The Housemartins Whistle Test (London 0 Hull 4) Documentary?

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The Housemartins were an English Pop group active in the ‘80’s. The group blended British Pop, Soul and Gospel.

They were notable for their keen sense of humor; often billing themselves as “the fourth best band in Hull" (he best three bands being Red Guitars, Everything but the Girl, and the Gargoyles). But the band was about more than just humor. As Wikipedia notes: “Many of their lyrics were a mixture of socialist politics and Christianity, reflecting the beliefs of the band (the back cover of their debut album, London 0 Hull 4, contained the message, "Take Jesus – Take Marx – Take Hope").

Here’s a short (but two-part) film profiling the group. A short profile piece made for TV and broadcast in 1986. Features the band (Paul Heaton, Stan Cullimore, Hugh Whitaker, Norman Cook) in and around Hull plus interviews and live footage.

This is also known as the “Whistle Test” Documentary. I have only ever seen it edited into two parts. And, I mean, is it’ really a documentary? A feature? A featurette?

Whatever.

And here’s a special bonus piece with Norman and Stan “discussing” the breakup of the band:


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Ted Hawkins :: Amazing Grace

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Ted Hawkins was an American singer-songwriter born in Biloxi, Mississipi and who was often found busking in his adopted hometown of Venice Beach, California. He toured extensively in Europe and Australia but remained largely anonymous in the United States.

Here is the elusive 1996 Janice Engel documentary in three-parts.



The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee Scratch Perry

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I have made no secret of my love for Dub music. And you can’t love Dub music without reckoning with Lee “Scratch” Perry.

Yesterday we watched the

Today we’re watching another documentary about Perry. This one narrated by Benicio Del Toro. The Upsetter: The Life and Music of Lee Scratch Perry.

“The definitive life story about Jamaican musical legend Lee 'Scratch' Perry, narrated by Benicio Del Toro and directed by Ethan Higbee & Adam Bhala Lough.”

Enjoy.


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Lee Scratch Perry's Visions of Paradise

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I have this personal website compartmentalized because I realize that not every one of my friends is interested in exactly the same set of things that I am. And that’s not only “OK”, it’s beautiful.

However, I think everyone should love Lee “Scratch” Perry. If you’re not familiar with this brilliant artist, I suggest you get familiar with Google.

And I also suggest starting with this off-beat documentary: Lee Scratch Perry's Vision of Paradise | True Godfather of Reggae.


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  • Purchase Lee “Scratch” Perry’s music at Amazon