Customer Reviews

Chase the Devil: Religious Music of the Appalachians [VHS]

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The Beats Of The Heart series is about the most amzing musical cultural series I have ever seen. The only dissappointment is if one expects a concert DVD. This series goes into more depth in the cultural history and economic struggles of people than the musical elements. It is still filled with music however, and music that you otherwise may never really hear. This is not the produced, commercial version, this is the real people and their music. Chase The Devil specifically was one of the best in the series and pulls no punches in describing the harsh reality of a dissappearing traditional way of life in America. I only wish the whole series could be available at a discount in a package bundle on fewer discs.

This was a great find, as I had a copy on vhs from a tv broadcast. This digital remaster is exceptional and the price was fantastic.

I haven't seen all the "Beats of the Heart" titles yet, but 9 of the 10 I have seen have been simply incredible. British filmmaker Jeremy Marre adroitly explores the social issues surrounding excellent local music all over the word (Brazil, India, Nigeria, Columbia, and many more), and backs them up with gorgeous cinematography and a wide variety of terrific live music performances. Another reviewer on this page does a great job of describing the quality of the series.

Unfortunately, I disagree with that review in one important detail, which is that I think this particular title is quite bad. First of all, the music is spotty - many weaker performances and included and many types of rural gospel music are unrepresented. Given the incredibly rich variety of excellent music to choose from in the Appalachians, this is very disappointing. Secondly, the sensitivity that Marre usually demonstrates for the people he films is inexplicably lacking here; instead of the usual interesting interviews, lots of time is spent with foolish and deluded commentors. Last, the stunning visuals that mark the series and give you that "you are here" feeling are mostly lacking here.

In short: unlike any of the other titles I've seen in this great series, "Chase the Devil" really feels poorly executed and condescending towards its subjects. Though I've been working towards owning all the dvds in this series, I'm actually selling this one because I can't imagine wanting to see it again.

My advice is to see ANY of the other titles in this series!

If you were not a bluegrass fan before, this dvd will turn you off for good. There were only a couple of moments that showed the people of their time that was truly informative...the rest was too over the top and repetitious...don't waste your money on this one....Down from the Mountain & Gather at the River were much more enjoyable