- Prepare for an eclectic journey through The Old, Weird America. Rani Singh's new documentary film tracks the history of Harry Smith's Anthology of American Folk Music from its initial compilation of 78 records from rural Americana to its release on Folkways Records in 1952. Instrumental in helping inspire the urban folk revival of the 1960s, the Anthology continues to influence modern music. An incredible set of interviewees reveal the lasting impact of the Anthology and the remarkable personality of Harry Smith. After the box set's re-release on CD in 1997, Hal Willner's Harry Smith Project concerts celebrated Smith's idiosyncratic vision, from Nick Cave's cathartic take on spirituals to Lou Reed's mesmerizing evocation of Blind Lemon Jefferson. The film includes rare archival footage, performances, and interviews with Elvis Costello, Beck, Sonic Youth, Beth Orton, Philip Glass, David Johansen, John Cohen, Greil Marcus, and more. Join us for a wild ride through a remarkable musical landscape.—Rani Singh
- The Old, Weird America tracks the history of the Anthology of American Folk Music from its initial compilation of 78 records from rural Americana to its 1952 release on Folkways Records, the urban folk revival of the 1960s, and its continuing influence on contemporary music.—Rani Singh
- Prepare for an eclectic journey through The Old, Weird America. This new documentary film tracks the history of Harry Smith's Anthology of American Folk Music from his compilation of 78s from rural Americana of the 1920s and '30s to its release on Folkways Records in 1952. Instrumental in helping inspire the urban folk revival of the 1960s, the Anthology continues to influence music today. A remarkable set of interviewees, including John Cohen, Elvis Costello, David Johansen, and Greil Marcus, reveals the lasting impact of the Anthology and the incredible personality of Harry Smith. Musical performers include Costello, Johansen, Beck, Nick Cave, Beth Orton, Don Byron, Bill Frisell, Percy Heath, Kate & Anna McGarrigle, Lou Reed, and Philip Glass, drawn from five concerts produced by Hal Willner and the Harry Smith Archives to celebrate the reissue of the anthology.—Rani Singh, Director
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What is the English language plot outline for The Old, Weird America: Harry Smith's Anthology of American Folk Music (2007)?
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