Songcatcher

[jiffyfeet]

IFC has been playing this movie for a few weeks now and I've caught it three times. It's got some pretty good music in it, which is the reason to watch as the movie itself is pretty boring. One song in particular that I liked a lot was Pretty Saro performed by Iris DeMent. She has an amazing voice?

I tried looking for the soundtrack but was disappointed to find that apparently they didn't release the versions of most of the songs from the film, opting instead to release recordings by other, more well-known artists. Needless to say I won't be buying that, even though the Pretty Saro IS the version from the movie.

Anyway, things seem slow around here so I thought I'd see if anybody else thought the music from Songcatcher was as moving as I did? Sorry for the lack of mando-specific content.

[Joe Mangio]

....Got to view Songcatcher on more than one occasion; where fortunate to have a well stocked library. I'm sure the line of the story must have raised a few brows especialy among the perochial sect. If you look at the dance/party scene you'll see and hear Hazel Dickens belting one out. Enjoy, Joe.

[VaFrank]

Jiffy,

I saw the movie a few years ago when it was first released. I was reared in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, and my ancestors were some of the first settlers in that part of Va., Irish and Native American.

I believe Songcatcher more accurately portrays my culture during that time than any movie I have seen. Also, the music in Songcatcher captured the primitive style that I remember experiencing as a child (I'm 60). When O' Brother Where Art Thou? was released I often wondered if Songcatcher may given O' Brothers writer and producer the idea for their movie.

In my opinion Songcatcher was in many ways a better movie than O'Brother. Although I thoroughly enjoyed O'Brother and still listen to the cd. Great music, superb musicians.

Just my 2 cents.

Frank

[Bruce Evans]

My wife brought home some VHS videos from work. Somebody was giving them away. One of them was Songcatcher. It was like finding a gold nugget laying on the ground.

[evanreilly]

I very much enjoyed watching the film and listening to the sound track. This was a 'serious' film, as opposed to Oh, Brother, which was one big silly joke after another, tho with good background music as well.

[garyblanchard]

I also loved this film. It was great to see Taj Mahal playing the banjo, something I have yet to see in person. The movie did as good a job with the subject as Hollywood will ever allow.

[JanJan]

Songcatcher is one of my favorite movies. Hope to find it for sale (cheap) someday. And Jiffyfeet, I agree about Iris Dement . . . the first time I ever heard her was listening to Prairie Home Companion and I nearly fell off my chair! She makes me think of a female Ralph Stanley. What a voice!

[Bowzette]

come to the Old Time Festival in Palestine, Texas the Friday
the 26-28 and you can play with Don Pedi, Josh Goforth and maybe
some others that played in the band for the dance scene
in the movie.

[WV Mike]

I picked this up at our library about a month ago. #I knew nothing about the film. #I started watching it with my wife and 4 1/2 yr old daughter. #I was unpleasantly suprised by the lesbian love scenes. #That part was my fault. #I should have looked at the rating before watching it with my daughter.

I don't intend to offend anyone, but I could have done without the homosexual content. It reminded me of a kindler, gentler, female version of Deliverance! #It seems to me that you could make a film about rural Appalachia without inbreeding and homosexuality. #

my 2cents

Mike

[jiffyfeet]

Hell, Mike, that was one of the best parts! What kind of guy doesn't like lesbian love scenes? As interesting as I find your personal views on lesbians, when you're finished telling us how disgusting homosexuality is, maybe you can find a moment to comment on the music?

[racuda]

Hell, Mike, that was one of the best parts! #What kind of guy doesn't like lesbian love scenes? #As interesting as I find your personal views on lesbians, when you're finished telling us how disgusting homosexuality is, maybe you can find a moment to comment on the music?
I think Mike's point was that the movie was inappropriate for a young child. I've been known to watch the Spice channel on occasion, but I wouldn't tune in with my daughter present.

I would like to see Songcatcher, but I think it is off of IFC's rotation now. I love Iris Dement.

[KYGirl]

<Quote> "I tried looking for the soundtrack but was disappointed to find that apparently they didn't release the versions of most of the songs from the film, opting instead to release recordings by other, more well-known artists. #Needless to say I won't be buying that, even though the Pretty Saro IS the version from the movie."

Jiffyfeet, I have the soundtrack for the movie, and it has the song "Pretty Saro" on there, song 2, performed by Iris Dement. #I haven't seen the movie though, so I can't verify that it is the same version they do the in the movie. #All in all, it is a pretty good CD.

Michelle

[jiffyfeet]

Thanks, KYGirl. I actually orderred the DVD this morning. I saw that the song I really want is on the CD, but I would rather just have the movie. The DVD was cheaper than the CD anyway. None of that really matters anyway though, as I don't buy CDs from major labels.

Also, the CD doesn't have the lesbian love scenes on it. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[WV Mike]

Hell, Mike, that was one of the best parts! #What kind of guy doesn't like lesbian love scenes? #As interesting as I find your personal views on lesbians, when you're finished telling us how disgusting homosexuality is, maybe you can find a moment to comment on the music?
jiffyfeet, I would be glad to comment on the music. #I enjoyed the music and most of the movie except the homosexual content, especially give the fact that my young daughter was watching. #I believe many others here and elsewhere would probably feel the same way.

This is America and we all have the right to comment on whatever we chose. #Heck, I hope you find the DVD so you can watch it a lot. #I did not make the comment about homosexuality being disgusting or sinful, and I will keep my opinion on that out of this forum. #I simply stated that I was unpleasantly surprised and could have done without the homosexual content.

Have a nice day!

Mike


http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[janmando]

Songcatcher, the movie was great because of the music.....however, a book of the same title, Songcatcher by Sharyn McCrumb is better. #The book has a much different story line but the "song catching" is the same. #As always, I think the book is much better. #This movie may not be based on the book I read but it has a similar premise. #(minus the "undesirable" parts I might add). #

AND I for one would like to hear more about this OLD TIME FESTIVAL in Palestine TX, #Mike.....please respond!!! # http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

I'm a big fan of Sharyn McCrumb's work but the movie has nothing to do with the book. #The share some common elements - location and the fact that many Appalachian songs are handed down from European immigrants - but not much else.

[mandopete]

In my opinion Songcatcher was in many ways a better movie than O'Brother.
I'll second that - seems like "O Brother...." garnered all of the attention, but Songcatcher (IMHO) was much more important for its integration of music and the Appalachian lifestyle.

[mikeyes]

Songcatcher is based on "real life" as they say in the movies. I can't remember the woman's name, but the first collector of music from the mountains was a woman scholar who eventually turned over the information to (and my memory fails me here too) the eventual author who at least had the courtesy to acknowledge her. When I saw the movie I was inspired to look up the real story which I remember from my folk music days (even though I grew up in the south, in Nashville, I had to be inspired by the folk movement. The product of being middle class, I guess. Of course, I was 14 then and don't regret it as I was able to find music right there in Music City at the friday night Opry)
I too love the music and the singing, much more than in OBWAT which I also enjoyed.

Mike Keyes

[GVD]

I've seen either the whole or parts of the movie several times now and seem to like it better each time. That Iris Dement "Pretty Saro" song is a great one isn't it? Speaking of Iris I got to see her and John Prine together about a week ago and they both were great. Man those two can sing harmonies that will send a chill down your back.

GVD

[jaybee]

VaFrank:

I've watched this movie at least a half dozen times. I find it inspiring when I can really focus and intently project myself into that time and those beautiful mountains. The "primative" aspects are what is genuine. I don't feel the lesbian scenes are a factor. In fact if you are really into the "time setting and the music" it's a minor part. It's, to me, a wonderful movie.

[earthsave]

I saw it on a double bill, with Down from the Mountain first and it second. Compared to Down from the Mountain, it was a bit lame. I caught it again and liked it more the second time. Iris Dement has always been one of my favorites and I agree she shown way above everyone else. The little girl had a great voice too though.

Aidan Quinn singing and faking the banjo was funny to watch and his Mom had spunk. Everyone was horny in that movie and maybe that was a point they were trying to get across, but I found it a bit silly. IMHO, it is worth a watch and neat to see some of the cameos.

[hokelore]

I loved the music, especially Taj Mahal, who is one of my favorite banjo players.

The story, though, is another matter. I thought it was poorly written. The woman comes to collect songs, but she's obnoxious and huffy, so naturally people don't take to her. Then she gets even more obnoxious, which causes them to love her. Huh?

And the hired hand--the only reason he's in the story is to make trouble. "Gee, nothing bad has happened in a while. Guess I better pull a knife on someone, or set a building on fire. Oh, sure my girlfriend lives in that house I burned down, but I think I'll ask her to marry me..."

The music's fantastic, though.

Tim

[Ron Landis]

I just caught the tail end of Songcatcher, so I missed most of the music. I'm not a big fan of Iris Dement, and quite frankly, I don't see what the appeal is. Her voice is so twangy it makes my skin crawl. Am I alone on this?

[jbrwky]

Yes you are.

[Steve L]

No, you're not.

[jbrwky]

You guys must be from Neeuuw Yawk. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

[Steve L]

Not me...I'm from Bhaaawston. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Mandomania]

I'm not familiar with some of the folks who were mentioned in this thread that appeared in cameos. Would someone like to list those cameos by artist and scene? It would be fun to watch the move again with this knowledge.

[Cary Fagan]

Maybe those of us who liked the movie (like me) are hungry for any sort of material related to traditional and bluegrass music. I mean, how many movies are there? Anyone know of others? Or of any novels that are about old time or bluegrass music?

[earthsave]

Yep here voice is very unique, but the songs... that woman can write a song and her voice is perfect to convey the emotion of those songs. She's great to see live too.

[earthsave]

Cameos... the ones I remember anyhow.

Iris Dement
Taj Mahal
Hazel Dickens

[Jacob]

Songcatcher (http://www.vanguardrecords.com/Songcatcher/home.html) and Songcatcher II (http://www.vanguardrecords.com/songcatcher2/) at Vanguard Records website.