We’re a thoughtful lot here at Blunt Beats. We know we look after your ears (and your mind) with audio delicacies from far and wide. But we’re concerned. We’re worried. Apart from our nonsense radio ads, we haven’t really given you much to look at (so to speak) over the past couple of weeks. So, to remedy that fact, the staff here at Blunt HQ have been trawling the web to find some quality video footage for you all to feast your hungry little peepers on.

Our “Stuff Worth Watching” feature is becoming increasingly popular over the past while. So, like all good fried chicken establishments, we’re not gonna mess with the formula. This selection of films is a random review of bits and pieces of footage on a variety of subjects, that we’ve considered worth a watch for whatever reason. If you enjoy them, don’t forget to check out our other random round-up’s in the “Things Worth Watching” series in the video section of the site.

Pump Up The Volume

Right then. If you enjoyed Agent M’s recent “Machinesoul” mixtape, then you’re sure to enjoy this. Pump Up The Volume is a multi-part documentary on the history of house music. Now, if like me, you’re a cynic, you’d probably think this is far too broad a subject to make a decent structured documentary about, and that it’d probably be all about a load of crap thats got in the charts over the past few years. You’d be wrong. The first thing that hits you about this film is that is has been properly researched.

The film covers the conception and birth of house music in the States, to how it took hold in the UK with the Acid House explosion and ultimately the rest of the world, and the phenomenal culture and industry that it is today. Everyone you can think of who should be in such a documentary is here. All the pioneers. From all the scenes. There’s interviews with people like Derrick May, Marshall Jefferson, Joey Beltram, Goldie, Mike Pickering, Shut Up And Dance, Shaun Ryder, A Guy Called Gerald, Mark Moore, Mr C, Carl Cox, Orbital, DJ Pierre, Paul Oakenfold. You name them, they’re on here, talking about something, and don’t forget some of these people are very camera-shy and rarely give interviews.

There’s great footage of early Chicago and New York parties, as well as a whole episode on the UK Acid House scene from 88 onwards, and loads of videos and interviews from artists that you may have forgotten about. Well worth a watch.
Highly recommended. Sit yourself down and watch all 3. The links are below.

Part one
Part two
Part three

Duel

Now then. I don’t need to say too much about this. Watch it. It’s the film that made Steven Spielberg’s name. Fantastic. It’s a thriller about a travelling sales rep, who gets chased by a big oil truck in a case of road rage worse than you’ve ever imagined. Spectacularly well shot, “Duel” will keep your attention from start to finish, and, that’s with a minimal vocal dialogue, and never seeing the bad guy. Great stuff. It’s worth it just for the scenery and the cinematography alone. Also, it’s stars Dennis Weaver (of “1970’s-cop-who-goes-around-on-a-horse”) “McCloud”, and his comedy moustache.

Frontline Football: Bosnia vs Serbia

We put up an earlier episode of this series in a previous “Things Worth Watching” review, about Boca Juniors vs River Plate in Argentina. This time, the game under the spotlight (or should I say floodlight?) is Bosnia vs Serbia. Now, we all know that these two nations are not exactly the best of friends. However, this documentary shows the power of football to unite people (without sounding too cheesy), and also discusses the political and economic background to the situation.

Illegal drugs and how they got that way: Crack and Cocaine

It’s fair to say crack and cocaine are taboo subjects (though, if you believe the newspapers, this is becoming less so). But it wasn’t always that way for the humble powder. Oh No. This film from the Discovery Channel takes a look at the history of the use and legality of cocaine and it’s intense half-brother, crack. An interesting film explaining the hows and whys of the current situation with this narcotic and it’s continued increase in use (especially in this country).

Street Hawk

Well, a bit of Street Hawk. But not just any old bit. This 7 minute clip if from the pilot episode of the “Knight-Rider-On-Two-Wheels” 80’s action show that was Street Hawk, where we get introduced to the main character. This, really will probably only float your boat if you’re over 25, and male. (and no, it’s not a skimpy blonde!) - But, come on……Street Hawk!!

Brass Eye - Cake

For those that remember it, Brass Eye was a fantastically funny British comedy series, which took a very cynical and satirical look at the issues of the day. This episode takes a look at the “scare” around a new drug called “cake”, which is going to ruin the minds of the younger generations of this country. Hilarious.

Anyway, that should be enough for you tv hungry loafers out there. Rest assured we will feed your retinas with more quality and rather random film footage in the near future. As we mentioned earlier, don’t forget to check the “Things Worth Watching” reviews in the video section of the blunt beats website for more of the same if you get bored in the meantime!