SXSW 2010: Lennon, Dylan, Neko, Levon

Festivus

Jakob Dylan and Three Legs

The most hectic and exhilarating party of SXSW is on hump day when film and music overlap. The result is an interesting transformation both in appearance (baggy panted Kevin Smith look-alikes give way to skinny jeaned hipsters) and conversation ("What'd you see?" to "What'd you hear?"). Musically, my first highlight was the bio film on Levon Helm Ain't in It for My Health (below). Next was hearing Jakob Dylan's brand new band Three Legs with Neko Case and Kelly Hogan singing backup. It wasn't the greatest room to hear these guys but I was still impressed with the talent and songwriting. Want to hear more. In an interesting juxtaposition that only a rock history hound can truly appreciate, just down the block from where Zimmerman's son was performing was Sean Lennon (John's boy). I missed that show but heard "pleasant" things about his performance. I don't know if Lennon and Dylan ever converse but it would be a hell of a conversation.

Ain't in It for My Health

Levon Helm deserves a rest. From his days as the drummer for one of the most influential musical groups in American history, The Band, to his recent grammy award winning albums the singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has made a lasting impact. But it came at a price. Bankruptcy, drug abuse and throat cancer are just some of the demons that are exposed in the documentary Ain't in It for My Health which made its world premiere at SXSW. Director Jacob Hatley tells the story well by following Helm on the road, on the farm, in his home and to the doctor where he eventually learns that his vocal cords are in dire straits. The film does have its flaws (primarily the use of some poorly lighted footage). But Hatley allows us to bear witness to Helm's life today while at the same time inserting just enough backstory to serve as a foundation to that life. A Band biographer, Helm's current and ex wives, Band member Rick Danko's wife and others fill in the blanks where Helm seems reluctant to speak, his feud with Band member Robbie Robertson being a good example.