Searching for sugarman

[Moose]

A great lost artist story with a happy ending. The Sugarman is the coolest guy and one wonders how far he might have gone if he had the recognition in the 70s.

Strange that he developed such a cult following in South Africa but apparently unheard in the states in the 70s.

I remember when his original hits came out and thought he was very talented but not my preferred style at the time. Much more my style now.

Anybody else like the film?

 

[LeadFinger]

Thanks for the tip; I'll be sure to keep an eye out for it. Unfortunately it's not on Netflix steaming or I'd watch it sooner. I just watched the Muscle Shoals documentary, and it was fantastic.

 

[Norton]

Excellent film. Great records by Rodriguez as well.

If you like sugarman, you'll also dig "beware of mr. Baker". Crazy doc about ginger baker.

 

[sgtbeefheart]

The guy who made the doc about sugarman just commited suicide.

 

[Norton]

Which is a huge bummer.... But it's a fantastic doc. Honest, emotional and moving.

 

[javamagic]

Playing Devil's Advocate here:

Is it possible that Sugarman is just a pretty average singer/songwriter who was overlooked in the '70s because his material is just mundane and outclassed by his contemporaries?

And is it possible that people are raving about him now, having been "rediscovered", because the current music scene has thrown up nothing but derivative and formulaic artists that make his stuff sound better in today's market?

And isn't there a certain amount of bandwagon jumping to go along with the hype of "re-discovering" him after all these years? (I cite Lauren Laverne as an example here! )

 

[sgtbeefheart]

On the nail.

 

[Moose]

Playing Devil's Advocate here:

Is it possible that Sugarman is just a pretty average singer/songwriter who was overlooked in the '70s because his material is just mundane and outclassed by his contemporaries?

And is it possible that people are raving about him now, having been "rediscovered", because the current music scene has thrown up nothing but derivative and formulaic artists that make his stuff sound better in today's market?

And isn't there a certain amount of bandwagon jumping to go along with the hype of "re-discovering" him after all these years? (I cite Lauren Laverne as an example here! )

Each to their own. I find the material interesting, more so now than in the 70s.

Maybe that's got something to do with the quality of material around today :)

 

[Dorian]

I quite liked "Searching for Sugar Man." It is remarkable how recordings allowed the story to cross such different places at different times.

Norton -- Thanks for the suggestion. "Beware of Mr. Baker" was definitely worth watching. Ginger's social skills are limited, but his trek through life is, umm, amazing. Almost as amazing as his drum work.

 

[bwotw]

Remarkable documentary!

I'm a big doc nerd, if you liked "Searching for Sugar Man", be sure to check out films like "The Devil and Daniel Johnston", "Anvil: The Story of Anvil" and "Dig!". Similar music themed docs with a great story and a lot of heart behind.

Even if you don't enjoy the artist's music per se, these are some of the best films released lately of any kind (IMHO, of course! :))

 

[Dorian]

I found a BBC review of Beware of Mr. Baker. The film clip at this url gives a good idea of what the movie is like:

BBC - Culture - New documentary tells the story of drummer Ginger Baker

 

[donepearce]

I found a BBC review of Beware of Mr. Baker. The film clip at this url gives a good idea of what the movie is like:

BBC - Culture - New documentary tells the story of drummer Ginger Baker

Damn. A BBC service which is not available in the UK. WHAT?

 

[Dorian]

A BBC service which is not available in the UK.

Odd. I expect it is intentional. I wonder what the intentions are?

 

[Moose]

I think I've seen the ginger baker doco on cable. I recall him say he wouldn't play with jack Bruce again so the last reunion will probably be the last.

I guess I can live with that. I preferred cream when they played Gibsons anyway.

 

[javamagic]

Perhaps that's why Clapton has announced his retirement from touring? Worn out from keeping Jack and Ginger from beating the crap out of each other!