Absolutely wonderful. One of the best music documentaries I've ever seen. A worthy tribute to an incredible band and the difficult project that was undertaken.
Just a few notes that came to mind whilst watching the documentary:
1) Wonderful to see Disorder played in the studio, however short this clip was.
2) I wonder why the archive footage (Granada Reports, The Perfect Kiss video, Blue Monday 1988 video etc.) was so poor. Surely they could've sourced higher quality clips? The Shadowplay footage was in a terrible state, quality-wise. It looked like it had been taken off the 'Substance 1977-1988' promo video that's been bootlegged numerous times.
3) Nice to see Bernard with a Gibson Les Paul Special 'Double-Cut' in the studio, as well as his usual SG. I don't think I've seen him play one since about 1982.
4) The interviews / footage with the students were great. Really interesting to see the process for the project and also to see how this band are still affecting young people today.
5) Steve being Steve. What a joy the guy is. Charming, witty and wonderful to hear him talk about the project. I seriously can't wait to read his book. Hopefully it doesn't get delayed any further.
6) Bernard being thoughtful enough to mention other people's significant contribution to the band - Tom coming into his own on Music Complete, most of the hard-work of the project being done by Steve etc. Hooky has portrayed Barney as a bit of a prima donna / glory-hunter in his books. To me, he never comes across as such in interviews; always willing to give credit to the other members of the band. Which brings me nicely onto -
7) Hooky's presence, or lack there of. As the documentary was on the 'So It Goes' gigs, it was relatively easy to side-step the Viking elephant in the room. However, it was very nice to hear Sumner's (genuine) praise for the 'previous Bass'. 'Great', according to Sumner. Yes, it was. Truly.
8) Although the choice of tracks played was great, I'd have loved to hear some of the more guitary ones (Dream Attack etc.). Also, Barney needs a guitar hung around his neck. If only to stop him doing that 'Jamiroquai dance thing' he seems to have introduced into his performances.
9) Barney's vocals sounded pretty great throughout.
10) 'Decades' (the song) was awesome. A truly memorable way to end both the gigs and the documentary.
Anyway, those were some of my thoughts. I may post others once I've had time to digest.
A magnificent documentary and one that I'm hoping gets an official Blu-Ray release. It needs to be properly preserved.
With any luck, if they do release it, they'll include either an extended cut and/or the full gig as an extra. Fingers crossed.