Spinal Tap should have been number 11, ( we would all have known what you had done... ). Been watching you for a while now, this is probably your best yet. Don't agree with some choices and hoped for some others included, but I learned so much and smiled a lot. What it's about really. Nice one Andy.
24 Hour Party People turned out to be a genuinely good and humourous film about Tony Wilson and Factory records. Worth it for the Coogan and Peter Kay scenes alone
I watched Round Midnight on a rainy saturday afternoon at a small college cinema the day after it wss released. Its the only movie ove ever watched publicly, where not one person made a sound until the screen went white. And then, one by one, every person in that theatre stood up and gave it s standing ovation. It IS my absolute favorite movie of all time. I was waiting to see if it made your list. And Andy, you didnt even touch on many of the nuances . Did you know, that none of the Jazz Actors took money for the roles. That Martin Scorese volunteered to play the agent? Truly a work of Love. I have a copy, its my fourth . I dont want to open it, because i gave the previous three as gifts. Thank you, thank you. To all your subscibers, go watch Round Midnight.
@@matthewspring2496 And that had an element of what Andy was talking about regarding improvised dialogue. Most of Neil Innes's lines were devised by the man himself. He deserves an Oscar if only for "I'd like to own a squadron of tanks!"
Spinal Tap has to be number one! So quotable, and there's so much to enjoy when rewatching. Enjoying this list immensely! Thanks for this entertaining video.
'almost famous' from 2000 is very good and a true story of a kid writing a piece for rolling stone as he follows a band on tour in the 70's.... 91% on rotten tomatoes
An alternative list of other great movies about music: - Almost Famous - Once - Rudderless - The Faboulous Baker Boys - The Commitments - Searching for Sugar Man - Sing Street
To anyone I've discussed about it and they've seen it, the GOAT Rock comedy is Bad News Tour with the sequel More Bad News. They also played as an actual band and had cameos from the biggest rockers in the 80's including Lemmy and Ozzy. It was shown on telly some months before Spinal Tap was released. The biggest difference is Bad News was more type genX and 80's and a TV film production, while Spinal Tap built upon 70's in a more straight forward way, and Bad News has more clever dialogue. All the Comic Strip comedians involved are legendary in their own right.
I saw them at the Marquee. Jeff Beck and Brian may came on for the encore. Rick Mayall looked at Jeff Beck and asked him who the feck he was. It was fab.
Fantastic video, Andy. I was waiting for Purple Rain, which is a modern-day Amadeus competition. As others mention, Almost Famous is also fantastic. Kudos for mentioning LaLa Land, even though it didn't end up on the list.
I was hired for three days as an extra in the concert scenes in Blues Brothers. I witnessed an 88-year-old Cab Calloway performing Minnie the Moocher. Tha Stax Band rocked the Hollywood Palladium - Steve Cropper, Donald Duck Dunn and the rest. Of course the Bros. John Landis, megaphone in hand, berated the extras over b.s. He fired me on my third day. 1980.
I would add a few: 1. Quadrophenia - one of my absolute favorites (although technically maybe not "about" music) 2. Song of Summer - a wonderful and emotional movie 3. Control - great drama about the life of Ian Curtis 4. Almost Famous - Kate Hudson is just pnhenomenal 5. High Fidelity - a bit cheesy, but still a great flick I'm just glad, that Whiplash is not on this list! ;)
I thought of High Fidelity as well. But between that and School of Rock, the correct Jack Black film was included (we don't need to talk about Pick of Destiny, do we?)
He forgot this real classic great gritty and if rumours were true this movie cost Slade as the music industry didn't like what it showed brilliant film well loved by Mark Kermode no less.Andy give us a full review of how u feel about it please
I love the TBTD/Stardust movies, I just wish the actual musical scenes/gigs weren't so terrible, the 'Stardust' track at the end of the movie is proper underrated imo, Essex's scream crossfading into the guitar solo left a mark on me and the orchestral swells in the outro are epic
@@oldskoolfool141first single I ever bought, Stardust by David Essex, as a greasy biker from the 70's I should be ashamed to admit that, but I'm not, it's a great record and so is the film, very much of its time
Some of my faves: Crossroads (the blues one 1984) Once Get On Up The Doors (even if the music isn't your thing capturing the feeling of being live on stage is the best I've ever seen) Straight Outta Compton La La Land (don't care, I liked it!) Great Balls of Fire Singles 24 Hour Party People Streets of Fire
'Round Midnight is a beautiful movie, with a fantastic soundtrack. Dexter Gordon, Herbie Hancock, John McLaughlin, Palle Mikkelborg, Nils-Henning Orsted Pedersen, Ron Carter, Freddie Hubbard, Tony Williams, Wayne Shorter, Billie Higgins, Pierre Michelot, Cedar Walton... So many fine musicians.
I thought I would add my two nickels (inflation ya know). Here are seven movies I enjoy: The Glenn Miller Story (1954) directed by Anthony Mann, starring James Stewart. The Benny Goodman Story (1956) written and directed by Valentine Davies, starring Steve Allen. The Joker Is Wild (1957) directed by Charles Vidor, starring Frank Sinatra. (Song: “All The Way”) * Phantom of the Paradise (1974) written and directed by Brian De Palma. Scored by and starring Paul Williams. Eddie and the Cruisers (1983) directed by Martin Davidson. Screenplay by Martin Davidson and Arlene Davidson, based on the novel by P. F. Kluge. (Songs: “On The Darkside” and “Tender Years”) Soundtrack by John Cafferty & the Beaver Brown Band. Immortal Beloved (1994) written and directed by Bernard Rose, starring Gary Oldman. * Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny (2006) directed and co-written by Liam Lynch. Written, produced by and starring Tenacious D members Jack Black and Kyle Gass. * These belong high (low?) on the list of TWELVE Greatest Films about MUSIC | RANKED IMHO
A fine list. "Amadeus" was a great film indeed, although Pushkin's story was completely libelous against Salieri. All the historical evidence strongly suggests that he admired Mozart and helped him a lot during his life (and helped Constanze and his kids after his death). One of my favorite details about "This Is Spinal Tap" was the fact that their keyboard player was played by Dave Kaffinetti, organist for British proggers "Rare Bird."
Good choice for best music film :D By the way: Dexter Gordon lived in Denmark in the period 1962-1976. So did a lot of other black jazz musicians like Duke Jordan, Ed Thigpen, Thad Jones, Kenny Drew, Horace Parlan, Richard Boone, Ben Webster among others. I would recommend two Swedish films (the last one with a Danish director): 1. Sven Klang's Combo (Swedish: Sven Klangs kvintett) is a 1976 Swedish musical drama film directed by Stellan Olsson. The film was based on a 1974 play by Musikteatergruppen Oktober. At the 13th Guldbagge Awards it won the Special Achievement award. In 2012 it was voted one of the 25 best Swedish films of all time. As no. 2 the film Monica Z from 2013, directed by Per Fly with a script by Peter Birro. The film is a dramatization of a large part of the singer Monica Zetterlund's life and career with ups and downs - and Monica Z, as you know, recorded with Bill Evans :D Greetings from Denmark.
Here's 5 and I'm placing a TV show number 1 because I like it so much. 1. Daisy Jones (TV Series) 2. High Fidelity 3. Whiplash 4. Almost Famous 5. Once
He mentioned John Lewis of The Modern Jazz Quartet. He became a professor at City College Of New York (CCNY). I had him for a jazz listening class and he played the most incredible collection of jazz music. He knew these people and it was great the way he spoke about them, the good and the bad. He only played one rock song. It was Taxman. He said The Beatles were "a great jazz band" in that they had swing, creativity and surprise. They never sped something up to create excitement. It was embedded in their music.
Enjoyed the video. One of my top 10 movies of this century is "Almost Famous". A great coming of age story with a geat heart. Well acted, and nails 1970's america.
So happy you included Amadeus and Soul. Surprised you didn't mention Chico and Rita, an animation set in the late 40s early 50s world of Cuban and New York jazz. Dizzy Gillespie, Theloneus Monk and a host of others feature. If you haven't seen it Andy, I recommend it.
Regarding Amadeus, I just want to say that anyone new to the film should watch the original (theatrical) version if possible. The "director's cut" was, like all such things, a studio cash-grab that made the actual film sloppier and less interesting.
So glad you mentioned "Bird". Forest Whitaker puts forth an absolute brilliant, genius-level performance in this film. An amazing, amazing film. I'm going to have to see if they have made a 4K DVD transfer of this film and put it on my "must get" list for sure.
An underrated choice - "Sing Street." I agree with others who have said "Almost Famous" and "The Commitments." I think I've seen all of those except for "Round Midnight" and "Stardust." I'd really like to watch "That'll Be The Day" and "Stardust," but I've never really seen them available anywhere here in the States. A Mighty Wind is one of the greatest movies ever. I absolutely love the soundtrack as well, which has the Folksmen's fabulous take on the Rolling Stones' "Start Me Up." A quick anecdote: my uncle was a great friend of John Stewart's, a fabulous songwriter who played with the Kingston Trio, who wrote "Daydream Believer" and who had an interesting under-the-radar career. The Folksmen are clearly an homage to the Trio. When the music momentarily stops and Christopher Guest sing's "welll" during the song "Old Joe's Place," John Stewart said, "Hey, he's doing me!"
Thank you for the suggestions; you really make them interesting to explore. An intriguing video to continue with the topic soon. If I were to suggest a favorite movie, a recent one that moved me is Inside Llewyn Davis.
Honorable mention to That Thing You Do about a US rock band in the 60's. Director/actor Tom Hanks captured the feel of the era. Second honorable mention to a long forgotten Woody Allen film called Sweet and Lowdown starring Sean Penn as the worlds second best guitarist in the early jazz era.
That thing you do is pretty perfect from one end to the other. It really captures all that era in a perfect movie. Sweet low-down,is good. Check out Legend of 1900.
Thanks for mentioning "Soul". I like that film and will watch it again as soon as possible. "Diva" is a beautiful French film from 1981. Music is an important part of the plot, which revolves around an American soprano and a young French fan of hers.
Great list; I’ll have to check out some of the films I’m unfamiliar with. A bit surprised to not see mentioned (or mentioned yet in the comments): Robert Altman’s Nashville (1975). One of the best films ever. And also a film that was much improvised, with the actors writing and performing the music in the film. Another one of my favorites, but a bit obscure (although I think it might have been referenced in The Simpsons): 33 Short Films About Glen Gould.
Michael Apted also directed “Coal Miner’s Daughter” which set the template for modern biopics about living musicians. I love the Coen’s “Inside Llewelyn Davis” their story of the NY folk scene pre-Dylan.
I love all the films on the list, and a bunch more: "Fear of a Black Hat" precedes CB4 by a few months, but is in a similar vein - a comedy about Rap, and the music of the '80s. "The Fabulous Baker Brothers" is about the tension between schmaltz and art in Jazz music, and the failures of illusions in music, and brotherly love. "Diva" (1982) is a French fantasy film about mystique, intrigue, illusion, and authenticity in love and Classical Opera. "Anvil! The Story of Anvil" is a bizarre film that was shot and edited as if it were a mockumentary like Spinal Tap, but is actually a Rockumentary of a real Canadian Heavy Metal band.
Lovely video Andy. If you decide to do one about TV series about music, you should talk about Treme, a series about musicians and others in New Orleans in the wake of Katrina. Many appearances by actual musicians playing themselves.
One of my favourites, sometimes hard to find to see, is The Legend of 1900, where Tim Roth plays a person who was born, abandoned on an Ocean liner, adopted by the crew, and never leaves. He teaches himself piano. It is magical, and wonderful. I've seen it twice and would watch again, with music by Ennio Morricone. If you love music, it's really a wonderful tribute to that love.
interesting set of choices there Andy .... a few more to consider in the top 10 and a couple of period pieces with resounding staying power and def in my top 5 : Top 5 : Tommy, Rocky Horror Picture Show ... no doubt 2 of the most influential period pieces reflecting 60's-70's culture irrespective of one's own political philosophy. (" we must protect society from this"). Another in my top 5 is Whiplash ... highly debated amongst percussionists after it's release but it's there just because the arrangement of 'Caravan' is that freaking good. Top 10 ... Hard Days Night .. for the sheer novelty and introduction of transition of musical theatre into mainstream rock culture, The Blue's Brothers for it's cursory introduction to the field of rythym and blues and the The Committents ... awseome soundtrack and for the same reasons. But def agree with the selection of Bird for it's historical accuracy and remarkable depiction by Forrest Whitaker of Parker
Excellent Andy. Enjoyed it a lot, esp the comments on the BB, Bird and Round Midnight - my only issue - NO Slade in Flame. Surely that could be an hour's worth of material for you right there!!! Brilliantly done and went totally against the anticipated 'monkeying' about (see what I did there?) and into something funny but dark and ultimately quite depressing.
Love this selection Andy! Several I haven't seen that are now in the queue... "Rock Star" (with Mark W.) would be great honorable mention, Trevor R of course did that soundtrack. "Yesterday" would be another that I enjoyed recent You got fictional, biopics, concert films, documentaries if you wanted to break down film into several categories. Should also say you could totally clean up with a side gig as a film critic, sirt. These reviews were most excellent!
Nashville 1975, A film about the paralells between politics and the music business, where all the actors improvise as they always do in Robert Altman films. Woodstock 1970, Monterey Pop 1968, Tommy i1975 a psychedelic musical fantasy by Ken Russell. 200 Motels 1971, surrealist musical film by Frank Zappa (with Keith Moon and the LSO) was a forerunner to Spiinal Tap and is distinguished for being the first feature film to have been shot entirely on video tape, a must see for the Zappa fan. Summer of Soul 2021. Also, imho, Amadaeus should be #1 on any list of films about music. Love your channel Andy,
A film I love is Swing Girls, a light-hearted japanese comedy about a group of delinquent girls who get caught up in a high school jazz band. It perfectly captures the enthusiasm and joy of discovering music and performance as an adolescent/young adult, a sort of anti-Whiplash. It's on YT and I would heartily recommend it.
Love your channel, Andy, particularly your “top” and “worst” lists. I always learn something and gain perspective. I was so happy to see “Mighty Wind” there on your list. Absolutely brilliant storyline, acting and playing there. Same with “Spinal Tap” I can’t help seeing and hearing stylistic similarities to Monty Python. Curious to hear your take on “A Complete Unknown.” It takes some storyline liberties but the actual playing and singing of all the music is remarkable. It’s Dylan approved as well. I don’t see it as lasting or influential like the ones on your list but might be worthy of a reaction video??
Glad to see school of rock on here. My kids love the movie and in introduced them to the world of rock. Jack Black plays the role with pure conviction and the kids are all wonderful. They have done a few reunions and it is interesting to see the kids now as adults. It is a movie about the pure joy of rock music. Good pick!
I'm so glad you mentioned That'll be the day/Stardust and agree they should put those movies together and re-release it in some way. Nobody seem's to talk about them anymore. I vaguely remember the scene where Essex is telling Moon about some songs he's written and Moon answers,''Don't you 'ave to be American to write songs?'',or something like that.
The greatest, and certainly the most realistic, movie about the music business is a little indie film called "THE GIG." If you're a musician, it's a must-see.
Really dig your work Andy, I don't know why but I'm always happy when a musician discusses this topic as I've found it really bloody interesting over the years what music themed films resonate , such a diverse genre that doesn't get enough light, some films I've loved that I don't see getting a mention often are " Bound for Glory" (1976)," Tender Mercies"(1983), "Once"(2007),not a Woosy Allen fan but : Sweet & Lowdown" (1997) was pretty cool, my personal favourite hip hop themed flick Rusty Cundiefs "Fear of a Black Hat: (1993), that movie is a riot! GREAT List though, always relieved to see a fellow muso appreciate "This Is Spinal Tap" forever No. 1! Cheers from Australia
Andy- very good video. I haven't seen all these movies but I would certainly agree about the ones I have seen as being great films: "This is Spinal Tap", "Amadeus" . "A Mighty Wind", "Bird", "Round Midnight" and "Blues Brothers". I watched this yesterday and when you were talking about "Bird" and you mentioned the fact that so few people are still alive that saw Charlie Parker. I naturally thought of the drummer Roy Haynes (aka "Snap Crackle") who sometimes played with Bird. Thus I literally was just wondering yesterday whether the great Roy Haynes was still with us. He was indeed still with us yesterday but now I find out that today he's gone. Ninety nine years old! What a career he had, what an imaginative drummer, and apparently, from what I've heard, what a great person he was. Think about all the musical associations he had over the years with Lester Young, Charlie Parker, Sarah Vaughn, Sonny Rollins, Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell, Roland Kirk, Stan Getz, John Coltrane, Oliver Nelson, Eric Dolphy, Chick Corea, Gary Burton and so many more. RIP Mr. Snap Crackle!
Great list as usual not enough movies about about the unlucky failures in music Inside Llewelyn Davis .The sound of metal does Death in Venice qualify .I love this channel .Thank you Mr.Edwards
Loved every second of this video Andy so thank you for making this. I'm a huge film lover and when I saw you had done a video on film I couldn't wait to watch it and see if your film knowledge was as good as your music knowledge and you did not disappoint. Was trying to think of great films about music while watching and suddenly thought omg does he know round midnight its got lots of people old andy loves it in and was great to hear you talk about it. It truly is a special film about jazz and music and the unappreciated artist. Maybe a controversial opinion here but I think film is just a great an art form as music and infact can explore ideas and convey emotion and look at the human condition in much different and deeper ways than music can. Watching a fascinating or crazy or brilliant work of art in film that deeply move you or leave you thinking deeply about things is a really great and unique experience that only a truly great film can do and I for one would love to hear more on your thoughts on these kinds of things, or just whatever film related subjects you find intrresting. Directors you like etc. Anyway great video
Great picks, Andy. Just a few more that I don't see mentioned in the comments: Say Amen, Somebody; Eddie and the Cruisers; The Buddy Holly Story; and The Magnificent Rebel.
Watched the ”Blues Brothers” with my kids, nieces and nephews last Thanksgiving. As I pointed out who the guest performers are, they couldn’t believe it. A room of 4 families, 3 generations, transfixed by the over the top hilarity and musical talent. A great movie. That said, I saw the play “Amadeus” when I was in college. The minimalist production and acting blew my mind and made me love the theater. If it comes around near you, wherever you are, try to see it.
Oh...A Mighty Wind!!! I LOVE that film!!!! Soooo funny!!! Just brilliant!!!! And Bird is difficult to watch but a loving portrait by jazz fan Clint....
1. A Hard Days Night 2. Renaldo and Clara 3. The Blues Brothers 4. O Brother Where Art Thou 5. Don't Look Back 6. I'm Not There 7. Elvis 8. Control 9. Quadrophenia 10, Love and Mercy
@@johnnyrocker7495 Hard Days Night revolutionised the music movie. It is generally acclaimed as one of the berst British movies of the 1960s. The script is superb in that it picks up The Beatles' natural wit brilliantly.
Oooh, 'Round Midnight. I saw it when it first came out and have seen it quite a few times since. Such a beautiful film, and what a performance Dexter Gordon gives.
Great List. This is my alternate top 5: 1. Stormy Weather (Influenced Joe Zawinul) 2. Elvis 2022 3. Crossroads (1986, based on the blues) 4. Ray 2004 5. The Sound of Music
Great list! Round Midnight is one of my favourites too. I was expecting The Red Shoes or The Tales of Hoffman as, if I remember correctly, you're a Powell/Pressburger fan - but I suppose the former is more about dance. Still, captures a lot of the same vibe!
great list man! two movies i love that you didnt mention are "Scott Pilgrim vs the World" a punkish love story/action movie framed by a battle of the bands with lots of great garage music, and "Sing Street" about some young British kids in the 80s that form a band. check them out if you havent seen them, usually movies about young people make me feel old, but these make me feel young
Breaking Glass really captures early 80s Britain, and how musical cycles work. The old rock music had grown corporate and bloated and then this new sound arises with excitement and energy, only for it, too, to be consumed by the corporate machine and the creativity of the artist completely cannibalized.
I didn't get to see Spinal Tap play a heavy metal concert, but I did attend Spinal Tap & A Mighty Wind (The Folksmen)'s Unwigged & Unplugged Tour, which was a combination of heavy metal and folk music played on acoustic guitars and basses. Spinal Tap's Big Bottom played on three acoustic basses was a trip! I think the most popular item at the merch stand had to be the green skeleton T-shirt worn by Nigel Tufnel in This Is Spinal Tap. However, although I'm not musician, the "gotta have it!" shirt for me was a tour shirt featuring...an acoustic Flying V guitar. To this day musicians -- particularly guitarists -- come up to me laughing, assuming I must play guitar. Nope, but when I saw that shirt for sale, I instantly got the in-joke.
High Fidelity, Cradle Will Rock, Hamlet 2, Once, Sing Street, 24 Hour Party People, That Thing You Do, Almost Famous, Waiting for Guffman, Dig, Last Waltz, Walk Hard, Fame (the original), Saving Silverman, The Commitments.I liked most of your list too.
No. 1 ranking, spot on! Great information in the comments too. A few movies I might include for another song list about soundtracks ... 1 - "Black Orpheus" (Orfeu Negro, 1959) introduced bossa nova to the world outside of Brazil 2 - "Brother, Wherefore Art Thou" ... the soundtrack was more successful than the movie 3 - "Blade Runner" (Vangelis), and possibly "The Fifth Element" 4 - "Queen of the Damned" ... don't know if this is "Death Metal" or some other genre, but brilliant Another list of documentaries would include: 1 - Pierre Barouh's "Saravah" (1969) 2 - Chick Corea's History of Jazz Piano 3 - Ken Burns History of Jazz. And we need yet another remake of Josephine Baker. Never enough Josephine Baker. Really enjoyed this particular podcast. Cheers from Japan!
Spinal Tap should have been number 11, ( we would all have known what you had done... ). Been watching you for a while now, this is probably your best yet. Don't agree with some choices and hoped for some others included, but I learned so much and smiled a lot. What it's about really. Nice one Andy.
Brilliant
@@fathergoose5859 someone had to say it, cheers fellow druid............
24 Hour Party People turned out to be a genuinely good and humourous film about Tony Wilson and Factory records. Worth it for the Coogan and Peter Kay scenes alone
I watched Round Midnight on a rainy saturday afternoon at a small college cinema the day after it wss released.
Its the only movie ove ever watched publicly, where not one person made a sound until the screen went white.
And then, one by one, every person in that theatre stood up and gave it s standing ovation.
It IS my absolute favorite movie of all time.
I was waiting to see if it made your list.
And Andy, you didnt even touch on many of the nuances .
Did you know, that none of the Jazz Actors took money for the roles.
That Martin Scorese volunteered to play the agent?
Truly a work of Love.
I have a copy, its my fourth .
I dont want to open it, because i gave the previous three as gifts.
Thank you, thank you.
To all your subscibers, go watch Round Midnight.
The Rutles was the first mockumentary :)
I think it was. I remember my brother-in -law being outraged by it. "They shouldn't be allowed to do that," he said.
@@matthewspring2496 And that had an element of what Andy was talking about regarding improvised dialogue. Most of Neil Innes's lines were devised by the man himself. He deserves an Oscar if only for "I'd like to own a squadron of tanks!"
The Rutles is pure class. I think it's being re-released.
“The press grabbed the wrong end of the stick, and proceeded to beat about the bush with it”
🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻
Spinal Tap has to be number one! So quotable, and there's so much to enjoy when rewatching. Enjoying this list immensely! Thanks for this entertaining video.
I believe that the MIGHTY QUO had MARSHAL build them AMPS THAT GO TO TWELVE after watching SPINAL TAP , WHAT ABSOLUTE LEGENDS.
Almost Famous. A film that reminds you why you fell in love with rock music. Very surprised this was not there.
'almost famous' from 2000 is very good and a true story of a kid writing a piece for rolling stone as he follows a band on tour in the 70's.... 91% on rotten tomatoes
Yes, great semi-autobiographical movie by Cameron Crowe, who actually was Rolling Stone's youngest-ever journalist.
I'd have to put that as my #1. Correction: Once is my number 1. Almost Famous number 2.
An alternative list of other great movies about music:
- Almost Famous
- Once
- Rudderless
- The Faboulous Baker Boys
- The Commitments
- Searching for Sugar Man
- Sing Street
Without looking I advocate for 24 Hour Party People
To anyone I've discussed about it and they've seen it, the GOAT Rock comedy is Bad News Tour with the sequel More Bad News. They also played as an actual band and had cameos from the biggest rockers in the 80's including Lemmy and Ozzy.
It was shown on telly some months before Spinal Tap was released.
The biggest difference is Bad News was more type genX and 80's and a TV film production, while Spinal Tap built upon 70's in a more straight forward way, and Bad News has more clever dialogue.
All the Comic Strip comedians involved are legendary in their own right.
I saw them at the Marquee. Jeff Beck and Brian may came on for the encore. Rick Mayall looked at Jeff Beck and asked him who the feck he was. It was fab.
@rufusreloaded1043 Wow what a memory to have. That's a hilarious story. 👍
walk the line and The Commitments are my favourites
Sing street. A marvelous movie about a irish boy bullied at school that in the '80s forms an electro dark pop group to find his way out.
Great call!
100% should be on the list.
Fantastic video, Andy. I was waiting for Purple Rain, which is a modern-day Amadeus competition. As others mention, Almost Famous is also fantastic. Kudos for mentioning LaLa Land, even though it didn't end up on the list.
I was hired for three days as an extra in the concert scenes in Blues Brothers. I witnessed an 88-year-old Cab Calloway performing Minnie the Moocher. Tha Stax Band rocked the Hollywood Palladium - Steve Cropper, Donald Duck Dunn and the rest. Of course the Bros. John Landis, megaphone in hand, berated the extras over b.s. He fired me on my third day. 1980.
You should be proud to be fired by John Landis! This is a good story.
I would add a few:
1. Quadrophenia - one of my absolute favorites (although technically maybe not "about" music)
2. Song of Summer - a wonderful and emotional movie
3. Control - great drama about the life of Ian Curtis
4. Almost Famous - Kate Hudson is just pnhenomenal
5. High Fidelity - a bit cheesy, but still a great flick
I'm just glad, that Whiplash is not on this list! ;)
Quadrophenia, cheesy and badly dated now.
I thought of High Fidelity as well. But between that and School of Rock, the correct Jack Black film was included (we don't need to talk about Pick of Destiny, do we?)
Control was excellent.
Slade in Flame!
Yes
never saw the movie, but it was a cracker of an album.
He forgot this real classic great gritty and if rumours were true this movie cost Slade as the music industry didn't like what it showed brilliant film well loved by Mark Kermode no less.Andy give us a full review of how u feel about it please
I love your pick Stardust with David Essex, Dave Edmunds & Keith Moon, which is a powerful cautionary tale, yet both entertaining & realistic.
I love the TBTD/Stardust movies, I just wish the actual musical scenes/gigs weren't so terrible, the 'Stardust' track at the end of the movie is proper underrated imo, Essex's scream crossfading into the guitar solo left a mark on me and the orchestral swells in the outro are epic
@@oldskoolfool141first single I ever bought, Stardust by David Essex, as a greasy biker from the 70's I should be ashamed to admit that, but I'm not, it's a great record and so is the film, very much of its time
Some of my faves:
Crossroads (the blues one 1984)
Once
Get On Up
The Doors (even if the music isn't your thing capturing the feeling of being live on stage is the best I've ever seen)
Straight Outta Compton
La La Land (don't care, I liked it!)
Great Balls of Fire
Singles
24 Hour Party People
Streets of Fire
Crossroads was literally Karate Kid with guitars, but good fun all the same.
Streets of Fire is fantastic totally bonkers but brilliant
32 short films about Glenn Gould (1993) was 32 well made short films about a very interesting character (musician)
'Bird' directed by Clint Eastwood.
He did actually include that !
'Round Midnight is a beautiful movie, with a fantastic soundtrack. Dexter Gordon, Herbie Hancock, John McLaughlin, Palle Mikkelborg, Nils-Henning Orsted Pedersen, Ron Carter, Freddie Hubbard, Tony Williams, Wayne Shorter, Billie Higgins, Pierre Michelot, Cedar Walton... So many fine musicians.
I thought I would add my two nickels (inflation ya know). Here are seven movies I enjoy:
The Glenn Miller Story (1954) directed by Anthony Mann, starring James Stewart.
The Benny Goodman Story (1956) written and directed by Valentine Davies, starring Steve Allen.
The Joker Is Wild (1957) directed by Charles Vidor, starring Frank Sinatra. (Song: “All The Way”)
* Phantom of the Paradise (1974) written and directed by Brian De Palma. Scored by and starring Paul Williams.
Eddie and the Cruisers (1983) directed by Martin Davidson. Screenplay by Martin Davidson and Arlene Davidson, based on the novel by P. F. Kluge. (Songs: “On The Darkside” and “Tender Years”) Soundtrack by John Cafferty & the Beaver Brown Band.
Immortal Beloved (1994) written and directed by Bernard Rose, starring Gary Oldman.
* Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny (2006) directed and co-written by Liam Lynch. Written, produced by and starring Tenacious D members Jack Black and Kyle Gass.
* These belong high (low?) on the list of TWELVE Greatest Films about MUSIC | RANKED IMHO
Good list. Reminds me of "The Five Pennies" with Danny Kaye playing Red Nichols.
Great play on financial pun in the name of the band and leader.
Good choices!
A fine list. "Amadeus" was a great film indeed, although Pushkin's story was completely libelous against Salieri. All the historical evidence strongly suggests that he admired Mozart and helped him a lot during his life (and helped Constanze and his kids after his death).
One of my favorite details about "This Is Spinal Tap" was the fact that their keyboard player was played by Dave Kaffinetti, organist for British proggers "Rare Bird."
Good choice for best music film :D By the way: Dexter Gordon lived in Denmark in the period 1962-1976. So did a lot of other black jazz musicians like Duke Jordan, Ed Thigpen, Thad Jones, Kenny Drew, Horace Parlan, Richard Boone, Ben Webster among others.
I would recommend two Swedish films (the last one with a Danish director):
1. Sven Klang's Combo (Swedish: Sven Klangs kvintett) is a 1976 Swedish musical drama film directed by Stellan Olsson. The film was based on a 1974 play by Musikteatergruppen Oktober. At the 13th Guldbagge Awards it won the Special Achievement award. In 2012 it was voted one of the 25 best Swedish films of all time.
As no. 2 the film Monica Z from 2013, directed by Per Fly with a script by Peter Birro. The film is a dramatization of a large part of the singer Monica Zetterlund's life and career with ups and downs - and Monica Z, as you know, recorded with Bill Evans :D Greetings from Denmark.
Here's 5 and I'm placing a TV show number 1 because I like it so much.
1. Daisy Jones (TV Series)
2. High Fidelity
3. Whiplash
4. Almost Famous
5. Once
Hard Core Logo. It’s a Canadian punk rock movie. Can be found on UA-cam
He mentioned John Lewis of The Modern Jazz Quartet. He became a professor at City College Of New York (CCNY). I had him for a jazz listening class and he played the most incredible collection of jazz music. He knew these people and it was great the way he spoke about them, the good and the bad. He only played one rock song. It was Taxman. He said The Beatles were "a great jazz band" in that they had swing, creativity and surprise. They never sped something up to create excitement. It was embedded in their music.
Never knowingly undersold.
Enjoyed the video. One of my top 10 movies of this century is "Almost Famous". A great coming of age story with a geat heart. Well acted, and nails 1970's america.
I loved that film. The family scenes were the best even though they were mostly about his life on the road with a band.
So happy you included Amadeus and Soul. Surprised you didn't mention Chico and Rita, an animation set in the late 40s early 50s world of Cuban and New York jazz. Dizzy Gillespie, Theloneus Monk and a host of others feature. If you haven't seen it Andy, I recommend it.
Regarding Amadeus, I just want to say that anyone new to the film should watch the original (theatrical) version if possible. The "director's cut" was, like all such things, a studio cash-grab that made the actual film sloppier and less interesting.
Was expecting 'The Cotton Club'. The selection is very interesting. Enjoyed the video 😊
So glad you mentioned "Bird". Forest Whitaker puts forth an absolute brilliant, genius-level performance in this film. An amazing, amazing film. I'm going to have to see if they have made a 4K DVD transfer of this film and put it on my "must get" list for sure.
Watching a hard days night as a ten year old at a movie theater and running out singing the songs will always be with me
Yours is my favorite site to visit right now. Happy to have discovered you!! Funny and smart 🙂
Thanks Andy, great work, loved it.
I actually like your serious approach in this video and you can see your passion for the subject. I'll watch a few I haven't seen.
Not really a fillum, but I hope that the Father Ted ‘Eurosong’ episode makes the cut…….
I see you, and I raise you with Pete & Dud's L.S. Bumble Bee
An underrated choice - "Sing Street."
I agree with others who have said "Almost Famous" and "The Commitments."
I think I've seen all of those except for "Round Midnight" and "Stardust." I'd really like to watch "That'll Be The Day" and "Stardust," but I've never really seen them available anywhere here in the States.
A Mighty Wind is one of the greatest movies ever. I absolutely love the soundtrack as well, which has the Folksmen's fabulous take on the Rolling Stones' "Start Me Up."
A quick anecdote: my uncle was a great friend of John Stewart's, a fabulous songwriter who played with the Kingston Trio, who wrote "Daydream Believer" and who had an interesting under-the-radar career. The Folksmen are clearly an homage to the Trio. When the music momentarily stops and Christopher Guest sing's "welll" during the song "Old Joe's Place," John Stewart said, "Hey, he's doing me!"
Amazing how you never run out of music-related things to talk about. The first film that came to mind is Saturday Night Fever.
Amazing movie, the Beegees are under rated
Thank you for the suggestions; you really make them interesting to explore. An intriguing video to continue with the topic soon. If I were to suggest a favorite movie, a recent one that moved me is Inside Llewyn Davis.
Honorable mention to That Thing You Do about a US rock band in the 60's. Director/actor Tom Hanks captured the feel of the era. Second honorable mention to a long forgotten Woody Allen film called Sweet and Lowdown starring Sean Penn as the worlds second best guitarist in the early jazz era.
That thing you do is pretty perfect from one end to the other. It really captures all that era in a perfect movie. Sweet low-down,is good. Check out Legend of 1900.
@@BrandochGarage I remember seeing a trailer for Legend of 1900 but never connected on that one. I'll have to track it down. Thanks.
Thanks Andy, loved it, especially the reference to Bud Powell, who was one of my Dad's favourites. All the best!
While we’re at it, let’s not forget The Rutles, and Bad News Tour.
Thanks for mentioning "Soul". I like that film and will watch it again as soon as possible.
"Diva" is a beautiful French film from 1981. Music is an important part of the plot, which revolves around an American soprano and a young French fan of hers.
Diva is excellent !!
Also, La Môme, a movie about Edith Piaf is good.
Great list; I’ll have to check out some of the films I’m unfamiliar with.
A bit surprised to not see mentioned (or mentioned yet in the comments): Robert Altman’s Nashville (1975). One of the best films ever. And also a film that was much improvised, with the actors writing and performing the music in the film.
Another one of my favorites, but a bit obscure (although I think it might have been referenced in The Simpsons): 33 Short Films About Glen Gould.
Almost Famous, High Fidelity, Velvet Goldmine.
Michael Apted also directed “Coal Miner’s Daughter” which set the template for modern biopics about living musicians. I love the Coen’s “Inside Llewelyn Davis” their story of the NY folk scene pre-Dylan.
Spinal Tap are played by Christopher Guest, Mike Mckean and Mr. Burns.
Harry Shearer? 😁
@crhkrebs yes.
I love all the films on the list, and a bunch more: "Fear of a Black Hat" precedes CB4 by a few months, but is in a similar vein - a comedy about Rap, and the music of the '80s. "The Fabulous Baker Brothers" is about the tension between schmaltz and art in Jazz music, and the failures of illusions in music, and brotherly love. "Diva" (1982) is a French fantasy film about mystique, intrigue, illusion, and authenticity in love and Classical Opera. "Anvil! The Story of Anvil" is a bizarre film that was shot and edited as if it were a mockumentary like Spinal Tap, but is actually a Rockumentary of a real Canadian Heavy Metal band.
A Hard Day's Night? :) You are right about Round Midnight. Tavernier was a true jazz fan. You fellows would have had quite a lot to talk about.
Lovely video Andy. If you decide to do one about TV series about music, you should talk about Treme, a series about musicians and others in New Orleans in the wake of Katrina. Many appearances by actual musicians playing themselves.
One of my favourites, sometimes hard to find to see, is The Legend of 1900, where Tim Roth plays a person who was born, abandoned on an Ocean liner, adopted by the crew, and never leaves. He teaches himself piano. It is magical, and wonderful. I've seen it twice and would watch again, with music by Ennio Morricone. If you love music, it's really a wonderful tribute to that love.
interesting set of choices there Andy .... a few more to consider in the top 10 and a couple of period pieces with resounding staying power and def in my top 5 : Top 5 : Tommy, Rocky Horror Picture Show ... no doubt 2 of the most influential period pieces reflecting 60's-70's culture irrespective of one's own political philosophy. (" we must protect society from this"). Another in my top 5 is Whiplash ... highly debated amongst percussionists after it's release but it's there just because the arrangement of 'Caravan' is that freaking good. Top 10 ... Hard Days Night .. for the sheer novelty and introduction of transition of musical theatre into mainstream rock culture, The Blue's Brothers for it's cursory introduction to the field of rythym and blues and the The Committents ... awseome soundtrack and for the same reasons. But def agree with the selection of Bird for it's historical accuracy and remarkable depiction by Forrest Whitaker of Parker
Excellent Andy. Enjoyed it a lot, esp the comments on the BB, Bird and Round Midnight - my only issue - NO Slade in Flame. Surely that could be an hour's worth of material for you right there!!! Brilliantly done and went totally against the anticipated 'monkeying' about (see what I did there?) and into something funny but dark and ultimately quite depressing.
Love this selection Andy! Several I haven't seen that are now in the queue... "Rock Star" (with Mark W.) would be great honorable mention, Trevor R of course did that soundtrack. "Yesterday" would be another that I enjoyed recent You got fictional, biopics, concert films, documentaries if you wanted to break down film into several categories.
Should also say you could totally clean up with a side gig as a film critic, sirt. These reviews were most excellent!
Mostly commenting for the algorithm, but I think La Bamba is worth a watch. That ending gets me every time.
Nashville 1975, A film about the paralells between politics and the music business, where all the actors improvise as they always do in Robert Altman films. Woodstock 1970, Monterey Pop 1968, Tommy i1975 a psychedelic musical fantasy by Ken Russell. 200 Motels 1971, surrealist musical film by Frank Zappa (with Keith Moon and the LSO) was a forerunner to Spiinal Tap and is distinguished for being the first feature film to have been shot entirely on video tape, a must see for the Zappa fan. Summer of Soul 2021. Also, imho, Amadaeus should be #1 on any list of films about music. Love your channel Andy,
Nashville is an absolutely fantastic film
A film I love is Swing Girls, a light-hearted japanese comedy about a group of delinquent girls who get caught up in a high school jazz band. It perfectly captures the enthusiasm and joy of discovering music and performance as an adolescent/young adult, a sort of anti-Whiplash. It's on YT and I would heartily recommend it.
Hedwig and the Angry Inch tops my list of Rock and Roll musics. Rock on, Andy.
Love your channel, Andy, particularly your “top” and “worst” lists. I always learn something and gain perspective.
I was so happy to see “Mighty Wind” there on your list. Absolutely brilliant storyline, acting and playing there. Same with “Spinal Tap” I can’t help seeing and hearing stylistic similarities to Monty Python.
Curious to hear your take on “A Complete Unknown.” It takes some storyline liberties but the actual playing and singing of all the music is remarkable. It’s Dylan approved as well. I don’t see it as lasting or influential like the ones on your list but might be worthy of a reaction video??
My fingers were hitting the keys when Andy said "...Sugar Hill Gang..." and I withdrew my fingers.
ALMOST FAMOUS
Glad to see school of rock on here. My kids love the movie and in introduced them to the world of rock. Jack Black plays the role with pure conviction and the kids are all wonderful. They have done a few reunions and it is interesting to see the kids now as adults. It is a movie about the pure joy of rock music. Good pick!
Surprised Buseys splendid portrayal of Buddy Holly never got a look in?
Thanks, Andy. Nice one. You added to my list of movies that I shall enjoy exploring.
I'm so glad you mentioned That'll be the day/Stardust and agree they should put those movies together and re-release it in some way. Nobody seem's to talk about them anymore. I vaguely remember the scene where Essex is telling Moon about some songs he's written and Moon answers,''Don't you 'ave to be American to write songs?'',or something like that.
The greatest, and certainly the most realistic, movie about the music business is a little indie film called "THE GIG." If you're a musician, it's a must-see.
Really dig your work Andy, I don't know why but I'm always happy when a musician discusses this topic as I've found it really bloody interesting over the years what music themed films resonate , such a diverse genre that doesn't get enough light, some films I've loved that I don't see getting a mention often are " Bound for Glory" (1976)," Tender Mercies"(1983), "Once"(2007),not a Woosy Allen fan but : Sweet & Lowdown" (1997) was pretty cool, my personal favourite hip hop themed flick Rusty Cundiefs "Fear of a Black Hat: (1993), that movie is a riot! GREAT List though, always relieved to see a fellow muso appreciate "This Is Spinal Tap" forever No. 1! Cheers from Australia
Andy- very good video. I haven't seen all these movies but I would certainly agree about the ones I have seen as being great films: "This is Spinal Tap", "Amadeus" . "A Mighty Wind", "Bird", "Round Midnight" and "Blues Brothers".
I watched this yesterday and when you were talking about "Bird" and you mentioned the fact that so few people are still alive that saw Charlie Parker. I naturally thought of the drummer Roy Haynes (aka "Snap Crackle") who sometimes played with Bird. Thus I literally was just wondering yesterday whether the great Roy Haynes was still with us. He was indeed still with us yesterday but now I find out that today he's gone. Ninety nine years old! What a career he had, what an imaginative drummer, and apparently, from what I've heard, what a great person he was. Think about all the musical associations he had over the years with Lester Young, Charlie Parker, Sarah Vaughn, Sonny Rollins, Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell, Roland Kirk, Stan Getz, John Coltrane, Oliver Nelson, Eric Dolphy, Chick Corea, Gary Burton and so many more. RIP Mr. Snap Crackle!
Loved the fact that Joe Walsh appeared at the end, the prison riot scene in Blues Brothers
Very nice, thanks for ones that had passed me by, not least of which your No.1.
Great list as usual not enough movies about about the unlucky failures in music Inside Llewelyn Davis .The sound of metal does Death in Venice qualify .I love this channel .Thank you Mr.Edwards
I really, really enjoyed and appreciate this, Andy. Thank you.
Loved every second of this video Andy so thank you for making this. I'm a huge film lover and when I saw you had done a video on film I couldn't wait to watch it and see if your film knowledge was as good as your music knowledge and you did not disappoint. Was trying to think of great films about music while watching and suddenly thought omg does he know round midnight its got lots of people old andy loves it in and was great to hear you talk about it. It truly is a special film about jazz and music and the unappreciated artist.
Maybe a controversial opinion here but I think film is just a great an art form as music and infact can explore ideas and convey emotion and look at the human condition in much different and deeper ways than music can. Watching a fascinating or crazy or brilliant work of art in film that deeply move you or leave you thinking deeply about things is a really great and unique experience that only a truly great film can do and I for one would love to hear more on your thoughts on these kinds of things, or just whatever film related subjects you find intrresting. Directors you like etc. Anyway great video
Great picks, Andy. Just a few more that I don't see mentioned in the comments: Say Amen, Somebody; Eddie and the Cruisers; The Buddy Holly Story; and The Magnificent Rebel.
A good few here I haven't seen. Thanks Andy.
I would love to see a video about Mike Leigh films.
Watched the ”Blues Brothers” with my kids, nieces and nephews last Thanksgiving. As I pointed out who the guest performers are, they couldn’t believe it. A room of 4 families, 3 generations, transfixed by the over the top hilarity and musical talent. A great movie.
That said, I saw the play “Amadeus” when I was in college. The minimalist production and acting blew my mind and made me love the theater. If it comes around near you, wherever you are, try to see it.
Still Crazy - The Flame Still Burns.
Fantastic film
Bad News is the low budget British version of Spinal Tap 😅
And yet Spinal Tap can't hold a candle to BAD NEWS.
Bad news actually came out before spinal tap .
Much much much fuinner though. The humour in Spinal Tap is so obvious....
Damn it Edwards!!! I’ve been working on my list for this very subject for weeks!!!! You pipped me to it. Grrrrr 🤣
Easy Rider is my favourite. I love the vibe and attitude of the film.
I thoroughly enjoyed your video.
Oh...A Mighty Wind!!! I LOVE that film!!!! Soooo funny!!! Just brilliant!!!! And Bird is difficult to watch but a loving portrait by jazz fan Clint....
Great selection! I also enjoyed Sound of Metal, The Buddy Holly Story, and Mr Holland's Opus.
I think A Hard Day's Night would top my list. Others that come to mind: Brassed Off, Slade in Flame, Hear My Song, Tender Mercies. Thanks Andy.
1. A Hard Days Night
2. Renaldo and Clara
3. The Blues Brothers
4. O Brother Where Art Thou
5. Don't Look Back
6. I'm Not There
7. Elvis
8. Control
9. Quadrophenia
10, Love and Mercy
Good list - particularly like nos 1, 2 and 3 - all innovative films for their time.
A Hard Days Night is shyte.
@@johnnyrocker7495
It's very clean though
@@johnnyrocker7495 Hard Days Night revolutionised the music movie. It is generally acclaimed as one of the berst British movies of the 1960s. The script is superb in that it picks up The Beatles' natural wit brilliantly.
Honorable mention: "Hedwig and the Angry Inch"?
Oooh, 'Round Midnight. I saw it when it first came out and have seen it quite a few times since. Such a beautiful film, and what a performance Dexter Gordon gives.
Great List. This is my alternate top 5:
1. Stormy Weather (Influenced Joe Zawinul)
2. Elvis 2022
3. Crossroads (1986, based on the blues)
4. Ray 2004
5. The Sound of Music
Don’t give up …. Love your commentaries and occasional rants !!!
Cheers
The Ian Dury biopic, sex & drugs & rock & roll. One of my favourites.
Round Midnight.....the jazz life.....with real jazz legends!!!!
Love that movie
Saw it again recently for first time inn 30 +years
Totally agree.
Great list! Round Midnight is one of my favourites too. I was expecting The Red Shoes or The Tales of Hoffman as, if I remember correctly, you're a Powell/Pressburger fan - but I suppose the former is more about dance. Still, captures a lot of the same vibe!
another educational hour with Mr Edwards. thanks
great list man! two movies i love that you didnt mention are "Scott Pilgrim vs the World" a punkish love story/action movie framed by a battle of the bands with lots of great garage music, and "Sing Street" about some young British kids in the 80s that form a band. check them out if you havent seen them, usually movies about young people make me feel old, but these make me feel young
Breaking Glass really captures early 80s Britain, and how musical cycles work. The old rock music had grown corporate and bloated and then this new sound arises with excitement and energy, only for it, too, to be consumed by the corporate machine and the creativity of the artist completely cannibalized.
Great film 👍
I didn't get to see Spinal Tap play a heavy metal concert, but I did attend Spinal Tap & A Mighty Wind (The Folksmen)'s Unwigged & Unplugged Tour, which was a combination of heavy metal and folk music played on acoustic guitars and basses. Spinal Tap's Big Bottom played on three acoustic basses was a trip!
I think the most popular item at the merch stand had to be the green skeleton T-shirt worn by Nigel Tufnel in This Is Spinal Tap. However, although I'm not musician, the "gotta have it!" shirt for me was a tour shirt featuring...an acoustic Flying V guitar. To this day musicians -- particularly guitarists -- come up to me laughing, assuming I must play guitar. Nope, but when I saw that shirt for sale, I instantly got the in-joke.
High Fidelity, Cradle Will Rock, Hamlet 2, Once, Sing Street, 24 Hour Party People, That Thing You Do, Almost Famous, Waiting for Guffman, Dig, Last Waltz, Walk Hard, Fame (the original), Saving Silverman, The Commitments.I liked most of your list too.
I recall a TV-series about Franz Schubert that was absolutely mesmerising! I wish it was possible to see again!
No. 1 ranking, spot on!
Great information in the comments too.
A few movies I might include for another song list about soundtracks ...
1 - "Black Orpheus" (Orfeu Negro, 1959) introduced bossa nova to the world outside of Brazil
2 - "Brother, Wherefore Art Thou" ... the soundtrack was more successful than the movie
3 - "Blade Runner" (Vangelis), and possibly "The Fifth Element"
4 - "Queen of the Damned" ... don't know if this is "Death Metal" or some other genre, but brilliant
Another list of documentaries would include:
1 - Pierre Barouh's "Saravah" (1969)
2 - Chick Corea's History of Jazz Piano
3 - Ken Burns History of Jazz.
And we need yet another remake of Josephine Baker.
Never enough Josephine Baker.
Really enjoyed this particular podcast.
Cheers from Japan!
The Girl Cant Help It. Gene Vincent, Eddie Cochran and Little Richard in 1956 colour.
Not forgetting Jayne Mansfirld...