Video Reviews

Filmmaker Jon Brewer's Mick Ronson documentary tells the truly sad story of the wholly under-apprecriated guitarist/arranger Mick Ronson, who is of course best known (if he's known at all) for his work with David Bowie. That being the case, Brewer spends a great deal of time (too much time) at the beginning of the 101 minute film on the rise of David Bowie before getting to the fall of Mick Ronson, better known to his friends as "Ronno".

The hindsight gained in the twenty years that have passed since Gene Clark’s premature death make obvious both his musical brilliance and his secure place amongst the second half of the 20th century’s most important musicians.

At times he didn't look much like a rock star—and at other times he looked like nothing but one. On stage he didn't act like one either. He hardly moved. Dressed in black and wearing black-rimmed "coke bottle" sun glasses the self-effacing Roy Orbison just stood before the microphone singing and strumming his guitar.

His lips barely parted but what came out seemingly so effortless and free, was a voice that defied and continues to defy explanation. While singing about heartache and loneliness Orbison exuded a spooky detachment that made him sound more like a channeler than an entertainer.

Had enough Beatles? Then don't read this and whine about it. But if you never have enough Beatles, this new 27 song singles collection on DVD, Blu-ray, CD and eventual double LP (the latter two audio only obviously) is for you. You will fall in love all over again.