Mission Of Burma are one of my top favorite bands, and one of the best bands I've seen live, but it took me a little while to get around to watching Not A Photograph. It documents the resurrection of Mission of Burma in 2002, as well as their birth and early days in the 1978-83 Boston.
Anyone with even a passing interest in truly seminal post-punk should definitely check out the documentary (NetFlix has it). There's some really good archival gig footage and footage of the first reunion shows in January 2002, and interviews reveal Roger Miller, Clint Conley, and Peter Prescott to be humble, sensible people. Above all, you get an invaluable behind-the-scenes look at MoB's spirit of musical exploration and how they developed their innovative song structures, guitar work, and the use of tape loops in this kind of music.
Peter Prescott comes across as a particularly sympathetic figure. At one point he says: "I just hate the idea of people resting on their laurels." After the first hugely successful reunion gigs, he reflects on the fruits of MoB's musical accomplishments that "I spent a long time getting less than I thought I deserved, now I think I may be getting much more than I deserve. And ... getting much more than you deserve ... that's just not right." It's then a real kicker at the end of the film to see him visibly moved, almost in tears, behind his drums when the band tears through "Academy Fight Song" at a January 2002 show at Irving Plaza.
Clint Conley's head below takes you to a trailer for the film:
My Trusted MOGs
Hey looks cool. Didn't know about this. Have to put it in the queue. Thanks.
My Trusted MOGs
I am just dying to check this vid out. Even commented so a few days ago.
Back in Sept of last year NPR's Here and Now did an interview with Clint Conley and Eran Lobel (producer of Not a Photograph), it really highlights their absolute ordinary - ness. Great insight into the spirit of punk rock and its unknown consequences.
I am not sure which link will get you there but here is what I found. You need Real Player or something that plays those file to hear it.
http://realserver.bu.edu:8080/ramgen/w/b/wbur/herenow/2006/09/hn_0906.rm?start=34:40
http://www.here-now.org/shows/2006/09/20060906_17.asp
One of them should work.
Still a great fan of Millers and Prescott's, I have been meaning to post some Volcano Suns, now is a good time. Any requests?
If only I could find "Birdsongs" I will try to get that up also.
Thanks 1234.
My Trusted MOGs
Always heard of them, never listened TO them. The movie looks inspiring.
My Trusted MOGs
The trailer looks really good, I'll add it to the queue.
My Trusted MOGs
Brilliant band indeed; love Mission Of Burma! Can hardly wait to view the Not A Photograph doc - a most excellent post; merci!