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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Trials & Tribulations of Rock & Roll Bands, September 3, 2004
This review is from: Out of Our Dens: The Richard and the Young Lions Story (DVD)
Wow! That pulsating, gyrating infectious 45 of Richard and the Young Lions "Open up your door" that I bought as a kid in the summer of 1966, and that had HIT written all over the Philips record label, now has a DVD story behind the song and the band?
Okay, well learning something, anything, about this band from my home state, that recorded one of my all time favorite records that shoulda been a #1 national hit, was enough incentive for me to have to get the Richard & the Young Lions documentary.
I wondered though, why would there be a documentary on a group that never had a top 40 national hit? Who would even care?
Well truth be told that the documentary not only told the story of Richard and the Young Lions, their incredible 45's, and why Richard & the Young Lions got robbed out of a top 10 hit, but the story should also be mandatory viewing for all aspiring bands.
The story of Richard & the Young Lions is probably the story of so many groups that never realized their commercial appeal due to label mismanagement, or simply poor management.
"Out of Our Dens" has done a fantastic job of researching and gathering photos, surveys, posters, along with presenting interviews of current and former band members.
The story is factual but yet funny. You can laugh, and you can cry. When it's all over, you will know so much more about those cool 45's released by Richard and the Young Lions. You will know what it's like to be in a rock & roll band!
Dave Rave-XM Radio
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Lion Hearted, August 24, 2004
This review is from: Out of Our Dens: The Richard and the Young Lions Story (DVD)
If you were fortunate enough, as I was, to see Richard & the Young Lions perform before Richard (Howard) Tepp passed away this past June, then you know what a powerful rock & roll show these guys could put on. Few bands I've seen--and I've seen a lot--could conjure up as much enthusiasm and sheer joy in an audience as RYL. If you haven't had the opportunity to see them play live, but you've heard them on the Nuggets Box Set or are a fan of "authentic" rock & roll, then I urge you to pick up this DVD. You'll get a sense of what they sounded like live, although it doesn't compare to actually being there, and you'll be told an interesting story as well.
At the risk of sounding too sentimental -- these guys have heart, and it comes through in the music.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A powerful story, well told, August 25, 2004
This review is from: Out of Our Dens: The Richard and the Young Lions Story (DVD)
I thoroughly enjoyed this documentary. It is a powerful story, well told. The point -- that this music that RYL made together was strong enough, even after 30 years(!) to pull them back together and to get the ailing Richard Tepp out of bed in the morning, to keep him going and to make him willing to drive long distances just to play -- is very evident.
Director James Hannon's own love for the music and respect for RYL is also palpable in the way the story is told.
I love all the interviews; Hannon seems particularly adept at pulling vivid memories and sparkling stories from his subjects. Lenny Kaye, in particular, is so ON when interviewed for "Out Of Our Dens"! Kaye's insightful comments lend the movie a degree of oomph, clout and credibility.
Richard Tepp's untimely death just after completion of this film adds poignancy to the scenes of the reunited band joyfully resuming their 30-year-interrupted musical conversation.
For a real story of underdogs who get bad breaks left and right but simply refuse to give up, you just can't beat "Out Of Our Dens." An impressive directorial debut for James Hannon!
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