Revenge of the Mekons

If my review title sounds full of contradictions, welcome to the odd world of The Mekons, who started in the late 1970s as art student punks who knew almost nothing about music, only to slowly integrate folk music, American country and western and other influences in with their slowly but steadily growing musicianship, and their passionate politics.

They've never gotten rich or famous, but they have put out a treasure trove of recordings full of their love of music and crazily mixed up musical ideas. These are people who are in it for the joy of playing, touring, and communicating with their passionate if limited audience, not money or adoration. And if they're well into middle age and still traveling around in a shabby van, that doesn't seem to stop them from enjoying the adventure and still loving the music. In fact, the film makes the argument that the lack of 'success' and its trappings may be what has kept them together and kept them going: Friends making music for friends.

They're also an intelligent, articulate, funny and likable lot, full of self-deprecating humor about themselves and their accomplishments in a way we rarely think of rock musicians.

I didn't really know the Mekons before seeing this film. Now I like them and want to really get to know their music. That's a pretty good endorsement of a rock-documentary.

This insightful documentary, directed by Joe Angio, focuses on the Mekons, a unique and eclectic band formed nearly 40 years ago by several Leeds University students, in England. Despite having virtually no commercial success the group has managed to put out some 26 albums, received high praise from music critics, and developed a devoted fan base as well.

Originally formed as a punk rock band in 1977 amidst the radicalism of the times in Leeds, the group eventually underwent a metamorphosis combining their original sound with American country and hillbilly music, which has produced a uniquely blended sound.

During the film, several music critics declare that the Mekons may be the only band to have maintained many of its key members for such a long period of time without any real commercial success. Instead, their interest is in being creative, having fun, and getting their music out into the world, appealing to those that enjoy it.

The documentary doesn't go into much detail of the personal histories of the band members, but it does present much of their wit and humor as the film progresses. The charisma of the two "leaders" Jon Langford and Sally Timms is undeniable though, and some of the other current band members reveal some interesting inside stories of occurrences over the years with the group.

Overall, I this movie was well-paced, informative, and interesting and I was engaged throughout.