STACK #128 Jun 2016

REVIEWS

MUSIC

Cobain: Montage of Heck (DVD)

intelligence, overt sensitivity and freakish talent. There are many potential characters in this story, but Morgen sticks to fundamentals – Kurt’s mother Wendy, Nirvana bassist

Brett Morgen’s strength as a filmmaker lies in imbuing the cinematic language of his documentaries with the aesthetics of his subjects. His Robert Evans study The Kid Stays in the Picture creatively utilised classic Hollywood archives to tell the legendary producer’s story, and his Rolling Stones project Crossfire Hurricane looked grimy, murky and often thrilling, just like the band. The fragile, strange and confronting inner world of late Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain is thus perfect in his hands; Cobain’s journals literally become a living text – via animation of scrawled lines and drawings – and archival footage drawn from his earliest years on 8mm film complements the approach and makes Montage... achingly intimate. Morgen doesn’t shy away from numerous uncomfortable story elements, chiefly drug use and Cobain’s obviously tragic end; but the tone is one of curiosity, of gentle wonder at his subject’s obvious

Krist Novoselic, and his widow Courtney Love. His daughter Frances Bean appears as an infant via the archives, but her presence looms largest as Executive Producer – screeds of this very private family material have been unseen until now. It won’t make you nostalgic or angry, but it reminds us how easily damaged human beings can be, and the cathartic nature of good art. Montage of Heck is unflinching and powerful – just like Nirvana. JonathanAlley

Franz Ferdinand/Sparks FFS At the very least, the new collaboration between Franz Ferdinand and veteran oddballs Sparks reminds us that most pop music isn’t nearly as funny (or self-aware) as it should be. But wait, there’s more – much more. These dozen songs are bouncy, catchy, sturdy, and yes, hilarious, teeming with cheeky barbs. Subversive sex comedy is alive and well on the dry-witted Police

Encounters (“I’ve got eyes for the policeman’s wife”) and The Man Without a Tan , while Johnny Delusional and The Power Couple play like highlights from a Devo-penned stage musical. Yet this isn’t some throwaway joke, and FFS rival some of the best output of their component bands. The songs may feel at times like Hall & Oates hits bent through a funhouse mirror, but that’s only because it’s so rare to hear such infectious, finely-crafted pop with such a mischievous heart. FFS mock their own supergroup premise on Collaborations Don’t Work , have fun with wordplay on Call Girl , and find the perfect closing message in Piss Off . Fans of Franz Ferdinand’s straighter material may be taken aback by all the silliness, but anyone who knows and loves Sparks should relish this instant cult classic. (EMI/Universal) DougWallen

AlbumsThat Should Live in Every Collection

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Big Brother and the Holding Company Cheap Thrills Although wrapped in a Robert Crumb cover locating it in San Fran's '60s counter-culture era, this music – by a rough-edged but enormously underrated band, and go-for-broke singer Janis Joplin – proved timeless. A mix of gutsy soul- blues ( Combination of the Two , standouts Piece of my Heart and Ball and Chain ), rock ( I Need a Man ), bar room balladry (Joplin's earthy Turtle Blues channelling Bessie Smith), and a rethought standard in Summertime, its passionate intensity was almost scary. Joplin gave her all, and too much. Within two years she was gone. Although The Temptations were mostly known as a classic '60s Motown singles band, this unusual album saw them abandon Motown soul for tougher psychedelic rock, funk, samples and a tripped-out vibe. You'd be mistaken for thinking you'd accidentally put on Sly and the Family Stone. Ali Farka Toure/Toumani Diabate Ali and Toumani Recorded shortly before the great Mali guitarist Toure's 2005 death, this album found him with his old sparring partner Diabate (playing kora) on duets where musical ideas flowed effortlessly between them. Music to take you out of yourself. The Temptations Psychedelic Shack

Willie Nelson and Merle Haggerd Django and Jimmie

Leonard Cohen Can't Forget

At 80, Leonard Cohen is as prolific as he's ever been, releasing his third album in seven months. Culled from live performances and soundchecks recorded during his recent world tour, his latest album includes back catalogue classics I Can't Forget, Joan of Arc, Night Comes On , new compositions and two covers: Choices previously recorded by George Jones, and La Manic written by Canadian poet Georges Dor. The icon's understated, versatile band complement ever-present Cohen themes of eroticism and self- parody – the two new songs that chronicle his declining sexual capabilities are hilarious. (Sony) Billy Pinnell

Willie Nelson joins up with old mate Merle Haggard to bring us a duet collaboration of 14 new recordings, featuring new songs and a couple of classics. Aging country outlaws Nelson (aged 82) and Haggard (78) are still doing it better than ever, with their mischievous brashness in songs like It’s All Going to Pot (see the video) and The Only Man Wilder Than Me . They pay tribute to each other, to folks who’ve inspired them – including jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt and country legend Jimmie Rogers – and one for an old friend in Missing Ol’ Johnny Cash . On their own they are fantastic but put them together and it’s pure country gold. ( Sony Music) Denise Hylands

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