A Good DVD is(n't) Easy to Kill

BEULAH

'A Good Band is Easy to Kill'

I've posted up on this DVD twice before, but hadn't gotten around to actually watching and/or reviewing it until now. I would have just posted an update or something, but this turned out to be a really fun DVD and worthwhile delving into a little further.

For me, Beulah is one of those truly great indie bands you get turned onto...only to have them ride off into the sunset. Luckily, as I think I mentioned before, I did get a chance to see them play one of their last gigs in Chicago on their 'farewell' tour. Rumors of an impending breakup followed the band for years before it actually happened last year. This DVD chronicles the band on it's tour prior, but it really does serve as a precursor to the band's demise.

I enjoyed this documentary immensely, for a few reasons:

• It's cool to see what I find one of the most unnderated bands (indies or otherwise) EVER, captured on film.
• Tons of live footage, in the actual film and full performances included as extras (high-quality and lo-fi).
• What i'm guessing is an accurate representation of what life on the road is really like.
• Great insight to the 'indie' scene, following a band and music in general.

As far as the 'life on the road' part, in Beulah's case, it's both frustrating and funnier than hell. Flat tires, weird venues, loss of voice, messed up sound...it's all there. Also there, is what seems to be a bunch of guys having a lot of fun w/ the whole thing (both the journey and the gigs themselves). Good stuff.

More interestingly, is band co-founder Miles Kurosky's views on the music business and the downside that comes along w/ the 'indie' label. He disses everybody from the Elephant Six collective they (unwittingly) started out being a part of to Bob Dylan (a truly classic bit of film in the opening sequence). This is a guy who wanted something bigger for the band he's put his life into and it never really quite happened.

Kurosky's final 'carpe diem' thoughts on seeing bands you love before they go away are so fitting. Beulah is a perfect example of one of those bands people get into too late and then kick themselves for never seeing them live when they had the chance...words to live by. While this DVD serves as a saving grace for those who missed the boat, opportunities like it don't happen too often for bands of similar ilk. That indie band you love today, could be a fleeting memory tomorrow...

If you missed it the last two times, check out the trailer HERE. Good stuff.