PARDON US FOR LIVING BUT THE GRAVEYARD IS FULL

PARDON US FOR LIVING BUT THE GRAVEYARD IS FULL is a stirring documentary film that serves as a profound tribute to the spirit of rock and roll, its endurance, and its power to inspire. Released in 2009, the film is a celebration of the role that radio and DJ culture played in shaping the music industry and the pivotal periods of rock history. The documentary is helmed by Joe Bonomo and features appearances from Peter Buck of R.E.M and jazz virtuoso Steve Coleman.

Bonomo, who is known for his adept storytelling skills, has masterfully directed this film by choosing a distinctive storytelling style. He introduces us to a world often hidden behind the music we love, a world that enabled these songs to reach us in the first place. Taking us back to the very roots of radio and tracing the transformative journey of rock and roll, Bonomo's exploration is as nostalgic as it is eye-opening.

Peter Buck of R.E.M, an iconic figure in the history of alternative rock, provides his insightful perspective throughout the film. His contributions tie in significantly with the overarching theme of the film, which is an homage to the era where rock and roll was a cultural revolution. His passion for music and respect for radio DJs as an essential conduit between musicians and fans give this documentary an emotional resonance that carries through from start to finish.

In a remarkable deviation, Bonomo includes jazz maestro Steve Coleman, drawing a parallel between rock and roll and jazz, two genres steeped in tradition and transformation. It’s a vital addition to the narrative and leads to an encompassing and broad conversation about music, its evolution, and its impact on society.

The title of the film, PARDON US FOR LIVING BUT THE GRAVEYARD IS FULL, gives a sense of the gritty determination encapsulated by the featured radio personalities and musicians. They saw an evolving industry and, instead of bowing out, they dug in their heels and embraced the new world order.

At its core, the documentary circles around ‘The Fleshtones,’ an American garage rock band from New York, who despite their illustrious 40-year career, never quite broke into mainstream consciousness. Their story is a testament to tenacity, a love for music, and the enduring spirit of rock and roll that refuses to die. It paints a vivid picture of the periphery of fame – where success may not shine in gold and platinum records, but in the resilience and robustness of character.

Interlacing interviews, narrative, and a compelling selection of archival footage, the film captures various transformational eras of radio and rock music. From the days of vinyl and cassettes to the advent of digital music and internet radio, each vignette beautifully connects with the dots of this fascinating and ever-evolving history of rock and roll.

More than a glorification of the past, PARDON US FOR LIVING BUT THE GRAVEYARD IS FULL is a testament to the unstoppable spirit of music, its enthusiasts, its pioneers, and the sheer joy that it brings to lives. It serves as a poignant reminder of the people behind the scenes - the tireless radio disc jockeys who, against all odds, continued to keep the flame of rock and roll alive.

In its 79-minute runtime, the movie effectively portrays a resilient portrait of music's thrilling past and envisions a hopeful future. It is an essential watch for music enthusiasts who yearn to understand music's journey, its unyielding power to unite people, and its cultural significance in the social fabric through the ages.

In conclusion, PARDON US FOR LIVING BUT THE GRAVEYARD IS FULL is a homage to music—the artists who create it, the DJs who disseminate it, and the listeners who love it. It brilliantly encapsulates the emotional impact music has on society and highlights the labor of love shared by those who bring it to us. Filled with emotions, insights, and nostalgia, this documentary is a love letter to rock and roll, passionately written and directed from the heart.