See Hear Episode 124 - Inside Llewyn Davis

We've recently lost one of the great directors over the last few decades in David Lynch who was known for showing the dreamy and nightmarish side of America (and we need you now, David). The other great tellers of American stories over the same period have been Joel and Ethan Coen. They have protagonists who start out in precarious positions in life....then things go downhill.

Welcome to episode 124 of See Hear Podcast.

There's definitely a rhythm to the Coen Brothers' films....even if their films are not ABOUT music or musicians, they feel musical (and having Carter Burwell score many of their films doesn't hurt in that regard). Two films, however, stick out as music films in their catalogue – O Brother, Where Art Thou and Inside Llewyn Davis – it's the latter that is the focus of this episode.

Sadly, neither Kerry nor Tim were available to record this show, but I welcome back film professor, author, and fellow podcaster Neil Fox back to the show. He selected Inside Llewyn Davis for our discussion, and I couldn't have been happier to revisit this 2013 film that has seemingly divided people on its merits (spoiler alert – we both love it).

The film starts off in Greenwich Village in 1961, and is about a few days in the life of folk musician Llewyn Davis (Oscar Isaac) as he moves from couch to couch, gig to gig, kindness to kindness....and he responds poorly despite being the recipient of others' good nature towards him. Is he an awful human being, or is he lashing out due to a terrible event regarding a former musical partner?

Neil and I had a great conversation about this film and a variety of related issues. Since the film is Bob Dylan adjacent, we had to bring in our thoughts about the recently released Dylan biopic focusing on his early years, A Complete Unknown and see how its tone contrasts with the Coens outlook.

I am grateful for Neil giving over his time to chat with me. He brings a perspective I was fascinated to hear. If you wish to hear more of Neil, you should tune into his show The Cinematologists hosted with Dario Llinares. Info at https://cinematologists.com/ Also, look into his great book “Music Films: Documentaries, Concert Films and Other Cinematic Representations of Popular Music”.

If you’ve been enjoying the show, please consider giving us a favourable review on iTunes and let your friends know that our show exists. If you don't enjoy the show, tell your adversaries to tune in. We don't care who listens.....

See Hear is proudly part of the Pantheon Network of music podcasts. Check out all the other wonderful shows at http://pantheonpodcasts.com

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Join the Facebook group at http://facebook.com/groups/seehearpodcast

You can download the show by searching for See Hear on whatever podcast app you favour (except Spotify). 

Download episode 124 from here.

 

See Hear Podcast episode 112 - A Mighty Wind

 

When you think of American folk songs of the 60s, you'd think of political injustice, civil rights, hardships due to economic burdens, and war, right?

Or do you think about the comforts of food always being laid out on the table, boundless optimism 'cos “its THAT kind of day” or kissing at the end of an optical illusion caused by the dispersion of light in water droplets?

'Cos both work, ya know.

Welcome to episode 112 of See Hear Podcast.

In 2003, Christopher Guest released A Mighty Wind, the third of his mockumentaries – not counting Rob Reiner's “This Is Spinal Tap”. He had an ensemble cast all highly skilled in improvisation weave the story of what happens when 3 folk groups reassemble for a tribute concert dedicated to their recently deceased manager. Personal frailties, egos, catch phrases, rivalries and decidedly non-issue songs are all focused on in this very funny film.

Tim was unavailable, but Kerry and I were joined by her daughter Sarah Fristoe. We debated the accusation that Guest's comedies can be cruel to their characters. We also discussed the songs, the use of Yiddish, the origins of many of the cast members via Second City, and we ask the important question....Wha' Happened?

One point of trivia we forgot to mention about art jumping into real life.....supposedly, The Folksmen would be the support act for Spinal Tap on American tours. The crowd not realising it was the same bunch of gents, booed them offstage. I hope this isn't just urban legend....

Many thanks to Sarah for being an enthusiastic See Hearian and bringing great insight to what is a favourite film.

You can watch the original Folksmen sketch that appeared on Saturday Night Live nearly 20 years before A Mighty Wind at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LztVpOOhEY

A Mighty Wind is on many of the usual streaming services (or possibly in your DVD collection.....)

If you’ve been enjoying the show, please consider giving us a favourable review on iTunes and let your friends know that our show exists. If you don't enjoy the show, tell your adversaries to tune in. We don't care who listens.....

See Hear is proudly part of the Pantheon Network of music podcasts. Check out all the other wonderful shows at http://pantheonpodcasts.com.

Send us feedback via email at seehearpodcast@gmail.com

Join the Facebook group at http://facebook.com/groups/seehearpodcast

Check out the Instagram page at www.instagram.com/seehearpodcast

You can download the show by searching for See Hear on whatever podcast app you favour.

Proudly Pantheon.

You can download the episode from here.