"Documentaries about golden-oldie music feature 'The Beach Boys'"
Two new documentaries are joining the long list of music-themed productions recently released by streaming platforms. "The Beach Boys" pays homage to the iconic band that brought the surf sound to the world, while "Stax: Soulsville USA" looks back on the Memphis music label responsible for launching the careers of Otis Redding and Isaac Hayes.
These new projects follow in the footsteps of "The Beatles: Get Back" and Peter Jackson's restoration of "Let It Be" on Disney+, as well as "Paul Simon: In Restless Dreams" on MGM+ and Netflix's "The Greatest Night in Pop," focusing on the recording of "We Are the World." Other recent releases in the genre include "Thank You, Good Night – The Bon Jovi Story" on Hulu, and an upcoming Cyndi Lauper documentary, "Let the Canary Sing," on Paramount+.
Although advertisers have traditionally targeted younger audiences, streaming services also rely on subscriptions, making older viewers' money equally valuable. These documentaries also give existing fans a fresh perspective on these iconic artists, while introducing their music to younger generations.
"The Beach Boys" stands out as an ideal companion to Disney+'s Beatles catalog, as the two bands often challenged and inspired each other throughout their careers. Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys' troubled genius, found inspiration in the Beatles' creative genius, while McCartney praised Pet Sounds as a masterpiece.
Directors Frank Marshall (of "The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart" fame) and Thom Zimny (a frequent collaborator with Bruce Springsteen, including "Letter to You") tell the Beach Boys' story through interviews with surviving members and contributions from other musicians.
Janelle Monae recalls being deeply affected by "God Only Knows," while Lindsey Buckingham discusses the creative tension between Wilson's artistic vision and the commercial pressures of a record label that didn't always understand them.
"The Beach Boys" highlights more than just the band's sunny image – Mitchell Langrady's film examines their internal conflicts, including Dennis Wilson's friendship with Charles Manson and the effects of the Vietnam War.
Meanwhile, "Stax: Soulsville USA," which premiered earlier this week on HBO, tells the story of the label that overcame segregation and racism to become a hub of soul music. The documentary also covers the Oscar campaign for Isaac Hayes' "Shaft" theme, which made Hayes the first Black songwriter to win an Academy Award.
Both "The Beach Boys" and "Stax" offer a mix of happy memories and somber moments, shedding light on the challenging period in which these artists rose to fame. Similar documentaries in the past, like "Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road," have helped keep the music of the '60s and '70s alive.
The Beach Boys documentary is set to premiere on Disney+ on May 24.
Stax: Soulsville USA can be watched on HBO and Max, which are part of Warner Bros. Discovery.
With streaming platforms making the exploration of '60s and '70s music more accessible, productions like these only add to the experience.
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Source: edition.cnn.com
