A Good Life: The Joe Grushecky Story

Joe Grushecky seems like a decent guy—solid and unpretentious—and much the same can be said about his music. Grushecky and the various musicians who have made up his band, the Houserockers, have spent more than three decades churning out catchy, straightforward rock ‘n' roll songs, many of them paeans to the working people of his native Pittsburgh. But is that enough to merit this documentary from Steve Caniff and Jim Justice, gushingly described on its cover as “a tale of determination, passion, desire, and success … no matter how you measure it”? Grushecky's story is hardly unique. Signed by the MCA label in the late ‘70s, the band made several albums that earned critical acclaim but failed to generate many sales; a breakup ensued, followed by a reunion, a few recordings for lesser labels, marriage, kids, and a teaching career. But what separates Grushecky from countless others is his friendship with Bruce Springsteen, whom he met in the ‘90s—and although it may sound cynical, it's likely that this DVD wouldn't exist without that connection. Springsteen co-produced the Houserockers' American Babylon album; he also appeared with them at a Pittsburgh club, a performance preserved on the audio CD that accompanies this release. Interviews with Grushecky, Springsteen, Steve Cropper, and others are interwoven with live performances and other footage. Overall, it's a nice if not particularly remarkable story, with a satisfying ending (the Houserockers have developed a strong following in Europe). DVD extras include deleted scenes and bonus performance footage. A strong optional purchase. (S. Graham)