I didn’t like Lynyrd Skynyrd back in the 1970s. Their use of the Confederate flag really turned me off (and still does).
However, I reassessed them in the 2010s, thanks to a series of great reissues (with bonus tracks and notes) of their outstanding albums. The music is great. I still don’t know what to think overall.
Lynyrd Skynyrd: Inside the Band’s Complicated History With the South
Fairport Convention – Folk Heroes (2017) is a documentary on the pioneering English band that fused folk and rock music.
I don’t think it’s the greatest album ever but it’s up there. Of Dylan’s albums, I prefer Blonde On Blonde. I don’t think the songs are better but I prefer the subtle Nashville musician backing to the pound it out New York backing on Highway 61.
I recently watched Gram Parsons: Fallen Angel (2004) an outstanding documentary about the late musician. It’s very balanced, showing both points of view about the controversy over his body after his death. It has extensive interviews with musicians who worked with him including Chris Hillman and Parsons’ friend Keith Richards, There are many interviews with his family members who don’t gloss over the problems he and his relatives experienced. There is a fine bonus on the DVD where the director recounts how the film was made over a long period of time.
Also on DVD (which I have but haven’t watched yet) is a film of a tribute concert to Parsons from 2004.
Both films are on YouTube – see the links below.
Sad! 