Laurel Canyon was, of course, LA's center for its folk rock scene, with the likes of the Buffalo Springfield, Mamas and Papas, Byrds, Joni Mitchell, Jim Morrison, and many, many more living in the somewhat secluded neighborhood, which was still just over the hill from Hollywood. This documentary concentrates on this folk-rock scene with some fantastic period footage, interviews with some of the survivors and a concert and recordings done by more modern artists such of Jacob Dylan, Beck and Fiona Apple. For me, the concentration on the newer artists is a bit overdone, especially as they try to put the period into some sort of historical perspective, without having lived it. Their performances are quite good, but don't match the originals, which just goes to show how talented the 60's musicians and singers were/are.
But, this is well worth seeing for the original music and the fine footage that was uncovered, as well as the modern interviews with those who were there - Roger McGuin, David Crosby, Michelle Phillips, Graham Nash, Stephen Stills, etc. - along with the likes of Ringo, Jackson Browne and Tom Petty, in his last film interview. Amazing music that is still highly influential and that will make you want to pull out your old albums once again!
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