You See Me Laughin'

This documentary is a must-see for blues fans world-wide. It features many blues artists who would remain virtually unknown outside of their rural areas were it not for the efforts of the good folks at Fat Possum Records. The artists featured include D.L. Burnside, T-model Ford, Asie Payton and others. Pop stars Bono and Iggy Pop make comments about the artists and the genre. This documentary clearly shows that the blues musicians featured have truly "paid their dues". Unfortunately some of them have since passed away. This well-produced documentary keeps their music alive for others to appreciate.

If there is one downside it would be that one does not get to hear the featured songs in their entirety. According to the documentary a sound track is available through Fat Possum Records. And watching the documentary will surely cause you to visit your local blues purveyor to purchase some works by the fine artists shown.

Sure the movie is a little rough and crude but the subject matter is too. Gritty, real, blues men in their own words.

The lay out their lives without blinking, tales of abuse, a killing or two, hard times and real love. You get to see these people, warts and all and hear them play the music their lives have created. They come out as complete pictures of complex human beings - not all good, not all bad just real people doing what they need to to get by.

The filmmakers and the record people are white, it appears that they deal fairly with the musicians and that this fairness eventually has gotten their subjects to be very open.

Great music! If you enjoy the blues you really have to see this film. If you aren't sure see the film it should make a believer out of you.