It’s Friday. And if you’re still detoxing (like I am) and looking for an excuse to sit on your couch all weekend, check out these great music documentaries, and get ready for some serious Netflix and chill time. –Maya Eslami
Muscle Shoals
directed by Greg “Freddy” Camalier
This wonderful doc pays tribute to FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, highlighting the countless musicians who poured through its doors: Aretha Franklin, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, Percy Sledge, Jimmy Cliff, and so many more.
Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me
directed by Drew DeNicola and Olivia Mori
Filled with archived footage of Lester Bangs, interviews by members of the Flaming Lips and Cheap Trick, and the music that would come to influence countless bands, the film chronicles the wave of misfortune that crippled Big Star’s success. Truly one of the most underrated bands of all time.
Janis: Little Girl Blue
written and directed by Amy J. Berg
I didn’t know anything about Janis Joplin before watching this film, besides her heroin overdoes and being part of the 27 club. This intimate view into the troubled musicians life is incredibly eye opening and heartbreaking, and watching her Monterey Pop performance will never get old.
Lemmy
directed by Wes Orshoski and Greg Olliver
Two words: Lemmy. Motorhead. Watch this.
Tom Petty: Runnin’ Down A Dream
directed by Peter Bogdanovich
Featuring interviews by Johnny Depp, Stevie Nicks, and archived George Harrison footage, this doc will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about Tom Petty, and maybe shed some light on this badass who repeatedly defied record labels in pursuit of his dream.
The Wrecking Crew
directed by Denny Tedesco
“The Wrecking Crew” was a crew of extremely talented LA-based sessions musicians who contributed to an insane amount of albums in the ’60s. This doc unveils their story, and although it’s not as great as I wanted it to be, the footage of the Pet Sounds sessions is worth the watch.
20 Feet From Stardom
directed by Morgan Neville
Winner of the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature, this music doc examines the lives and careers of backup singers, with hilarious interviews by Mick Jagger, Bruce Springsteen, Lou Adler, and more.