10 essential music documentaries to watch on iPlayer now
There's always a wealth of music and music-related films available, and many of them aren't going anywhere anytime soon. Here's a selection of some of our favourites, old and new.
1. David Bowie: Five Years
'Golden Years'
Carlos Alomar and Earl Slick talk about writing 'Golden Years'.
The title of this fascinating documentary - taken from the opening song on Ziggy Stardust - is actually a bit confusing. The film covers a longer period - from 1971's Hunky Dory to 1983's Let's Dance - and it does so forensically, with plenty of unseen footage and new interviews (though sadly not from himself).
Available: until 18 August.
2. Arena: Searching for the Wrong-Eyed Jesus
Jim White - Alabama Chrome
Jim describes the 'pressure cooker' which is the southern small town community with the aid of an ice cream cone before singing 'Alabama Chrome' in the fore court of a shut down gas station.Taken from the 2004 91Èȱ¬ Arena film Searching for the Wrong Eyed Jesus.
Described by as "beautiful, weird and dark stuff" and easily the most cinematic film on this list, Searching for the Wrong-Eyed Jesus (2004) follows country singer as he travels across the American south trying to get under its peculiar skin. Superb - one the best music-related films ever made.
Available: for over a year.
3. You've Got a Friend: The Carole King Story
The making of Tapestry
Lou Adler and Hank Cicalo talk about the making of Carole King's iconic album Tapestry
is one of the greats, and an exhaustive documentary like this is long overdue. It begins with King being awarded the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song by President Obama, then traces her upbringing in Brooklyn through to stardom, not least in Britain where she's thought to be the most successful female songwriter of all time.
Available: until 18 August.
4. Ex-S: Styling the Swan
The Friends of Scottish Ballet help out
The Friends of Scottish Ballet provide some much needed help with the embroidery.
A film from 1995 about the intersection between fashion and music, Styling the Swan follows British designer as he creates costumes and the set for a Scottish Ballet production of 's Swan Lake. A chance to get a behind-the-scenes view of how high-concept design happens, and it's a rocky ride.
Available: for over a year.
5. When Pop Ruled My Life: The Fans' Story
Frank Sinatra fans
Ursula Cooban and Frank Jones talk about their love of Frank Sinatra
So many music docs concentrate on the artists; this one looks at things from the other side of the barrier - from the point of view of those who make pop music happen, the fans. It's an intriguing film - an investigation into obsession with groups like and by journalist Kate Mossman, a fanatic.
Available: until 22 August.
6. Sounding Out: B.B. King
Part of an excellent 91Èȱ¬ Four Collection, , on the iPlayer, Sounding Out: B.B. King is a short film from 1972 in which the great blues guitarist is interviewed about his influences. The film also features footage of him recording his 19th studio album, B.B. King in London, with established local players like .
Available: for over a year.
7. Forever Young: How Rock 'n' Roll Grew Up
Rick Wakeman on the timeless quality of music
Rick Wakeman describes the effect playing music has had on his perspective on age.
Post- headlining Glastonbury, this film tackles the tricky business of what happens when bands that thrive on being young grow old. Featuring , , , and others, it also considers the culture of classic bands reforming, and how we all end up loving our parents' record collections.
Available: until 24 August.
8. Arena: Chelsea Hotel
An Englishman in New York
Quentin Crisp, former resident of Chelsea Hotel, describes his experiences of New York.
Not a music documentary, but a wonderful film about the Chelsea Hotel in New York, where , , , , and all stayed, and 's girlfriend Nancy Spungen was found dead. Made in 1981, it features interviews with a fabulous array of eccentric residents.
Available: for over a year.
9. The Heart Of Country: How Nashville Became Music City USA
This feature-length documentary goes far beyond the clichés of country music and digs deep into its spiritual and commercial home, Nashville. It's an absorbing story told by the likes of , , and . Even hardcore country fans will learn something new.
Available: until 25 August.
10. Music Masters: Stockhausen
Stockhausen the Papa of Techno
Stockhausen talks about the music industry taking influence from his work.
Most of us could use an insightful 2001 film like this to help get our heads around the avant-garde music of influential German composer, . On iPlayer as part of a 91Èȱ¬ Four Collection, , it features the great man in rehearsals and being interviewed by .
Available: for over a year.
Update!
The brilliant has just landed on the iPlayer for another run (until August 31).