Review
DIRTY OLD TOWN
Featuring Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
Directed by Justin Mitchell
Plexifilm
Director Justin Mitchell (Songs for Cassavetes) must have done something right in a past life because he has the coolest job on the planet. The filmmaker has cut out a nice little niche for himself, documenting the American underground music scene and his latest documentary focuses on Ted Leo.
Anyone familiar with Leo and his previous work will understand why this is so exciting. Leo is the indie version of Bruce Springsteen, writing rock-solid songs about the sinister aspects of American culture and its volatile politics. A born-and-bred Jersey boy who was briefly seduced by the D.C. scene, Leo has returned to his hometown to produce his catchiest album to date – Hearts of Oak.
The DVD focuses on a day in the life of Leo and his band The Pharmacists, as they gear up to play the Coney Island Siren Music Festival. Between set up and show time, Mitchell follows Leo around the fairgrounds, asking him questions about his songwriting process, being a vegan and his driving skills.
The jewel of the DVD however, is the unbelievable concert footage. The concert took place during a heat wave and the band sweats through their set and clothing. To watch Leo perform "The Ballad of the Sin Eater" (one of the best songs ever written) live is a harrowing experience as he bangs his head with a tambourine and shouts the chorus, "You didn’t think they could hate you now, did ya?"
In the most telling moment in the film Leo discusses his struggle to remain independent and forgo the spoils of the major label. At 32, the echoes of his biological clock ticking, Leo wonders aloud if he should maybe try to become "successful" before time runs out.
The DVD extras are also worth perusing. There’s footage of Leo and his band playing the South Seaport Festival during the 2003 blackouts to a crowd of about 12 people. The live version of "Stove by a Whale" becomes the background music to the swarms of New Yorkers forced to walk home as the city shuts down. If you’re a fan of Leo or Mitchell, this DVD is well worth checking out.
|
Copyright ©2004 FFWD. All rights reserved.