Customer Reviews

Only the Strong Survive - A Celebration of Soul

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

"Only the Strong Survive" features the late Rufus Thomas, daughter Carla Thomas, Mary Wilson, the incredible and incorrigible Wilson Pickett, Jerry Butler, Ann Peebles, The Chi-Lites, Isaac Hayes, and the man I first fell in love with when I was seven, Sam Moore, who used to be half of the group Sam & Dave. This isn't documentary storytelling like "Standing in the Shadows of Motown", but don't let anyone tell you it's not as good! For me, these were the people that infused my soul from babyhood, and at various times I found myself talking to the TV, restless, and totally caught up in the music.

I have to correct the editorial, Eugene Record wasn't with the group in this film, and hasn't been with the group for about fifteen years. He seems to be happy in gospel music these days. But as far as the Chi-Lites go, I wish they could have done "We Are Neighbors (whether we want to be or not)" It's a song the world needs to hear right now, next to "Power to the People".

The one standout performance for me was of course Sam's; his story is alternately tragic and uplifting, and as far as his performance goes, Jesus Christ, by the time he'd finished I was almost crying. I knew the song instantly, and it was as if thirty-five years hadn't gone by at all.

Let me say first that the performances themselves of the artists presented here are unianimously fantastic, and deserve repeated viewing. If you are a fan of soul music, and want to see the talented singers doing their great shows still somewhere before the excited audiences, this film is for you. And I really enjoyed the music part of the film.

Unfortunately, very few archive footages are used, and there is no James, Smokey, or Aretha. But the live performances (mainly from the year 1999-2000) are all wonderful. The artists recorded here include, Jerry Butler, The Chi-Lites, Isaac Hayes, Sam Moore, Ann Pebbles, Carla Thomas, Rufus Thomas, Wilson Pickett, and Mary Wilson. They all sing one song or two before the very lucky audiences.

But you may ask me, Why three stars. Oh, it's because of the directors, who do not show the due respect to the history of the soul music itself. D. A. Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus do not know which they want to make, documentary or live music recording. It seems (and probably is) that the crew only recorded whatever they can quickly, and put the footages together. How can they put Mary Wilson (ex-Supremes) and Isaac Hayes in the same film without explaining the history of the soul music? I don't see the point of putting them together except that they are both great artists.

Still some moments are very touching to see. Sam Moore reveals his painful past while he was selling illegal stuff on the street around 1973, and it's joyful to see Carla Thomas and Rufus Thomas having good time together.

As documentary 'Only the Strong Survive' is never informative. You see this movie, and your knowledge about this great music doesn't change. Still, the live performances from the recorded artists are all dynamic and thrilling. Though you might find Wilson Pickett, when off stage, a bit too talkative, his singing ('Land of 1000 Dances' and 'In the Midnight Hour') on the stage is really exciting even more than 30 years after they became the hits. Watch these great live acts, and enjoy them.

I thought this was a great documentary and the performances were awesome. Compared to a lot of the programs that have been cropping up on PBS featuring performers from the 50s, 60s etc. I felt the folks in this documentary essentially left all others in the dust. What a gifted bunch...as vital, lively and talented as they were thirty years ago. And, oh boy, to see the "Memphis Queen" Carla Thomas again... See this!!

Loved this presentation of staxx Records&the many Great Talents that brought the Grits&Gravy to Soul Music back in the day. great to See so Many Greats like Issac Hayes,Sam Moore,the Late Great Rufus Thomas,His Daughter Carla Thomas amongest others.must See.Wilson Pickett through down as well on here. this is Music History being presented.

With just two exceptions, of the 15 GREAT, live, concert performances available to have been included in this production, all have been trimmed to about 30 seconds in length. For those of you who have attended a performance of James Brown any time in the last 20 years, it will remind you of his technique of trying to fit 6 hours of hit music into 90 minutes. The few measures of Wilson Pickett performing "Land of a Thousand Dances" and "In The Midnight Hour", Sam Moore (of Sam and Dave) singing "Soul Man", Isaac Hayes "Theme from Shaft" and finally "Don't Let Go" were all HUGE disappointments. Just as each song begins to move your mind, body and soul, it's over.

This excellent film follows the stories of several soul and R&B legends who are still touring and performing (at the time of filming,anyway). Many of them are interviewed in depth, and we learn what their lives have been like since their 60's and 70s heyday.
Mary Wilson of the Supremes, for example, still tours and sings lead vocals on many Supremes classics she performs in concert. We also learn that she has been going back to school in recent years, to get a college degree she always wanted to get, but wasn't able to before now. Sam Moore (of Sam and Dave) and his wife are candid about his drug use and recovery. Jerry Butler still occasionally peforms, and is the commissioner of Cook County in Illinois.
The most interesting --and most moving-- part of the film is Rufus Thomas. Thomas is shown here in his 80's still going strong, still hosting his weekly radio show and performing in concert with his daughter Carla. Unfortunately, he passed away before the film was released.

The film includes concert footage of all the above performers as well as live footage of --and interviews with-- such acts as the Chi-Lites and Issac Hayes.
I wished there had been more live material, but the DVD does include six extra performances to make up for it. Fans of classic soul will want to see this.

I would ordinarily give this DVD a 4 star review except for all the needless chit chat included in it. How wonderful to see Sam Moore performing again. Perhaps his voice is not the powerhouse it once was but his soul is screaming to entertain. Jerry Butler is still incredible as are most of the entertainers on this DVD. If you are a serious soul collector you need to have this. Sandy

This is the best thing that could bring out the Soul of a sound that had deep roots in the south.

Great documentary from people who have a love for music and giving due to those who created a culture.

This is a great celebration of soul musical concert video featuring Isacc Hayes,Mary Wilson and many others.You've got to see it to believe it!!!