his own music and also is known from bands such as The Hold Steady. Franz' fascinating new book, Band People, features interviews with musicians who have made a career in the music industry, often outside of the spotlight. Listening to Kenny G was released under HBO's "Music Box" series, which may no longer be a thing? The G man himself sat for extensive interviews and the film dispassionately explores what makes his music both appealing and controversial to audiences and music fans around the world. It's a rich text, and one could view Kenny as either the hero or villain of the movie. Plus: Is Kenny G like Phish? Co-host Andy Keatts was unavailable for this episode, so he didn't get a chance to weigh in on this important topic, but we bat it around a bit anyway. Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt  

Today's episode is on "Supersonic", a 2016 film about the trio Oasis, directed by Mat Whitecross Our guest today is Brendan Dentino, an Oasis superfan who wrote the excellent article "The hope and selfishness of Oasis". Please also check out "1995: The year Oasis made us want to live forever" on Treble. Supersonic is a chronicle of the band's rise right up to their triumphant shows at Knebworth in 1996 - and it ends exactly there. Like Liam Gallagher, we are living in an eternal 1996. Along the way, we learn about the benefits of taking a hammer to the head, explore "the Oasis brothers" and their respective personas, and we discuss the time Noel Gallagher popped into a pub in San Diego to watch some footie. Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt  

Today's episode is about "Not Not Jazz", a 2024 film about the trio Medeski Martin & Wood, directed by Jason Miller. Our guest today is Josh Frisch of the Dad Rocks podcast, which we were on years ago, and now we get to return the favor. As you'll hear, there was a bit of confusion, as Andy ended up watching a different MMW documentary. But we made it work. "Not Not Jazz" asks as many questions as it answers - when was it filmed? What happened to the music that was being recorded during the filming of the movie? Why is it coming out now? Is music really its own kind of language, man? Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt  

Today's episode is about "Instrument", a 1999 film about the D.C. post-hardcore legends Fugazi, directed by Jem Cohen in collaboration with the band. Check out "Celebrate the Catalog: Fugazi" on treblezine.com Our guest today is Vish Khanna, the host of the Kreative Kontrol podcast. This is a first for Rock Docs...in prep for this episode, and in recognition of the film's 25th anniversary, Vish got Jem Cohen and all four members of Fugazi together for a rare interview on his show. You can listen to that episode here. We over at Rock Docs HQ are thrilled to have played any small part in that momentous event. Nonetheless, we managed to keep it together and have a lively conversation with Vish about the band, his history with them, and this incredible film. Finally, Vish was also nice enough to share his thoughts about his friend, the late Steve Albini, a Rock Docs legend who we never approached about being on the show, to our regret. Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt  

Today's episode is about "Stevie Van Zandt: Disciple", a 2024 HBO/MAX doc about Little Steven aka Miami Steve aka Silvio Dante aka the Lillehammer guy, directed by Bill Teck. This doc has almost everything you ever wanted to know about the legendary sideman, front man, and Renaissance man. The man who likes scarves, who loves rock & roll, and who ain't gonna play Sun City. If you're a fan of almost any subgenre of rock music between approximately 1955-1990, or if you just thought he was fun in The Sopranos, you'll dig this one. Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts Check out Treble's piece on the Springsteen classic "Born to Run": https://www.treblezine.com/bruce-springsteen-born-to-run-treble-100-no-33/ Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt  

Today's episode is about "Freakscene: The Story of Dinosaur Jr.", a 2020 doc about the legendary indie rock power trio, directed by Philipp Reichenheim. Early in the movie, Dinosaur Jr.'s singer and guitarist says, “I don't know where people got this idea that it's supposed to be fun to play music.” Their music is fun to listen to and their shows are a blast, but for a long time these guys took the whole thing very very seriously, and the strain that attitude put on their relationships is a focus of the film. There's a lot of lot of great music, excellent live footage, and some good talking heads (including a very weird and funny bit from the Pixies' Frank Black). What more do you want? To have fun?? Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts   Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt  

Today's episode is about "Scott Walker: 30 Century Man", from 2006, directed by Stephen Kijak. Our guest today is Zara Hedderman, who listens to albums & writes (mostly) & talks (sometimes) about them in The Quietus, Aquarium Drunkard, Northern Transmissions, RTÉ Arena, and The IMRO Podcast. The movie is about Scott Walker, who evolved from a 50s & 60s teen idol to an enigmatic avant-garde icon whose music pushed the boundaries of space, time, and sanity. For years, nobody knew much about him. Then this documentary came out and revealed that he was actually kind of a chill dude. Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt  

Today's episode is about "The Decline of Western Civilization", from 1981, directed by Penelope Spheeris. Our guest today is Ian Grant of the Jokermen podcast and media empire. This is Ian's second Rock Docs appearance, having previously joined us to discuss "Bob Dylan: 1978-1989 - Both Ends of the Rainbow" with his fellow Jokerman Evan Laffer. The Decline of Western Civilization is a snapshot of the early days of the LA punk scene featuring legends such as X, Black Flag, Circle Jerks, Germs, and Fear, as well as some less-known scene personalities. X rules, check out our episode about "X: The Unheard Music" with Juliana Hatfield. Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt  

Today's episode is a rare one where the subject is not a specific documentary (although there is some rock doc talk). We're joined by returning guest Steven Hyden to discuss his new book "There Was Nothing You Could Do: Bruce Springsteen's “Born in the U.S.A.” and the End of the Heartland" and all things Bruce. Steven previously joined us to review "Pearl Jam Twenty". Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt  

Today's episode is about "Let It Be", from 1970 and 2024, directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg. Our guest today is Jeremy Kaplan of the band Dogs in a Pile. A restored version of the original Let It Be movie has shown up on Disney+. We talk about it. It's the Beatles, you know the story. How does this movie fit into the great context of the Get Back experience? Which version of the rooftop concert is better? And what's up with that very weird dialogue between Peter Jackson and Michael Lindsay-Hogg before the movie starts? Plus: Evan Laffer of Jokermen provides us with his very brief review of The Beach Boys documentary, also on Disney+. Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt  

Today's episode is about "Joan Baez I Am A Noise", from 2023, directed by Miri Navasky, Karen O'Connor, and Maeve O'Boyle. Our guest today is Allison Rapp, a music writer and the host of the brand-new podcast all about Joni Mitchell, Big Yellow Podcast. Check it out! Joan Baez I Am A Noise covers the life of the folk music legend from her early days as the middle daughter of a globetrotting academic to her rocket to stardom as a late teenager, through her involvement with various activist movements (about which she says "I was addicted to activism"), her fraught relationship with Bob Dylan, up to her farewell tour in 2019. With a brief stop in the 80's when she attempts to cover Tears for Fears' "Shout".  Joan is exactly as thoughtful and insightful as you'd expect her to be. The movie features great footage, riveting music, and, of course, some very funky dancing. Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt  

Today's episode is about "In Restless Dreams: The Music of Paul Simon", from 2024, directed by Alex Gibley. It's on MGM+, a streaming service the everybody definitely subscribes to. Our guest today is Dan Jasper, who previously joined us to discuss the Rolling Stones documentary "Crossfire Hurricane". In Restless Dreams is a two-part, three+ hour comprehensive look at the career of Paul Simon, if "comprehensive" means you go up to 1990 and then skip to about 2022. That's right, if you wanted to spend a lot of time watching Paul grumpily work on his 2023 banger "Seven Psalms", this is the doc for you. There is, however, a whole lot of great music featured from the early and middle parts of Paul's career, as well as some killer performances. And a bunch of Lorne Michaels. Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt  

Today's episode is about "Monks: The Transatlantic Feedback", from 2006, directed by Dietmar Post and Lucia Palacios. Our guest today is Evan Laffer of the Jokermen podcast and media empire. This is Evan's second Rock Docs appearance, having previously joined us to discuss "Bob Dylan: 1978-1989 - Both Ends of the Rainbow" with his fellow Jokerman Ian Grant. The movie is about the pioneering art-rock band The Monks, who were comprised of five Americans who met while serving in the U.S. Army in Germany in the early 1960s. They formed a beat group called The Torquays and then connected with some mysterious German businessmen who convinced them to fully reform their sound and dress like monks, including the "Friar Tuck" style hairdo, shaved on the top. They were to be Monks at all times, to always be sexy, and avoid being Torquays. The Monks' music and ethos was unlike any band at the time, and nobody has come close to copying them. The film sometimes raises more questions than it answers, but that's appropriate for a band that is steeped in mystery. Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt  

Today's episode is about "Joe Strummer: The Future is Unwritten", from 2007, directed by Julien Temple. Our guest today is Elizabeth Nelson of the band The Paranoid Style. Check out their outstanding new album The Interrogator: https://theparanoidstyle.bandcamp.com/album/the-interrogator Joe Strummer: The Future is Unwritten is more of a wake for the then-recently departed punk rock legend than a by-the-books rock doc. Many of Joe's family, friends, musical compatriots, actor and director pals, and other partners in crime gather around various campfires to tell Strummer stories. The movie does go through his biography in a more or less linear fashion, but it's not an "everything you ever wanted to know about The Clash" kind of doc. You come away from the movie feeling like you know Joe Strummer, but that he was also unknowable even to those closest to him. Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt  

Today's episode is about "Who Is Harry Nilsson (And Why Is Everybody Talkin' About Him)?", from 2010, directed by John Scheinfeld. Our guest today is Galen Howard, star of stage and screen. Check out his Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/galenhoward/?hl=en Who Is Harry Nilsson (And Why Is Everybody Talkin' About Him)? takes us through the life of the unlikely, self-destructive pop genius. Harry rose from a troubled childhood to become the Beatles' favorite musician. Many of the famous talking heads in the film survived partying through the 70s. Harry's lifestyle eventually caught up with him. The film celebrates his legacy and is full of hair-raising stories and fantastic music. Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt  

Today's episode is about "All I Can Say", from 2019, directed by Danny Clinch, Taryn Gould, Colleen Hennessy, and, posthumously, Shannon Hoon. Our guest today is Ryan Bradford. Check out his Substack at https://awkwardsd.substack.com/ as well as our previous episode with Ryan about GWAR. "All I Can Say" is compiled from VHS footage taken by Blind Melon singer Shannon Hoon from his early days as an aspiring musician right up until a few hours before his death at 28 from an accidental drug overdose. Shannon compulsively filmed his life during his unlikely rise to fame, from intimate family moments to hanging out with Guns N' Roses. The "found footage" approach takes us into the recording studio, on the road with Blind Melon, and even into the delivery room when Shannon's daughter is being born. The movie is an unexpected and fitting tribute to Shannon's talents as a musician and visual artist. Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt  

Today's episode is about "The Greatest Night in Pop", a 2024 Netflix doc about the making of "We Are the World", directed by Bao Nguyen. The move has two acts - Act 1 is a heist film-style tick-tock about how the concept came together at the behest of Harry Belafonte, the song got written despite Stevie Wonder ghosting Lionel Richie, and the Avengers of 80s Pop was assembled just in time for the recording. Act 2 has us in the room during one very long night as Quincy Jones triest to wrangle several dozen superstars and capture performances from everyone from an eager Huey Lewis to a truly miserable Bob Dylan. Plus: how Sheila E was unsuccessfully used by the producers as a honeypot to get Prince to the recording, why Waylon Jennings muttered, "ain't no good old boy ever sung in Swahili", Diana Ross' unexpected moment of sweetness, and much much more. Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts   Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt    

Today's episode is about "Ain't in It for My Health: A Film About Levon Helm", from 2010, directed by Jacob Hatley. Our guest today is a returning champion, Eamon O'Flynn, host of Record Roulette Podcast, which can be found on Twitter @rrmusicpod - check out our previous episode with Eamon about "Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and the Band". "Ain't in It for My Health" is very different from Robbie's movie - it offers an intimate and revealing picture of The Band's legendary singer and drummer, Levon Helm, as he struggles with cancer while recording what ended up being the final studio album he released during his life, the Grammy-winning "Electric Dirt". We see Levon crack wise and offer hard-earned wisdom surrounded by family and friends (famous and obscure), undertake a short tour under challenging conditions, and work closely with guitarist/producer Larry Campbell. Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts   Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt  

Today on Rock Docs we discuss "The Song Remains the Same", a 1976 film about Led Zeppelin directed by Peter Clifton and Joe Massot. For those who haven't seen the film, or whose memory of seeing it is lost in a drug-addled haze (as it was meant to be seen), the movie starts with LZ manager Peter Grant dressed as a 1930s gangster shooting a Nazi werewolf and it just gets weirder from there. This is nominally a concert film (is it even a rock doc at all?) shot during the band's 1973 shows at Madison Square Garden, but it also includes footage shot on a soundstage in England made up to look like MSG, as well as fantasy sequences featuring each of the band's members. Our guest, and the man who selected this cinematic masterpiece for us to review, is comedian and actor Cam Herdt. Check out Cam on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/mistercam/?hl=en and on his own Best Show Ever on the Osiris Network: https://linktr.ee/bestshowever Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts   Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt    

Today on Rock Docs we discuss "Everyday Sunshine: The Story of Fishbone", a 2010 film about the alternative rock band Fishbone, co-produced and co-directed by Lev Anderson and Chris Metzler, and narrated by actor Laurence Fishburne. Our guest for this episode is Dallas McLaughlin, Fishbone superfan and the world's foremost satirist. Check out his stuff at dallasmclaughlin.com Everyday Sunshine goes into the backstory of Fishbone, how busing, desegregation, and the clash of various LA music scenes led to a band whose music is a unique blend of funk, rock, metal, pop, and genres yet to be defined. The movie gets pretty heavy as the band goes through a variety of struggles and lineup changes, personal troubles, and a toxic level of theremin abuse. This is not a clean, pretty story where everything wraps up in a neat bow. Recommended if you like your rock docs served raw. As of this writing, you can watch the movie on  Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts   Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt  

Welcome to Nick's Pick's Vol. 3, in which we invite our friend and returning champion Nick McCann on to discuss any documentary he chooses. Today's episode is about "Sound City", a 2013 doc about the LA recording studio Sound City. The movie was directed by Dave Grohl. The movie features a bunch of Dave Grohl's buds such as Stevie Nicks, Paul McCartney, Tom Petty, Trent Reznor, Stephen Pearcy from RATT (underrated!), Rick Rubin, and of course Rick Springfield. Also: if you directed a music documentary, would it be good? Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts   Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt

Today's episode is about "Don't Look Back", a 1967 doc about Bob Dylan directed by D. A. Pennebaker. Our guest for this episode is Ray Padgett, author of "Pledging My Time: Conversations With Bob Dylan Band Members", the Dylan Substack "Flagging Down the Double E's", and the "Every Tom Waits Song" Substack. Don't Look Back is one of the most well-known and well-regarded music documentaries of all time. What is there to say? It's Don't Look Back for chrissakes. Enjoy our conversation about the movie with Ray, a true Dylan head and a lovely gent. Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt    

Today's episode is about "X: The Unheard Music", a 1986 doc about the LA-based punk legends X. The movie was directed by W.T. Morgan. Our guest for this episode is another legend: Juliana Hatfield! Juliana is known for her many solo albums along with her work with the bands Blake Babies and the Lemonheads. Her new album, Juliana Hatfield Sings ELO, is out now. We can't get it out of our heads. X: The Unheard Music features the band performing many of their classic songs (along with their cover of the Doors' "Soul Kitchen" featuring a very dadcore Ray Manzarek). In between, we get to spend some time with each of the band members as they discuss their lives and the evolution of the band. D.J. Bonebrake plays a Benny Goodman tune on the vibraphone! John Doe and Exene Cervenka cover Hank Williams! We get a revealing conversation from a clown-ass record executive explaining why he chose to sign long-forgotten 80s rockers Point Blank over X! What more could you possibly want? Also: did you know that Hollywood has a dark underbelly? Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts   Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt    

It's our 2nd annual Thanksgiving look at The Last Waltz. This time we're joined by Julia Swanson, noted superfan of the late Robbie Robertson.  Plus: imagine all of the guests at the Last Waltz got sick and had to cancel at the last minute. Who among the constellation of rock stars circa 1976 would you draft for your very own Last Waltz team? Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts   Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt  

Today's episode is about "Anvil! The Story of Anvil", a 2008 doc about the then-obscure Canadian heavy metal band Anvil. The film was directed by Sacha Gervasi. Our guest for this episode is Fran Broderick, who records as Left-Handed 2nd Baseman. Check out his new album "The Dogs Race to the Door" and more at lh2b.com. The movie follows the band's two core members, childhood friends Steve "Lips" Kudlow and Robb Reiner, as they confront the challenges of being middle-aged rockers who never found the success they felt they deserved. Lips and Robb work delivery and construction jobs, scrape together gigs, and try to support their families while continuing to chase their rock star dreams. We see them go through a calamitous European tour, a heated album recording process, and various ups and downs (more downs than ups, to be honest). The movie is an enduring classic because Lips and Robb are such loveable, sympathetic characters. Lips' heartfelt, inspirational speeches are unforgettable. Regardless of whether you are a metalhead or a metal-agnostic, you can't help but root for these guys. m/ Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts   Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt  

This episode is a recording of the first-ever live Rock Docs podcast, recorded at the home of Michael and Kristy Rennie along with friends and fans of the podcast. Along with King Crimson superfan Roger Morrison, we watched the 2022 documentary "In the Court of the Crimson King: King Crimson at 50", directed by Toby Amies. What you'll hear in this episode is the conversation following the screening. The movie is an exploration of the legendary prog rock band King Crimson, overseen by Robert Fripp, the band's leader and only consistent member. We see the band as they prepare for and go on a 50th anniversary tour, along with interviews with current and past members. The movie is as eccentric as the band itself, and is also surprisingly warm and funny. Featuring memorable moments from fans (including a nun) and the band's grizzled roadies. Thanks again to Michael and Kristy for co-hosting the event, to Michael for stepping into Andy's shoes as the episode's co-host, and to Roger for his KC insights. Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts   Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt  

Today's episode is about "Dixie Chicks: Shut Up and Sing", a 2006 doc about the (formerly Dixie) Chicks and the fallout from Natalie Maines' famous 2003 comment, "We do not want this war, this violence. We're ashamed the president of the United States is from Texas". The film was directed by Barbara Kopple and Cecilia Peck. Our guest for this episode is the music writer and podcast producer Dylan Tupper Rupert. We follow the band as they deal with the immediate repercussions of the statement and get a view of the social and political climate in the U.S. during the early days of the Iraq War. The movie takes us back and forth between 2003 and the band's 2005-6 recording of their next album, Taking the Long Way, and subsequent tour. The movie presents the Chicks as a trio with an unbreakable bond facing the first real challenge to their spectacular career. While the focus is on "the comment" and what follows, the movie also gives us an opportunity to appreciate the Chicks' incredible catalog of hits and undeniable musicianship. Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts   Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt  

Today's episode is about "The Devil and Daniel Johnston", a 2005 doc about the musician, outsider artist, and revered cult figure Daniel Johnston, directed by Jeff Feuerzeig. The movie was selected by our guest Noah Bond, who plays drums with many excellent bands including Cut Worms, Bonnie Doon, Sylvie, and Anna St. Louis. Daniel Johnston was an illustrator, filmmaker, and a musician who wrote and recorded countless beautiful songs, most of which were captured on a home cassette deck accompanied only by his rudimentary piano and guitar. Daniel was a troubled soul. He suffered from bipolar disorder and was hospitalized multiple times. The film focuses on his upbringing, featuring deeply revealing interviews with his family, as well as the outpouring of art that followed his brief college friendship with fellow artist Laurie Allen, who unknowingly became Daniel's muse. Eventually Daniel found a measure of fame for his music and art thanks to the attention he received from supporters such as Kurt Cobain.  Daniel's life wasn't easy on him or the people around him. The film is a remarkable tribute to him and an enormous accomplishment. Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts   Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt  

Today's episode is about "Poly Styrene: I Am A Cliche", a 2021 doc about the British punk legend and X-Ray Spex leader, directed by Celeste Bell and Paul Sng. The movie was selected by our guests, Sweeping Promises. Check out their outstanding new album Good Living Is Coming for You. Poly Styrene, born Marianne Joan Elliott-Said, was the child of a Scottish-Irish mother and a Somali father. Celeste Bell, her daughter, narrates and appears in the film in addition to being its co-director. It's a very personal examination of Poly's life and career as Celeste deals with the aftermath of Poly's 2011 death from cancer. We learn about Poly's challenging youth as a mixed-race child in postwar Britain, her explosion as a teenage icon in the early British punk scene, and the mental health issues that arose as she encountered New York for the first time. If you're looking for a movie where John Lydon and Sid Vicious come off as good guys, this is not the film for you. Poly went through several hospitalizations, became a Hare Krishna, lost custody of and later reunited with Celeste, and continued to pursue her artistic ambitions through it all. It's a beautiful movie and it will hopefully continue to bring more attention to Poly Styrene's life and work. Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts   Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt  

Today's episode is about "Grace Jones: Bloodlight and Bami", a doc about legendary Jamaican singer and style icon Grace Jones, directed by Sophie Fiennes. The movie was selected by our guest, Kyp Malone, who you probably know from the seminal 2000's Brooklyn indie-rock band TV on the Radio. Bloodlight and Bami and is a verite portrait of Grace Jones' life, over the course of a few years in the 2010s. If you're looking for a Wikipedia-style run through Grace Jones' career and the backstory of how she got there, this ain't it. You are just right there with her, living her life. Fortunately, she is a compelling enough figure to carry a movie without a lot of hand-holding by the filmmakers. The movie features many stunning performances (what a voice! she's still got it!), a trip back to Jamaica to reunite with family, scenes of Grace dealing with record companies and TV producers and chewing out Sly & Robbie, and some genuinely touching moments. Kyp absolutely brought the goods and we were honored and thrilled to have him on. Check out his solo stuff & go see him when he comes to your town. Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts   Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt  

Today's episode is about "The Elephant 6 Recording Co." (C.B. Stockfleth, 2023), about the titular record label's roster of wild outsider indie artists such as Neutral Milk Hotel, the Olivia Tremor Control, the Apples In Stereo, Elf Power, the Music Tapes, the Minders, the Gerbils, of Montreal, Beulah, Dressy Bessy, Great Lakes & more. Our Very Special Guest is the legendary Lance Bangs, whose credits are too long to list here, but he's worked with most of your favorite musical artists and all of your favorite Jackasses. The movie is a true audiovisual treat, and Lance was there at the time with these musicians (he was roommates with Jeff Mangum of Neutral Milk Hotel) and provided much of the film and still photography seen in the movie. So he's the perfect person to shed light on the 90's underground music and art scene in Athens, GA and the making of the movie itself. Plus we discuss the origin of Jackass, his films about Pavement and Slint, and the long and tantalizing list of musicians who Lance has filmed over the years for documentaries we hope to see one day.  The Elephant 6 Recording Co. is in US theaters August 25th, 2023 and on VOD September 1 (Amazon & Apple TV) from Greenwich Entertainment. In Canadian Theaters August 25th and VOD September 26th from levelFILM. Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts   Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt

Today's episode is about "WHAM!" (Chris Smith, 2023), a hot new Netflix doc about the massively successful George Michael/Andrew Ridgeley collab. Our Very Special Guest is Candice Renee from Treble Media! Our podcast is brought to you by Treble Media. And Candice was our guest way back in 2021 for our episode about the documentary "Hype!"! She only talks about rock docs with exclamation points! WHAM! is actually a very sweet movie about two best friends who supported each other through an unbelievable journey. The movie features the voices of both Andrew Ridgeley and the late George Michael sharing their stories of how they met as kids, how George was influenced by Andrew, and Andrew's perspective on watching his childhood friend eclipse him in artistic ambition and commercial appeal. And of course the movie has loads of great music and extremely entertaining fashion and hair choices. Plus: was George Michael the Steely Dan of 80's pop?  Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts   Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt  

Today's episode is about "Grateful Dawg" (Gillian Grisman, 2000), which chronicles the friendship and artistic collaboration between Jerry Garcia and David Grisman. Our Very Special Guest is Brian Weinsten of the podcast Attendance Bias. Brian was nice enough to have us on his show and we're returning the favor. Grateful Dawg is very much a family affair - the director's father is David Grisman, other family members appear in the show, and it features cinematography by Justin Kreutzmann, son of Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann. Garcia and Grisman connected in the 60's around the time the Dead was starting to take off. They had a bluegrass band together, Old and In the Way. After that band fell apart, they lost touch for years. The film goes through that history but focuses primarily on the period of time between their reconnection in the late 80s and Garcia's death in 1995. During that time, playing music with Grisman and spending time with Grisman's family and fellow musicians was a respite from the strain of being "Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead". The film captures revealing moments of Jerry away from the spotlight and (as we explain) contains several musical performances presented in full, along with the absolutely hilarious 1991 music video for Garcia/Grisman's cover of the blues classic "The Thrill Is Gone". It's a great hang. Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts   Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt  

Today's episode is about "Harvest Time" (Neil Young, 2022), which consists of footage shot by Neil and his crew between January and September 1971 during the creation of his acclaimed and beloved album "Harvest".   Our Very Special Guest is Tyler Wilcox, who plays in the band Prairiewolf (check out their self-titled album out now!), curates the excellent Doom & Gloom From the Tomb site (a selection of rad bootlegs + other music), and writes for Aquarium Drunkard, among other accomplishments. Tyler is a real deal Neil head. Harvest Time is, if we're not screwing this up, the first documentary we've reviewed that was directed by the artist in question. It's totally verite style - there's no latter-day commentary. Everything you see and hear was created in 1971. We follow Neil as he jams on the Harvest tunes at the Broken Arrow Ranch with his recently-assembled band the Stray Gators, in the studio as he records harmonies with Crosby, Stills, and Nash (in various combinations), as he tries to get the London Symphony Orchestra to get into his groove, and as he stumbles into a Nashville radio station to discuss the then-upcoming album (and the film itself). Harvest Time is a portrait of a pivotal time in the career of one of the most legendary musicians in rock history. If you abandon the idea of a conventional narrative and just hang back and enjoy the music and the vibes, it's really something. Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts   Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt  

Today's episode is about "Gimme Danger" (Jim Jarmusch, 2016), which is about Iggy & the Stooges. It's a rags-to-more rags story. We are all at least halfway to Jarmusch-heads. And of course we all love Iggy & the Stooges. If you care about punk rock, or any kind of rock, or music, or just watching Iggy, an extremly articulate and thoughtful person, discussing the fascinating events of his life while surrounded by his laundry, this is the movie for you. Plus: Iggy roasts "Marrakesh Express"! Ron Asheton's phone call with Moe Howard! Mike Watt! And were the Stooges the second-ever jam band?   Our Very Special Guest is Dan Koch of the podcast Pretty Good Vibrations. Pretty Good Vibrations analyzes and celebrates pop and rock music and its crucial role throughout our lives. We super highly recommend PGV. Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts   Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt

Today's episode is about "20,000 Days on Earth" (Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard, 2014), which is about Nick Cave.   Is this even a documentary at all? It's sort of a semi-fictionalized day in the life in which we follow Nick as he records some music, performs live, visits his therapist, hangs out with friends including Warren Ellis, Kylie Minogue, and Ray Winstone, among others, delivers some monologues, and generally looks and acts super cool, depending on your tolerance for Nick Cave doing those kinds of things.   Our Very Special Guest is Brighton's own Adam Scott Glasspool of the "What Is Music?" podcast about Radiohead (among other artists), and a fine musician in his own right.   Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts   Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt  

Today's special Father's Day episode is about "The Muppets Mayhem", a Disney TV series about Dr. Teeth and Electric Mayhem.   Our Very Special Guests are our kids, Callum Keatts (age 5) and Miles Lizerbram (age 6). Please...enjoy?...this Father's Day treat. We'll be back to our regularly scheduled serious grownup stuff in a few days. Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts   Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt

Today's episode is about "Classic Albums: Steely Dan: Aja" (Alan Lewens, 1999).   Part of the "Classic Albums" series, this film explores Steely Dan's best-known and best-selling album. Our Very Special Guests are Alex Pappademas and Joan LeMay, the author and illustrator of "Quantum Criminals: Ramblers, Wild Gamblers, and Other Sole Survivors from the Songs of Steely Dan" - buy it! It's great! Topics discussed include The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe, PTSD (Post-Traumatic Steely Dan), Donald Fagen's horrible pencil moustache, Donald and Walt's evident glee at owning all of the publishing for the Lord Tariq and Peter Gunz hip-hop classic "Deja Vu (Uptown Baby)", the greatness of Bernard "Pretty" Purdie, and so much more. Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts   Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt

This is a rerun of our 2021 episode about the Tina Turner documentary. RIP Tina, we love you. Today's documentary is TINA, released on HBO Max in 2021, directed by Daniel Lindsay & T. J. Martin. An examination of Tina Turner's life story, including her troubled childhood, her more than troubled marriage to Ike Turner, and her 80's pop triumph. Plus: covers that are better than the originals, soul singers covering the Beatles, and more. Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts   Twitter: @RockDocsPod   Instagram: @RockDocsPod   Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt  

Today's episode is about "I Am Trying to Break Your Heart: A Film About Wilco" (Sam Jones, 2002). Widely considered one of the all-time greatest music documentaries, the film follows the band through the making of their breakthrough album "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot", the unstable relationship between lead singer/songwriter Jeff Tweedy and multi-instrumentalist Jay Bennett, and the legendary tale of the album being rejected by their record label only to be issued by another label under the same corporate umbrella. Check out our interview with the director of this film, Sam Jones, elsewhere in the podcast feed. Great guy, great conversation. Our Very Special Guest is Hannah Seidlitz of The New Yorker. Rock Docs is a Treble Media Podcast hosted by David Lizerbram & Andrew Keatts Twitter: @RockDocsPod Instagram: @RockDocsPod Cover Art by N.C. Winters - check him out on Instagram at @NCWintersArt