Instruments and Supplies Movie Reviews

I especially enjoyed a performance brought together by the filmmaker which was comprised of a seamless sequence of audio and video montages, sections of which were performed by differing masters allowing the viewer to directly compare and contrast the unique sounds and playing style of each master. Bravo!

I purchased this DVD to inspire my 12-year old son to in his violin practice and performance as well as to provide some wonderful musical role models. This DVD definitely fit the bill. In fact, now I am ready to take up the violin too!

The actual film is very stylishly shot and put together. There's loads of on-stage antics, both comical and musical, straight away proving that the band can be fun, even though their albums can sound a bit serious and sombre at times. There's lots and lots of stock footage of the band giving interviews and small talks about what they're up to both on the stage and off, and there's also lots of really interesting footage of fans giving their views of the band outside the stage doors before and after shows. Now, this to me was especially intersting, because I found out that after just half an hour after the film had started that the band had a very definite view of what they do, so I was keen to hear what the fans thought. Some loved it and were very descriptive as to why they thought the band were so good (revolutionary, alternative and original are words that cropped-up), some just found them as they took them and went along after hearing just one song, and some folks really didn't like them, saying stuff like Ian Mackaye was a rock star and they were just full of it.

It makes sense that a band like this can cause such diverse views about them. The thing is about original, and especially alternative artists, is that there is a certain kind of front to their sound that implies either a welcoming gesture of 'Hey, we're here. Hope you like it!', or it can be taken as 'Step aside, we're too cool for you!' I wouldn't personally say that Fugazi give across such an arrogant and self-congratulating stance, but many people obviously do, and I think I know why.

For a band like this to stick to their morals and survive unfettered by what they refer to as 'Commercialism' and 'The Music Industry' for so very long, they must take on some form of aggressive stance about themselves. There must be a kind of battle, whether it be seen or subtle, in which they stick to their guns and if need be, preach about them. I don't mind listening to that kind of stuff as long as it's in a non-confrontationl view towards the listener (i.e CD buyer, ticket buyer, etc), which Fugazi do very well. With every interviewer or fan that asks them a question or two about themselves, they always give clear, non-imposing answers. Very clear and almost refreshing. However, because they can give very concise answers to these questions, I can imagine a lot of people finding them to be not very punk or not very HC at all, because if a band like this has a fan base of primarily younger / teenage people, these people may not want to be into a band that holds high ideals over just having fun and being all punk about everything. The great punk debate starts here...

It's a bit of a double-edged sword being alternative, because to be a really underground band these days is hard, as since the advent of commerical guitar music at the beginning of the 1990s (names like Nirvana, Chili Peppers, Alice In Chains, Soundgarden spring swiftly to mind), lots of trend-following folk and major record labels have seen a fortune to be made in loud guitars and youthful angst. Because of this, the point of the whole underground movement is, of course, deleted. The underground music scene (of any country, not just the USA), runs healthily on emotional and engergetic bands of course, but it also runs on vast independence and very little desire to become lucrative and profitable. The bands that are easier to find on the average CD store shelves tend to be more financially-orientated, and depend on record company promotion for furthering their careers. Well, Fugazi own their record label, so I suppose it's okay for them, but they keep show prices and record prices low, so that's admirable right away.

I'd recommend this film to anyone who's in a band and wants to see success done the hard way, but also surely the most respectable way too.

On a technical note however, I do think there's something up with the DVD. I returned one thinking it was defective my player couldn't see it. my player also had a hard time seeing the second one I bought - but it did work. However my computer wouldn't see the first or second one i had.

now going back to those assumptions i made. if you know what DYI is and you like Fugazi, then please dont order the DVD here. I am only posting this review to show my love for fugazi and their music... go to the Dischord website and order through them. Keep indie sacred.

I showed it to my music classes and every child thought the narration was stupid. They did learn key things about instrument families etc. but found the narrator a turn off.