* * * 1/2
Ah, to live in LA’s Laurel Canyon between 1965 and 1967, hang out with The Byrds and Buffalo Springfield, smoke reefer, and make gorgeous, melodic folk rock that went on to become known as the “West Coast Sound.” Bliss.
Some people actually got to do that – notably, the musicians in The Byrds and Buffalo Springfield – and this extremely joyous jaunt through their memories is guided by Jakob Dylan (yes, son of Bob), whose extremely laid-back charisma suits the hazy, happy memories of these very wealthy hippies very well.
Less successful are the numerous cover versions of some of the era’s legendary songs, performed by Dylan and a ragtag band – including Beck, Regina Spektor, Cat Power and Fiona Apple – at the Hollywood Bowl in 2015. Even less successful are strange shots of Dylan, Beck, Spektor and Power hanging out at a house in Laurel Canyon simply chatting about the era (which was, of course, in so many ways, their parents’ era). Beck looks like a stunned mullet, but I think that’s how he always looks. Dylan lounges coolly and lets the others, particularly Spektor, sound a little immature in their appreciation of one of the singular moments and movements in modern musical history.
But the interviews with all the players – and Dylan’s clearly got a powerful rolodex – make the film. A whole lot of talent is cheerily on camera and delightfully frank. Michelle Philips, Roger McGuinn, Eric Clapton, David Crosby, Tom Petty, Jackson Browne, Ringo Starr, Brian Wilson (!), Graham Nash and Stephen Stills all let their hair down with the grace of those who know their impact is for the ages and have nothing left to prove nor hide. They’ve got great stories, and collectively, they’re just a great hang.
Available in Australia on digital and on-demand from August 5, 2020.