I had a seat for a screening of this documentary in London, and with all the publicity I was really looking forward to seeing it.
This film takes a good look back over the contemporary music scene from the point of view of the backing vocalists who give some inspiring performances on camera. The performance side of things comes over very well in the documentary and initially one can feel grateful to the director, Morgan Neville, for getting everyone together.
However, I know my girl groups from the 1960's really well and it wasn't long before I could sense that something was up with the narrative account given by Darlene Love in the documentary.
Not having paid much attention to Darlene Love over the years, I was amazed to find her whining on camera about making records for Phil Spector but having the credit go instead to the Crystals. That's very misleading, so it is a mystery why it was included at all in the edit.
For a start, the Crystal's were an accomplished vocal group who sang on their own records and they had quite a number of their singles reach the charts.
Darlene Love was apparently hired by Spector to record two tracks which he decided to release and promote under the name of the Crystals. That was his choice. For Darlene Love this was just some paid session work, despite her hopes being raised after He's A Rebel had charted.
Meanwhile La La Brooks age only 15 was laying down the vocals on Da Doo Ron Ron and Then He Kissed Me. These were both massive hits for the real Crystals.
So why is Darlene Love reunited on screen with the Blossoms to reprise Da Doo Ron Ron? That's another mystery as neither Darlene Love nor the Blossoms sang on the original hit record. Seems to me that she wants it both ways.
By now I am feeling unhappy with the documentary, with the succession of over the top vocal performances contrasting with the hard-life tales which may turn out to be rather loose accounts if Darlene Love's personal 'recollections' are anything to go by.
At the finish I am supposed to feel overwhelmed by the experience, but in reality I am less well inclined towards Morgan Neville for making a glossy side show from these people's talent.
Disappointed. Genuinely so,
Kathryn Wilde
This film takes a good look back over the contemporary music scene from the point of view of the backing vocalists who give some inspiring performances on camera. The performance side of things comes over very well in the documentary and initially one can feel grateful to the director, Morgan Neville, for getting everyone together.
However, I know my girl groups from the 1960's really well and it wasn't long before I could sense that something was up with the narrative account given by Darlene Love in the documentary.
Not having paid much attention to Darlene Love over the years, I was amazed to find her whining on camera about making records for Phil Spector but having the credit go instead to the Crystals. That's very misleading, so it is a mystery why it was included at all in the edit.
For a start, the Crystal's were an accomplished vocal group who sang on their own records and they had quite a number of their singles reach the charts.
Darlene Love was apparently hired by Spector to record two tracks which he decided to release and promote under the name of the Crystals. That was his choice. For Darlene Love this was just some paid session work, despite her hopes being raised after He's A Rebel had charted.
Meanwhile La La Brooks age only 15 was laying down the vocals on Da Doo Ron Ron and Then He Kissed Me. These were both massive hits for the real Crystals.
So why is Darlene Love reunited on screen with the Blossoms to reprise Da Doo Ron Ron? That's another mystery as neither Darlene Love nor the Blossoms sang on the original hit record. Seems to me that she wants it both ways.
By now I am feeling unhappy with the documentary, with the succession of over the top vocal performances contrasting with the hard-life tales which may turn out to be rather loose accounts if Darlene Love's personal 'recollections' are anything to go by.
At the finish I am supposed to feel overwhelmed by the experience, but in reality I am less well inclined towards Morgan Neville for making a glossy side show from these people's talent.
Disappointed. Genuinely so,
Kathryn Wilde