A film about the creation and development of Alabama’s “Muscle Shoals sound”, this is an affectionate and informative documentary about the origins of the “Muscle Shoals Sound” (the “river which sings” holds the key, according to many of the local contributors) and the legacy of its success.
It uses the creator and driving force of the original Fame Studios, Rick Hall, as its fulcrum, but also gives plenty of space to the great house band who eventually became known as the ‘Swampers’ and who provided the backbeat for the likes of Aretha, Wilson Pickett, Clarence Carter, Arthur Alexander, Percy Sledge and so very many more.
The talking heads by and large provided one or two interesting anecdotes (Keith Richard is always value and was on the money about the music itself) but why anyone still things Bono has anything useful to say is beyond me – just what has U2’s sterile stadium friendly rubbish got in common with the R&B magic created here. Using the often tragic Rick Hall personal back story as a centre point was a great idea. Special mention also for the cinematography and photography, which immediately made you want to make this Alabama heartland your next port of call. Definitely a must see for anyone who has ever appreciated listening to ‘When A Man Loves A Woman’, ‘Respect’, ‘Mustang Sally’ or any other R&B and soul gems that came out of this rural Alabama town.