Customer Reviews

The Turtles - Happy Together

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

There's no doubt in my mind that The Turtles were probably the most underrated band from the 60s.
"And who believes that my wildest dreams and my craziest schemes will come true? You baby, nobody but you." Where are the songs today that can pack that much simple emotion in so few words, with a tune that makes you want to smile and sing along?
This DVD shows a band that has had its share of hard times and good times, and somehow seem to have retained a sense of humor about it all. Where was Al Nichol, the lead guitarist? I would like to have heard more about their song arrangements etc.
That aside, five stars for a good time, good vibe and good memories.
Take notes during the manager story. You'll need them.

Why this band isn't in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is a mystery...

The Turtles were a mix of great musical talent and enormous humor. Fronted by Mark Volman and Howard Kaylan, they churned out a solid collection of hits. But the band wasn't just Mark and Howie, moving through the group over the years were great rock musicians. Bones Howe notes in the film that the Turtles were one of the few LA pop bands of the 60s that were allowed to play on their own records, so tight was their ensemble.

And in here are all the hits, including one ("Eleanor") performed live on TV. You get memories from most of the past group members, and ongoing commentary from Mark and Howie. And keep it on to the end, as Mark and Howie give a hilarious lesson on how not to hire managers.

This DVD is a great tribute to an overlooked band.

I am not really familiar with The Turtles, I mean I hear their hits on oldies stations regularly, but I never knew the members too well. So I purchased the DVD for 12.99 and it was a good buy. The production values are decent and there's lots of band footage from concerts and television (mostly TV) and the two lead singers (Flo and Eddie?) add a lot of commentary along with others members of the band. Sound quality is excellent, even on the old TV shots, and some of the newer TV shots the sound is even better. "Elenor" played on a television show is presented here where the band actually performs the tune instead of lip-syncing the hit (an all too common practice)and give a crackerjack performance, to boot! A good effort for a good solid band that bridged the pop gap from the 60's into the early 70's.

From the Filmrore to the White House, no other American rock band epitomized the sixties as did the Turtles. From their ragged beginnings as a high school garage band to the international hitmakers that scored over 30 hits, this wonderful video takes you backstage as the group evolved from happy ragamuffins-- a local surf band in Los Angeles-- to all the legal stumbling blocks that finally tore the act apart. Flo and Eddie's now-famous "Manager Story" is an hilarious piece of showbiz legend, and the candid interview with those lads as well as with Graham Nash, Stephen Stills, Ray Manzerek and Stephen Bishop among others makes this a must-own piece of history from the fine folks at Rhino Records.

Of all of the "story of the band" tales out there, this one may be the best. If you like even one of their songs you should get this DVD. I have had it on VHS since it first came out and had to have a DVD version. They tell all the dirt with humor and tremendous insight into what went right and what went wrong. The explanation about the history of the groups eight different managers is like comedy routine that ends the DVD with the perfect amount of realism and Flo and Eddie humor. The live T.V. version of Eleanor shows just how good they really were.

BUY IT!!! It is worth to have this DVD. Besides is cheap!!! The people fond of 60's should have it in their collection. The interviews aren't that great, but who wants to hear music lessons. What each of every ex-members of the band said, is sufficient to undertand how that musical era was so important and how music business has changed ever since. This is an example of how the music entertainment grew as a business, unfortunately, with bad results in some cases. Good video recollections of dancing,fashion and outdoors during that awesome period. These guys were doing music, real musicians, enjoying every moment of their careers. Happy Together!!! 60's 70's 80's rule!!!!

JC Varela

This is a documentary of the history of the Turtle's from the 1960's through 1991. It is a very interesting DVD. Mixed in with the history are music videos of their greatest hits. I had no idea what went on with "bands" back in the 60's. It is an interview with Howard Kaylan (lead singer) and Mark Volman (vocals and tambourine) about their professional lives during the Turtles rise to fame! Very worthwhile if you are a fan of 1960's music.

From the Filmore to the White House, no other American rock band epitomized the sixties as did the Turtles. From their ragged beginnings as a high school garage band to the international hitmakers that scored over 30 hits, this wonderful video takes you backstage as the group evolved from happy ragamuffins-- a local surf band in Los Angeles-- through all the legal stumbling blocks that finally tore the act apart. Flo and Eddie's now-famous "Manager Story" is an hilarious piece of showbiz legend, and the candid interview with those lads as well as with Graham Nash, Stephen Stills, Ray Manzerek and Stephen Bishop among others makes this a must-own piece of history from the fine folks at Rhino Records.

One of the most delightful additions to the stoggy, overly serious collection of rock band autobiographies. The two core members of the band Howard Kaylan and Mark Volman walk you through the groups history. Lots of great music, funny stories and insight into the inner workings of the band. They are joined at points along the way by Jim Pons, John Barbata (one of the best drummers ever...) Chuck Portz and even Spanky McFarland from Spanky and our Gang. I saw this on tape many years ago and was so glad it came out on DVD. It's a must have for any Turtles fan or for any fan of 60's pop music. I only wish more bands had their wit and humor. Well done.

What can one say when taking a trip down memory lane. Loads of fun. Always enjoyable to see the bands performing.