Upcoming Music Films

Looking at lists of upcoming film release dates, there are a few music-themed movies to look forward to.  Of course there is Footloose (not interested), the Green Day documentary/musical American Idiot, and Tom Cruise in the film adaption of Rock of Ages, but there were a few films that I had forgot about or just heard of.

With an October release, George Harrison: Living in the Material World is the first film to look out for.  Directed by Martin Scorsese with the blessing of Olivia Harrison, the picture debuts on HBO with part one on October 5th and part two on the 6th.  If you happen to live in the UK, there is an October 2nd premiere in Liverpool at the Foundation for Art and Creative Technology.  If you can't wait just over a week to see this picture, then hopefully this trailer can satisfy you for the time being.

Just about a month later, Killing Bono has a limited release November 4th.  In this rock comedy, two brothers and school mates of U2 struggle to make a name in the 1980s music scene and watch U2's fame skyrocket.  If you live outside of a major city and don't get limited releases, you can order Killing Bono on DVD.


Another limited release (see here) in November, is The Other F Word.  The documentary film discusses the transition from rocker to "soccer dad".  The film features Pennywise's Jim Lindberg, Flea, Mark Hoppus, Black Flag's Ron Reyes, Tim McIlrath, Fat Mike of NOFX, and several others.  In case you're still wondering, the other F word is "father".  View all film clips on the official site.

Top 5 Masked Musicians

I wanted to make a list of the best costumes in music, but every band just had creepy costumes all following in the footsteps of Kiss, such as Lordi and Gwar, or wore the same type of suit, the Hives, the Beatles, Devo, et cetra. There were some unique get ups such as the Village People, but I decided to limit this list to masks only. Besides masked bands are so much more mysterious. Everyone always has to try and find out what they look like underneath the mask. It is also good for bands that don't want to be judged on their looks and style, only their music.

Without further ado, here are the best five masks in music:

5. Los Straitjackets

This band's masks are very simple, but can be very funny, even inspiring a Jack Black movie.

4. Slipknot

All unique masks that will mess up your dreams.

3. Buckethead

Even simpler than the Los Straitjackets, it is just an empty KFC bucket. I wonder if he gets paid by them, he might be able to get a better deal from Mary Brown's or Popeye's.

2. Deadmau5

I think it is the size of this mask that counts, plus he is the only Canadian DJ in the Top 25 on TheDJList.com. (I guess I should note that the red suit in the picture is coincidental and not always worn)

1. Daft Punk

These are by far the most intricate (and most expensive) and hard to replicate masks on this list. All the LEDs add great effects at live shows and robots fit perfectly with Daft Punk's style.

What do you think, creativity or gimmicks?