NOT IF YOU WERE THE LAST ROCK DOC ON EARTH.

So i finally watched Dig! The movie everyone was talking about... a while ago. I will start by stating that i do kind of enjoy the music of The Dandy Warhols and The Brian Jonestown Massacre. However i prefer The Dandys and despise myself for it, whilst also being somewhat pleased I'm not quite pretentious enough to obsess over what is basically a competent pastiche (TBJM). As i hit the half way point of the movie my inner (outer,arounder, all over...) cynic began muttering sardonically in response to comments from members of both bands, and i had to turn the movie off, re-boot my non-judgmental side, and wait around an hour before i went back in for more projectile-vomit inducing self indulgence. I am aware of the need for this in bands, and I've know many a wannabe Anton Newcombe, but the level of sheer unadulterated wank that both bands spew on a constant loop would be considered smug even by Jagger standards. Newcombe, TBJM lead singer, is a troubled genius at best, a psychotic junkie at worst, and, possibly, a misinformed Melvin at truth. A culmination of all of these things is probably closest to reality, as if often the case with these things. The Dandy's' lead singer, Courtney 'Taylor-Taylor' (i can only imagine the double barrel is some irony on the fact that, with all of TDW parents still happily married, Courtney claims they are 'the most well adjusted band in America".) is the worst kind of rock singer stereotype that pre-teen Disney movies, Guitar Hero advertising campaigns, and bedroom wall discount 'ROCKBAND' posters have to offer. His long hair, full lips, and snaky hips often detract from the brattish drivel which pisses out of his mouth almost constantly, but if you can detach your gaze from his otherwise pleasing aesthetics you'll soon realize he is 100% in it for the glory. This is where TBJM come up trumps, as you know they're in it for the music, with the faith that their passion will bring the recognition that their anti-corporate, anti-advertising ethos always ensures they miss out on. They want the money, they want the fame, they want hotel rooms and stupid riders, and girls open to new experiences with strange men but they're not willing to risk their credibility for it. Joel, the tamborine man of the group, is in my opinion, the saving grace of the whole thing. He is funny, charismatic, positive, spontaneous, and manages to be more entertaining live than the rest of the band put together, whilst all the time actually touring as exclusively the tamborine player. A marvelous feat. So was this the rock doc to shit on all rock docs? No. Did it leave me convinced TBJM are the next Doors? No. Did it go someway into helping me understand how hard it is for bands not to sell out? Not really... Did it fill a couple of hours i would have spent watching something slightly less entertaining on TV? Yes. If you have a free evening, sure, watch Dig! It's pretty funny, insightful, and you'll be able to wow all your cool friends with your new BJM knowledge. If it means having to drive to a movie store, find a local library, or download the entire thing though, i wouldn't bother. You can see Spinal Tap across your bedroom and its pretty much the same, but with more convincing acting. 

To download Dig! click here.