“Song Sung Blue”: A Nostalgic Dive into Faith, Music, and the Power of Neil Diamond
“Song Sung Blue” isn’t just a movie about a cover band; it’s a surprisingly poignant exploration of love, loss, and the enduring power of music to heal. This film, set against the backdrop of the early 90s grunge scene, unexpectedly finds common ground with a devoted fanbase spanning generations. It’s a story that resonates, and perhaps, could bridge cultural divides.
From Local Gigs to Unexpected Fame
The film follows Mike and claire, a former duo rekindling their musical partnership. Their journey is a charmingly improbable rise, fueled by their shared passion for Neil Diamond. Imagine a world were grunge hipsters embrace the pop icons of their parents’ generation.
This unlikely fusion leads to a surreal moment: a phone call from eddie Vedder, a name completely unfamiliar to Mike (who amusingly wonders if Pearl Jam is a fruit preserve). The pinnacle of their ascent? Opening for Pearl Jam in Milwaukee, culminating in a karaoke-heaven moment when Vedder joins them onstage.
A Story Interrupted: Facing Adversity
However, “Song Sung Blue” isn’t solely a feel-good story. A sudden, devastating event throws Claire’s life into turmoil. This is where the film risks veering into faith-based territory, but it skillfully avoids heavy-handedness.
Interestingly, the film’s potential for broad appeal – connecting both blue and red states - hinges on this pivotal moment. It’s a gamble, as the film could easily get lost amidst other releases. Yet,the raw emotion delivered by Hudson anchors the narrative.
Raw Performances and Emotional Synergy
Hugh Hudson’s performance is a standout. He delivers a “let-it-rip” acting style, stripped of artifice and brimming with authenticity. The chemistry between Hudson and Jackman isn’t just present; it’s a palpable emotional synergy that deepens as Mike and Claire navigate their shared grief and rediscover their connection through Neil Diamond’s music.
Life Imitating Art (and a Little Nail Glue)
The film doesn’t shy away from the realities of life. Mike grapples with his own health issues, ignoring concerning symptoms due to a lack of health insurance. A particularly memorable scene involves him attempting to close a head wound with nail glue on the day of their big reunion show – a clear sign of a night filled with both promise and peril. The show is meant to culminate in a meeting with Neil Diamond himself at an ice cream parlor.
Understanding the Neil Diamond Fanbase
“Song Sung Blue” cleverly recognizes the spectrum of Neil Diamond fandom. there are those, like Mike, who appreciate the depth and nuance in his catalog – songs like “Cherry, Cherry,” “Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show,” and “Cracklin’ rosie.”
Then there are the “bom bom bom” people. You know the type: those who transform “Sweet Caroline” into an ecstatic, fist-pumping anthem, enthusiastically singing along with the trumpet line. They elevate “Good times never seemed so good!” into a life-affirming declaration. This film is, in many ways, a love letter to that crowd.
A Vicarious Ecstasy: The Power of Live Music
Ultimately, “Song Sung Blue” is a film best experienced through the eyes of its characters. You’ll find yourself swept up in the vicarious ecstasy of Mike and Claire’s performance at the Ritz Theater in Milwaukee.
The film’s highlight is Mike’s rendition of “Soolaimon,” Diamond’s 1970 Arabic-infused single.It begins as something eerie and mysterious, but quickly transforms into a powerfully ecstatic experience. It’s a moment where Diamond’s music truly shines, offering a beacon of hope amidst darkness.
“Song Sung Blue” is more then just a biopic or a musical; it’s a testament to the enduring power of music to connect us, heal us, and remind us of the good times – so good, so good, so good! – in life.
