New York Doll
We watched a beautiful movie about the conversion of pioneering punk rock musician, Arthur “Killer” Kane, from the band the New York Dolls. I have to admit that it was a spiritually uplifting film that brought about a wonderful change in this man as he was able to incorporate the sacredness of friendship and relationships within the context of band members and be able to maintain his standards that he had learned from the church.
The band after it broke up in 1976, they didn’t get back together until 2004 when they played 2004 Meltdown Festival in London. It was an incredible reunion. It is an emotionally engaging film that I really liked. If you are a fan of punk and rock music you’ll enjoy the film no matter what faith you may be but especially if you are LDS because of the funny cultural querks that you see. To read more about the movie, New York Doll click here.
If you are interested in hearing their music Morrissey Presents: The Return of the New York Dolls - Live from Royal Festival Hall, 2004
May 23rd, 2006 at 6:38 pm
Totally love this movie Phil. My wife and I saw it some time ago before it came out on DVD. It ran in one theatre in Austin for 3 nights. I had heard about it so Amie and I drove down and made a date of it one night. I identified with the film on many levels and thought it was beautifully made. I watched it in a very “film geek” type of theatre. Most of the audience was not LDS but New York Dolls fans. They all seemed to enjoy it very much. I love Arthur’s simple, pure testimony and his disregard for the “cultural doctrines” of the Church which we often get very caught up on.
Brandon
May 23rd, 2006 at 6:42 pm
I must also add that the rendition of “A Poor Way Fairing Man of Grief” at the end is one of my favorite hymn performances ever. I quite enjoyed some of the Dolls music as well.
You will be able to relate to my favorite hymn performance. It was “Mestre O Mar Se Revolta” performed at the stake conference in Londrina when the stake was split. The stake choir sang it and it was unreal.
Brandon
May 23rd, 2006 at 9:50 pm
I too really loved Arthur’s testimony and his ability to see the big picture in the gospel. Of st riving to make it back to live with our Heavenly Father with our personal histories not without them. I also like the New York Dolls music. I have listened to a couple of there songs on napster since you can now for free–legally.
“Mestre O Mar Se Revolta” was a very popular song throughout my mission experience in Brazil. I wasn’t there at the splitting of the stake but I am sure it was powerful. The people in Londrina are very strong and faithful. I served in Cambe. I love it there in that stake. I really learned to appreciate the power for good that music can have in our lives and in helping others come to the gospel.