Easily one of, if not THE best music documentary I have ever seen. So often these docs go flat after the first 20 minutes, none of that here! The visuals are fantastic and carry the show (as well as establish the sense of place) when the incredible music is throttled back. Underlying all of this is an incredible story of an incredible man, Jerry Hall, a man born in numbing poverty who somehow managed to rise above poverty and numerous personal tragedies to produce some of the most incredible blues and rock and roll recordings of all time. If you have access to this show and love music all I can say is WATCH THIS TODAY and prepared to be blown away!
35 Reviews
fantastic, well made and impeccably researched documentary
gregking420 August 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Anyone who is interested in rock music should rush to see this fantastic, well made and impeccably researched documentary about the famous recording studios. Muscle Shoals is a nondescript little town with a population of about 8000 along the Tennessee River in Alabama, but it is also home to the the highly influential Fame Studios that has hosted a veritable who's who of the music world and produced lots of memorable number one hits and some of the greatest songs of the past fifty years. The studio was built by Rick Hall, who was basically following his dream. Hall assembled some of the best session musicians who had an instant chemistry and as the in-house backing band provided the rich rhythm and blues sound on many hits. Surprisingly though the musicians were all white, and they worked with artists no matter their colour, creed and ethnicity. The studio broke down some of the racial barriers that existed in America at that time, and the film depicts the divisive racial politics that were raging in Alabama at the time. Artists of the calibre of Wilson Pickett, Percy Sledge, Aretha Franklin, Paul Simon, Bob Seger, and even The Rolling Stones all recorded here during their careers, and the songs that emerged from this humble little studio often changed their musical direction and gave them some of their biggest hits. And while the townsfolk barely tolerated the black singers they were openly disdainful of the long haired hippy types, like the members of Lynard Skynard who also briefly recorded there and developed their distinctive swamp rock sound. Muscle Shoals has been directed by Greg Camalier, making his feature film directorial debut here, who incorporates plenty of rich archival footage with some revealing interviews with the likes of Bono, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Aretha Franklin and Clarence Carter. And Hall himself talks at length about his own life and personal tragedies, as well as giving some candid revelations about the humble recording studio that he founded. We also learn about his bitter falling out with legendary record producer Jerry Wexler. Muscle Shoals is jammed full of great music, colourful characters and wonderful anecdotes. A must for music fans!
Excellent Lesson in American Music History with an Emotional Punch
branthadaway25 February 2021
My only regret upon watching "Muscle Shoals" is that I somehow missed it when it was first released, some seven and a half years ago.
I grew up in the 70s, and occasionally heard about Muscle Shoals and the Swampers (they even got a mention in Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama"). But even after turning to music as an avocation, I never learned the story of what made Muscle Shoals special. This documentary lays out the human side of the Muscle Shoals story in beautiful, often emotional detail.
At the heart of the story is Rick Hall, who grew up a dirt poor hillbilly in northern Alabama and had more than his share of tragedy and betrayal. Through sheer determination and a perfectionist's sensibility in the studio, he clawed his way to becoming one of the most consequential producers and studio owners of the 20th century.
Hall's original studio band, the Swampers, features as another "character" in the film. The Swampers became one of the most sought after back up bands in the 60s and 70s, and played on some of the most memorable hits of the era. What the viewer will find surprising is that these white country boys from northern Alabama backed some of the most soulful black music hits of the era.
The film also touches on the many musicians who recorded in Muscle Shoals, and features interviews with a number of them, including the Rolling Stones and Aretha Franklin. The film gives a little too much time to the Stones, and the film never really explains why Bono keeps popping up, but overall, considering who was still alive at the time, it strikes a good balance.
Then, of course, there is the music, itself. All I can say here is that you should watch this with a good sound system.
My only disappointment, and the reason I don't give it ten stars, is that we learn nothing about Rick Hall's engineering secrets. What did he do technically to bring about that special, warm, Muscle Shoals sound? I would have enjoyed learning more about that.
But that omission didn't detract from the film's emotional punch. Ultimately, this is a story about tragedy and triumph, friendship and betrayal, and the combination of music and emotion occasionally brought a tear to my eye. Highly recommended.
P.S. I saw one reviewer comment disparagingly about a clip of Lynyrd Skynyrd concert footage that showed a Confederate battle flag in the background. I don't know what the reviewer expected the filmmakers to do about that. The Confederate flag was used by more than one Southern rock band in the 70s and 80s, and it wouldn't have made sense to just erase that from the historical record, nor would it have been practical, from a filmmaking standpoint. One can debate over what it meant to people at the time, but it was what it was.
I grew up in the 70s, and occasionally heard about Muscle Shoals and the Swampers (they even got a mention in Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama"). But even after turning to music as an avocation, I never learned the story of what made Muscle Shoals special. This documentary lays out the human side of the Muscle Shoals story in beautiful, often emotional detail.
At the heart of the story is Rick Hall, who grew up a dirt poor hillbilly in northern Alabama and had more than his share of tragedy and betrayal. Through sheer determination and a perfectionist's sensibility in the studio, he clawed his way to becoming one of the most consequential producers and studio owners of the 20th century.
Hall's original studio band, the Swampers, features as another "character" in the film. The Swampers became one of the most sought after back up bands in the 60s and 70s, and played on some of the most memorable hits of the era. What the viewer will find surprising is that these white country boys from northern Alabama backed some of the most soulful black music hits of the era.
The film also touches on the many musicians who recorded in Muscle Shoals, and features interviews with a number of them, including the Rolling Stones and Aretha Franklin. The film gives a little too much time to the Stones, and the film never really explains why Bono keeps popping up, but overall, considering who was still alive at the time, it strikes a good balance.
Then, of course, there is the music, itself. All I can say here is that you should watch this with a good sound system.
My only disappointment, and the reason I don't give it ten stars, is that we learn nothing about Rick Hall's engineering secrets. What did he do technically to bring about that special, warm, Muscle Shoals sound? I would have enjoyed learning more about that.
But that omission didn't detract from the film's emotional punch. Ultimately, this is a story about tragedy and triumph, friendship and betrayal, and the combination of music and emotion occasionally brought a tear to my eye. Highly recommended.
P.S. I saw one reviewer comment disparagingly about a clip of Lynyrd Skynyrd concert footage that showed a Confederate battle flag in the background. I don't know what the reviewer expected the filmmakers to do about that. The Confederate flag was used by more than one Southern rock band in the 70s and 80s, and it wouldn't have made sense to just erase that from the historical record, nor would it have been practical, from a filmmaking standpoint. One can debate over what it meant to people at the time, but it was what it was.
The only puzzling thing about Muscle Shoals is how this story went so long without being told.
prettycleverfilmgal19 April 2013
Have you ever heard of Muscle Shoals, Alabama? Let me rephrase the question – have you heard an Aretha Franklin song? Have you ever grooved to Wicked Wilson Pickett's Land of 1000 Dances? Have you ever thought "Yes Percy Sledge, that is EXACTLY what happens when a man loves a woman!" Have you ever driven way to fast while the Rolling Stones' Brown Sugar blasted through your speakers? If you answered yes to any of those questions, then you have heard of Muscle Shoals, Alabama or at least you're heard the Muscle Shoals sound, the subject of the documentary Muscle Shoals from director Greg 'Freddy' Camalier.
In the interest of full disclosure, these are my people ya'll! I grew up just east of Muscle Shoals, also on the banks of the Tennessee River – "The Singing River" to the Native Americans who made their home there for millenia before Rick Hall founded FAME studios. Driven by a need to escape the crushing poverty and overwhelming tragedy that befalls him, Hall is the central figure in the story of the famed "Muscle Shoals sound" – well him and a group of homegrown, white as cotton studio musicians known as the "Swampers". These men shaped what ultimately proved to be some of the finest rock, soul, and R&B America would ever produce.
Music docs can really go either way, depending on such bureaucratic mundanities as rights and clearances. Muscle Shoals is a triumph, though. All personal bias aside, present day interviews with music luminaries, expertly deployed found footage and stills, and the greatest soundtrack a movie could hope for, all make Muscle Shoals one of the finest music documentaries you'll ever see. Let the participation of such bright lights as Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Bono, Jerry Wexler, Percy Sledge, Alicia Keys, Gregg Allman, Clarence Carter, and Etta James serve as a testament to the enduring magic that is Muscle Shoals, FAME studios, and that greasy, soulful sound. The only puzzling thing about Muscle Shoals is how this story went so long without being told.
In the interest of full disclosure, these are my people ya'll! I grew up just east of Muscle Shoals, also on the banks of the Tennessee River – "The Singing River" to the Native Americans who made their home there for millenia before Rick Hall founded FAME studios. Driven by a need to escape the crushing poverty and overwhelming tragedy that befalls him, Hall is the central figure in the story of the famed "Muscle Shoals sound" – well him and a group of homegrown, white as cotton studio musicians known as the "Swampers". These men shaped what ultimately proved to be some of the finest rock, soul, and R&B America would ever produce.
Music docs can really go either way, depending on such bureaucratic mundanities as rights and clearances. Muscle Shoals is a triumph, though. All personal bias aside, present day interviews with music luminaries, expertly deployed found footage and stills, and the greatest soundtrack a movie could hope for, all make Muscle Shoals one of the finest music documentaries you'll ever see. Let the participation of such bright lights as Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Bono, Jerry Wexler, Percy Sledge, Alicia Keys, Gregg Allman, Clarence Carter, and Etta James serve as a testament to the enduring magic that is Muscle Shoals, FAME studios, and that greasy, soulful sound. The only puzzling thing about Muscle Shoals is how this story went so long without being told.
Entertaining, thought-provoking, and fun.
yorkhouse-11 March 2013
I just saw this at the George Lindsey Film Festival in Florence, Alabama -- right across the Tennessee River from Muscle Shoals. I rarely give 10/10 but this film is a gem. Photography, editing, sound values, emotional through lines, entertainment value -- this film has it all. Lots of great interviews and a kaleidoscope of personal memories from great entertainers, as well -- including Mick Jagger, Aretha Franklin, Wilson Picket, and Alicia Keys, to name just a few. This film pulls you in and puts you there, back when a handful of friends got together and made music history in their own back yards. You'll be amazed at how many number one hits came out of humble little Muscle Shoals.
Not what I expected, but quite good nonetheless
mskarpelos27 November 2013
I always loved listening to the great albums recorded at the two Muscle Shoals studios, so I looked forward to seeing this documentary in the hopes of learning what exactly made the Muscle Shoals sound so distinctive.
Unfortunately, I think the musicians interviewed couldn't really explain what it was that made Muscle Shoals so special from a technical perspective. Bono, as always, was quite articulate, but he didn't offer anything technical. He instead talked philosophically about the power of the Tennessee River just as the Mississippi influenced the Blues. Most of the other musicians fell back on platitudes and clichés about funky white guys. Keith Richards was beyond hopeless as an interviewee. He seemed like he was doing a really bad Saturday Night Live impersonation of himself.
Don't get me wrong. The stories were entertaining. I particularly liked Greg Allman's story about how his brother Duane learned to play the slide guitar and Wilson Picket's story about the first time he came to Muscle Shoals. I also thought the documentary did a good job telling the history of the original FAME studio as well as the second studio started by the so-called "Swampers".
Nevertheless, I think at least one interview segment with a Rock historian or a musicologist to put everything in context and offer technical explanations would have been a great addition.
Finally, although it's clear that the Muscle Shoals musicians were far ahead of their fellow southerners on the issue of race, and the film rightly showcased this, it also showed clips of Lynyrd Skynyrd in concert proudly displaying a confederate flag. Displaying a confederate flag in 2013 is beyond bad taste. It's simply unacceptable.
Unfortunately, I think the musicians interviewed couldn't really explain what it was that made Muscle Shoals so special from a technical perspective. Bono, as always, was quite articulate, but he didn't offer anything technical. He instead talked philosophically about the power of the Tennessee River just as the Mississippi influenced the Blues. Most of the other musicians fell back on platitudes and clichés about funky white guys. Keith Richards was beyond hopeless as an interviewee. He seemed like he was doing a really bad Saturday Night Live impersonation of himself.
Don't get me wrong. The stories were entertaining. I particularly liked Greg Allman's story about how his brother Duane learned to play the slide guitar and Wilson Picket's story about the first time he came to Muscle Shoals. I also thought the documentary did a good job telling the history of the original FAME studio as well as the second studio started by the so-called "Swampers".
Nevertheless, I think at least one interview segment with a Rock historian or a musicologist to put everything in context and offer technical explanations would have been a great addition.
Finally, although it's clear that the Muscle Shoals musicians were far ahead of their fellow southerners on the issue of race, and the film rightly showcased this, it also showed clips of Lynyrd Skynyrd in concert proudly displaying a confederate flag. Displaying a confederate flag in 2013 is beyond bad taste. It's simply unacceptable.
Fantastic - must see for a music lover
r-remmers18 October 2013
OK, I plead guilty to living within a stones throw of the subject of this movie.
If you are a fan of the music that started out in the '60s in this country, this is a must see. It gives you an insight into how the music we listen to has come into being. From the roots in the blues and R&B morphing into Rock and Roll. You may find something out about your favorite songs that you never knew.
The setting for the interviews focuses you on the person speaking. There are some amazing images in the film. In some ways it shows the area in an almost idyllic frame. The historical footage is worth the ticket price alone.
Bonus points if you actually recognize the unnamed blues legend show while they talk about Sam Phillips. If you are going to create a list of must see movies about music and musicians, this will be on the short list.
If you are a fan of the music that started out in the '60s in this country, this is a must see. It gives you an insight into how the music we listen to has come into being. From the roots in the blues and R&B morphing into Rock and Roll. You may find something out about your favorite songs that you never knew.
The setting for the interviews focuses you on the person speaking. There are some amazing images in the film. In some ways it shows the area in an almost idyllic frame. The historical footage is worth the ticket price alone.
Bonus points if you actually recognize the unnamed blues legend show while they talk about Sam Phillips. If you are going to create a list of must see movies about music and musicians, this will be on the short list.
Documentary Celebrating the Rise and Rise of Rick Hall, Founder of Fame Studios
l_rawjalaurence11 June 2014
This documentary celebrates the work of Rick Hall, who grew up in poverty but who eventually became the force behind the Muscle Shoals operation, that continues to this day in Alabama. From a personal point of view, Hall's life has been touched by tragedy; his mother left him, his father died in a tractor accident and a brother was scalded to death. But this has been offset by his energy and sheer entrepreneurial skill in creating Fame Studios. Greg 'Freddy' Camalier's film is full of insights - the fact that most of the backing tracks on some of the classic soul works recorded at Fame (by Wilson Pickett, Percy Sledge and Aretha Franklin were provided by a Caucasian group, who later left Hall to found their own recording studio close by to Hall's. We also learn how Muscle Shoals became a magnet for groups worldwide including the Rolling Stones and Traffic. The ambiance might appear unprepossessing, the facilities somewhat rudimentary; but the sound quality and technical support available there was second to none. This is chiefly down to Hall's influence; he comes across as someone driven by the need for success, much of which he has achieved over five decades. The only criticism of MUSCLE SHOALS is structural: director Camalier interweaves past and present narratives in such a way as to make it difficult to distinguish between them, especially if viewers are unfamiliar with the music being discussed. Perhaps there might have been a case for cutting down on the number of celebrity reminiscences (which tend to be superficial at best) and introducing a narrator to offer some sort of guidance to the uninitiated.
A must-see documentary about my hometown
GirlRaisedintheSouth15 January 2014
Yes, I grew up in itty bitty Muscle Shoals, Alabama. I was born there in 1965 and spent the first 23 years of my life there. I lived three blocks from FAME studios, went to school with Rick Hall's sons and the son and daughter of Jimmy Johnson, one of the Swampers and founders of Muscle Shoals Sound. I did all of that and I still had NO idea of the monumental and historic events that were happening in my little town. When I watched this film for the first time, sitting in the sold out auditorium of our local university, I was blown away. I saw a special side of my hometown I never knew existed and gained a new respect and pride in my association with it. For years the welcome sign at our city limits proclaimed "Welcome to Muscle Shoals - The Hit Recording Capital of the World". Forty-eight years later, thanks to Mr. Camalier and his wonderful documentary, I finally have a full and complete understanding of what that sign meant. If you are a music lover, this film is a must-see, if only for the interviews with mega-artists such as Bono, Greg Allman, Wilson Pickett, Aretha Franklin, Mick Jagger, and Keith Richards, as they reminisce about their time spent in Muscle Shoals. But it is also a must-see for anyone who wants an honest-to-God, rags to riches story filled with love, loss, shame, anger, redemption, and lifelong friendships. This film isn't just about my hometown and the amazing music made there. It's also about one man's vision and how the bringing to life of that vision has profoundly influenced, and is still influencing, the world in a very special way.
A fascinating subject
proud_luddite23 September 2019
The subject of this documentary is the musical recording history in Muscle Shoals, Alabama - a very small town near the scenic Tennessee River. This very unlikely location for recording some of the biggest stars of the 1960s and 1970s was believed to have a special musical energy where the recording sound was believed to be better than those in major centres like New York, London, and Los Angeles.
Some of the great artist interviewees include Aretha Franklin, Mick Jagger, and Keith Richards. There is also superb film footage of artists recording during the beginnings and heights of their careers.
Some of the best interviews are those with Rick Hall, a producer who was responsible for many of the recordings. His most moving recollections include his tragic childhood, the conflicts and successes of his career, and the absence of racism within the recording studios despite its strong presence outside of it.
In addition to being a fine documentary, the audioplay of the recordings of the time, especially the soul music, are worth the admission price.
Some of the great artist interviewees include Aretha Franklin, Mick Jagger, and Keith Richards. There is also superb film footage of artists recording during the beginnings and heights of their careers.
Some of the best interviews are those with Rick Hall, a producer who was responsible for many of the recordings. His most moving recollections include his tragic childhood, the conflicts and successes of his career, and the absence of racism within the recording studios despite its strong presence outside of it.
In addition to being a fine documentary, the audioplay of the recordings of the time, especially the soul music, are worth the admission price.
Racist drop of oil spoiling a big barrel of honey
romath25 February 2014
Early in Muscle Shoals the point is made by all concerned that Rick Hall's studio was color blind, just top quality musicians producing top quality music. A true haven in the 1960s South. But then the Swampers go off to form their own studio in town and along the way pick up and then lose Lynyrd Skynyrd (until after the plane crash). Yet, nothing is even mentioned in passing about the racist substance of the band's music or their presentation as defenders of segregation and, in effect, the Slave South. Director Greg "Freddy" Camalier might have gotten away with that as a simple presentation of musical history were it not for his choice to end the movie, to celebrate Muscle Shoals and all it had accomplished, by using Lynryd Skynyrd's openly racist "Sweet Home Alabama," along with another showing of the Confederate flag behind them, which was their standard practice. Talk about taking a dump on your own movie.
Worth seeing just so you can hear the music!
planktonrules17 January 2015
I liked "Muscle Shoals" for many reasons but the biggest one is that it taught me a lot about something I knew absolutely nothing about, as I'd never heard of the famed 'Muscle Shoals'. However, there's more to the film than that--it is quite interesting, has some surprisingly big name musicians who gave interviews (such as members of the Rolling Stones, Bono and some great R&B legends) and terrific music! So, unless you absolutely hate R&B, the blues and rock (and I know that there at least three of you out there), there is plenty that you'll enjoy about this one and it's worth seeing--as well as well made.
By the way, I have no idea why but this film, the Oscar-winning "20 Feet From Stardom" and "Sound City" all came out at about the same time---and ALL are very similar. So, if you like one, you probably would like to see the rest!
By the way, I have no idea why but this film, the Oscar-winning "20 Feet From Stardom" and "Sound City" all came out at about the same time---and ALL are very similar. So, if you like one, you probably would like to see the rest!
I'm one of the ten out of ten guys...maybe for a surprising reason.
tomgoblin-446204 November 2021
Heard this music on the radio when I was a kid in the late fifties and sixties. Wasn't my style but I could welcome hearing it. By the late sixties I'd shifted on to acid rock and progressive rock. So, why am I giving it a ten?
This, IMHO, is the best documentary I've seen in 2021 although it was produced earlier.
Why? Why did it bring me to tears? When I never bought the records (other than Simon and Garfunkel)?
It's because it captures so much of the spirit of creating music. Unique in its power and humanity. I commend it to anyone that like music OF ANY STYLE.
PS Anyone that enjoyed this should see "Whiplash".
You won't regret it.
This, IMHO, is the best documentary I've seen in 2021 although it was produced earlier.
Why? Why did it bring me to tears? When I never bought the records (other than Simon and Garfunkel)?
It's because it captures so much of the spirit of creating music. Unique in its power and humanity. I commend it to anyone that like music OF ANY STYLE.
PS Anyone that enjoyed this should see "Whiplash".
You won't regret it.
AND A ONE & A TWO...!
masonfisk5 July 2018
Muscle Shoals is a good companion piece to Standing in the Shadows of Motown, both docs detail the unsung heroes who played on most of the songs we have come to know & love at some point in our lives. It details the ins & outs of what made the studio what it is by the hard scrabble direction of its owner & the various artists who came to record there & their memories on what made that studio so special. A nice piece of work.
I thought I knew a lot about American Music
richardpmorgan12 January 2022
This is an important documentary if you have any interest in American Music. Well done and more information than you can believe. Musicians, songwriters and singers along with engineers and producers, tell how some of the greatest records of the past 60 years came to be.
Muscle Shoals - brief
user-142-63262529 October 2014
Elusive documentary about famed Alabama studios, mother lode of Southern swamp 'n Delta blues. Lots of music clips, as well as recollections / thoughts from Jagger, Richards, Bono, Aretha, Pickett, Sledge, Wexler. Also the original Swampers and FAME studio chief, Rick Hall. After awhile, every time Hall started talking, we braced for the next tragedy: Ma, brother, wife, Pa, one by one the Reaper picked 'em off. Kept waiting for Old Shep to buy it. FAME began to dry up in the 70s, barely mentioned in doc. The Swampers' Muscle Shoals Sound Studio was sold in '85, likewise a scant mention. Incredible amount of hits referenced - "When A Man Loves A Woman" "Land Of 1000 Dances" "Brown Sugar" "Main Street" "Kodachrome" "Respect" "Patches" "Tell Mama" "Mustang Sally" and "Sweet Home Alabama" Highly entertaining, perhaps depending on your age and memories.
Quality production of the story behind some of the world's best-loved music
fishermensmell16 January 2021
I have a fairly broad taste in music, so enjoy watching music documentaries and went into this knowing little-to-nothing about Muscle Shoals or the two recording studios this film focuses on. With that in mind, I can't say how accurate the film was, or how much of the story was covered or omitted, but I can say that I was thoroughly engrossed by what was presented here and in awe of all of the amazing classic songs that were recorded in Muscle Shoals. Just hearing the fantastic soundtrack is enough to make this an enjoyable watch for any music lover and the photography and editing is excellent.
There was some tragedy in the story, and some element of conflict (such as when the studio players split from FAME studios and formed their own Muscle Shoals Sound Studio) but wisely the film concentrates on the music and the inspiring story of Rick Hall's rags-to-riches success and his work ethic, attitudes and musical philosophy.
If there's any weakness, it's some of the interviewees who trot out some fairly predictable platitudes: among them the tired/borderline racist "how could all that music be played by white guys!?" 'Cos, you know, white people have no soul or rhythm.
Ultimately, I was left wanting to know more, which is a good sign, although I think the film could have tried to get a bit more under the skin of what were the specific elements that resulted in this music coming out of this city, instead of pursuing a vague spiritual narrative of there just being "something in the water". Yes, there had to be some magic, and as romantic/poetic as that is, more robust information about the business side of just how Rick set up the studio, sold his first recordings etc. would have been great.
All in all a great documentary. Any music fan should enjoy this, but of course you don't need to be a music fan because at it's heart it's a fairy tale of achieving one's dreams through hard work, determination and a little bit of sacrifice.
There was some tragedy in the story, and some element of conflict (such as when the studio players split from FAME studios and formed their own Muscle Shoals Sound Studio) but wisely the film concentrates on the music and the inspiring story of Rick Hall's rags-to-riches success and his work ethic, attitudes and musical philosophy.
If there's any weakness, it's some of the interviewees who trot out some fairly predictable platitudes: among them the tired/borderline racist "how could all that music be played by white guys!?" 'Cos, you know, white people have no soul or rhythm.
Ultimately, I was left wanting to know more, which is a good sign, although I think the film could have tried to get a bit more under the skin of what were the specific elements that resulted in this music coming out of this city, instead of pursuing a vague spiritual narrative of there just being "something in the water". Yes, there had to be some magic, and as romantic/poetic as that is, more robust information about the business side of just how Rick set up the studio, sold his first recordings etc. would have been great.
All in all a great documentary. Any music fan should enjoy this, but of course you don't need to be a music fan because at it's heart it's a fairy tale of achieving one's dreams through hard work, determination and a little bit of sacrifice.
Great movie, but ...
drmak7239925 February 2014
You show that Jimmy Buffett recorded Coconut Telegraph there. He is by far the biggest name artist on your list. And then nothing, nada. Not one mention. However, did greatly enjoy all about the Allman Brothers. Always loved them also. But thought this movie could have been given a HUGE boost with a big name artist like Buffett. Coconut Telegraph by the way was another one of his great productions. And what's all this bull about needing at least ten lines of text. Really. I kinda like brevity myself. And what's wrong with nada. I think that's a wonderful word. I consider having to pad this review with senseless nonsense as a great waste of time. I said all I had to say in three lines.
What a wonderful surprise
dklecan27 April 2014
Stumbled on this film on PBS last nite. Incredible. I had no idea that this place had such an influence on the music I grew up with. Seems like they produced the best music in the late 20th century, from Aretha and Rolling Stones all the way Bono and Alicia Keys.
Would be wonderful to visit that area of the U.S....except for the bugs. LOL. Just watching all those rivers, legs, ponds, all I could think of was mosquitoes. LOL. Anyway the story of Rick Halls is not to be missed. His horrendous background and "pulling up the bootstrap" life makes for a terrific story not counting his strict work ethic , "diversity embracing" and meticulous approach to music making.
Would be wonderful to visit that area of the U.S....except for the bugs. LOL. Just watching all those rivers, legs, ponds, all I could think of was mosquitoes. LOL. Anyway the story of Rick Halls is not to be missed. His horrendous background and "pulling up the bootstrap" life makes for a terrific story not counting his strict work ethic , "diversity embracing" and meticulous approach to music making.
A Remarkable Story and an Excellent Documentary
warrenslist25 October 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Fabulous.
Quite different from Standing In The Shadows of Motown and The Wrecking Crew. To me, THEIR weakness was that the person responsible for creating them was missing.
Berry Gordy created The Funk Brothers. Phil Spector created The Wrecking Crew.
Each was AWOL in the documentary about their creation.
Rick Hall created Fame Studio in Muscles Shoals Alabama. The Documentary is, essentially, about him. As it should be. And even after Jerry Wexler and Atlantic Records tried to destroy Hall by spiriting away his musicians to record in NYC and, later, building a studio for them in Muscle Shoals.......Rick Hall simply put together another group of musicians, without missing a beat......(pun intended)....and took The Legend of Muscle Shoals to The Next Level.
The good news about that? The Muscle Shoals musicians are good friends today. They appreciate that the competition made each other better and Muscle Shoals as a destination....stronger.
The Motown Documentary is about a "sound". The Wrecking Crew Documentary is about "Musicianship". Muscle Shoals is about a "Groove."
A Groove that created Aretha Franklin where others had failed. A Groove that created The Allman Brothers where others had given up. A Groove that "rebooted" the careers of The Rolling Stones and other established "superstars".
It's a remarkable story and an excellent documentary. Don't miss it.
Quite different from Standing In The Shadows of Motown and The Wrecking Crew. To me, THEIR weakness was that the person responsible for creating them was missing.
Berry Gordy created The Funk Brothers. Phil Spector created The Wrecking Crew.
Each was AWOL in the documentary about their creation.
Rick Hall created Fame Studio in Muscles Shoals Alabama. The Documentary is, essentially, about him. As it should be. And even after Jerry Wexler and Atlantic Records tried to destroy Hall by spiriting away his musicians to record in NYC and, later, building a studio for them in Muscle Shoals.......Rick Hall simply put together another group of musicians, without missing a beat......(pun intended)....and took The Legend of Muscle Shoals to The Next Level.
The good news about that? The Muscle Shoals musicians are good friends today. They appreciate that the competition made each other better and Muscle Shoals as a destination....stronger.
The Motown Documentary is about a "sound". The Wrecking Crew Documentary is about "Musicianship". Muscle Shoals is about a "Groove."
A Groove that created Aretha Franklin where others had failed. A Groove that created The Allman Brothers where others had given up. A Groove that "rebooted" the careers of The Rolling Stones and other established "superstars".
It's a remarkable story and an excellent documentary. Don't miss it.
Muscle Shoals in the Memory
EdgarST27 May 2014
Of the several recent documentaries made about singers, musicians and producers of rhythm and blues, this 2013 production and the Pennebaker-Hegedus film, "Only the Strong Survive", are probably the best. Musically "Standing in the Shadows of Motown" has no equal, for it was conceived as a concert film, a record of a historical reunion of Detroit's jazz musicians known as The Funk Brothers, with guest appearances from great contemporary vocalists, all recorded with care; while "Twenty Feet from Stardom" is surely the weakest, a lost opportunity to make an outstanding documentary, starring some of the best background vocalists of yesterday (and a few from the present), due to an average approach, like an extended television report. Not that "Muscle Shoals" and "Only the Strong Survive" are cinematic masterpieces, but both cover controversial facts surrounding some of their subjects, including producer Rick Hall in the first case, or Sam Moore in the second. Their personalities and stories lift these works from the common place, and help to make them very fine achievements. Hall is indeed a very complex man, from his childhood in poverty, living in the wilderness, to his success as owner of Fame recording studio in Muscle Shoals, the city where Aretha Franklin, Wilson Pickett, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Etta James and many others recorded hits. He omits nothing, revealing dark details from his family and work, and even making reflections about himself that reveal how the shortcomings and rejections he faced led him to achieve success. Due to the format there is fantastic R&B and rock and roll music that unfortunately is not enjoyed in its fullness (from Aretha to Duane Allman, among the many artists that recorded in Muscle Shoals), and very little live, new material, as the outstanding performance by Alicia Keys, several of the original session musicians and a gospel choir. But these are little complaints compared to the joy of seeing at last, a work on the fantastic music produced in those small recording studios in Alabama, and the group known as The Swampers. Don't miss it.
Awesome documentary
sandrajoyceisnt13 July 2015
Very cool documentary! Percy Sledge was very cool! I work in residential care with a very Caring man named Ted; he sings to residents and was amazed at the story of Percy Sledge. I am really touched by Ricks life and all that he had to go through I thought the whole documentary was absolutely amazing, thanks to everyone that told their stories!From the very sad beginning to the amount of problems he faced I feel deeply sorry for him; but he tried and made it through all of life's trials and tribulations! I think Rick is a very strong and determined person. Thanks for sharing the River that always sings" hope to visit it one day!
A must see for any music lover
emritter25 October 2015
Warning: Spoilers
I can't believe I went this long without ever hearing of Muscle Shoals. This film has greatly influenced my appreciation for classic American music. Muscle Shoals directed by Greg Camalier explores the significant impact of Muscle Shoals, a small rundown recording studio in Alabama. Numerous times throughout the film we gain knowledge of the life of Rick Hall, founder of the studio. Hall made a comeback after the death of his wife, devoting his life to the studio and cutting long lasting records. To help make the case, there are multiple appearances of classic old timers such as Mick Jagger, Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Percy Sledge, and Keith Richards. The usage of both old footage of these iconic artists at the studio and present interviews helps the viewer to really imagine what the music scene was like in Muscle Shoals during the era. It's also amazing to hear these singers and musicians, arguably the best of their time, give such high recognition to the studio. Another big focus of the film is the breaking of the racial barrier during the time. I was surprised to learn that classic Motown or soul music recorded in the studio such as Aretha Franklin's "I never loved a man", was recorded with The Swampers, a group young white male musicians. At the end of the day many people learned that the combination of whites and blacks working together was a possibility, and the records are the proof. I recommend this film to anyone who admires the mixed variety of vintage American music between the 1960s and 1980s.
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