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Reviews
The Byrd Who Flew Alone: The Triumphs and Tragedy of Gene Clark (2013)
Like a theatrical partner to John Einarson's biography
If anyone has read Einarson's biography of Gene Clark, Mr. Tambourine Man, this movie will tell a familiar tail but what is wonderful is hearing those stories from the musicians and friends that were there when it all went down. David Crosby, who is not known for humility, seems in awe of Clark at times and The Byrds in their original lineup. McGuinn is matter-of-fact but Hillman seems like the warmest of the bunch, the only Byrd who also smiles and laughs in his segments. This also reminded me of Be Here to Love Me, the wonderful film about Townes Van Zandt, in that is does not deify its subject but rather portrays them for the talented but trouble person that they are; the talent is celebrated but you feel the pain that they caused their family, friends and band mates. Enough detail for the casual Clark or Byrds fan, but an abundance of clips and audio to satisfy the die-hards. Well done indeed.
CBGB (2013)
This film is crap!
The casting is laughable, hello Ashley Greene, and the character introductions are so unsubtle you could only assume that the producers had no faith that the audience would recognize little known rock stars like Lou Reed and the Ramones. It's hard to type sarcastically but I hope you get my drift. It's like, "Oh hello Debbie Harry, lead singer of Blondie, how's it going." That's not an actual line but not far off. Like Hilly's story, the film's heart is in the right place but alway falls short went it comes to the payoff. I'm bummed I spent $3.99 to rent this on iTunes, save yourself that money and go buy a Big Mac, it's much more worth it.