FEATURES

The Music Documentary: You’ve seen the band, now go see the film. Or you’ve never seen the band, now go see the film. Matthew Allen on for-real music documentaries

There’s no place like home: What’s that live music down the block? And where did all those cars come from? The coolest ticket in town could be right next door

DEPARTMENTS

Letter From a Director: Danny Clinch, for years a still photographer, now also shoots artists on the move

Saturday Night: John Kuroski’s new soul, funk and gospel column kicks off with Stax and Otis. No point in starting at the bottom…

Kickin’ in Your Stall: Most artists try to present their work at its best, but only a few turn to sonic microsurgery. Carl Gustafson thinks Stepford Tunes should die on the table

Influences: Old souls Merle Haggard and Ryan Bingham carve their own rough-hewn paths

Pet Sounds: The peripatetic Ali Green stumbles upon touring’s many road hazards

On The Record: They say Willie Nelson grows many hybrids, but he has heirloom roots, and he’s gone back to them in Country Music. Janiva Magness notes The Devil is An Angel Too, Paul Thorn consorts with Pimps and Preachers while the Reverend Payton warns about The Wages. Bill Kirchen has a Word to the Wise, and Drive-By Truckers think it’s The Big To-Do. You decide

Re.Issues: Robin Trower’s explosive guitar is reborn as his debut album sees daylight again; Clint Eastwood and Bob Seger in their musical infancies, and more

Get A Grip: So you think you can dance? Steve Walbridge wonders if it’s a lost art

What’d I Say: Jim Hynes notes that great guitarists can make their instruments weep, wail, talk and sing. Why bother with vocals?

Also Appearing: A five-DVD documentary reminds us that the British Invasion was an army, not just an incursion of the Beatles, Stones and Eric Clapton; Delbert McClinton, Rich Pagano and Christopher Cross live, more on tape

Collecting: The venerable Yardbirds have spawned more famous players and live albums than practically anyone but John Mayall and the Dead. Arnie Goodman skims the cream