Every Everything: The Music, Life & Times of Grant Hart

Director Gorman Bechard builds his biographical documentary around a series of interviews with charismatic Minneapolis musician Grant Hart, creating the impression of a monologue that is illustrated with handbills, posters, and concert footage. As a kid, Hart took inspiration from extroverted drummers, such as Gene Krupa and Keith Moon. He met guitarist Bob Mould while working at a St. Paul record store, and—along with bass player Greg Norton—formed the punk power trio Hüsker Dü, which put out singles, toured the country, and released their debut album Land Speed Record in 1982 on the New Alliance imprint. For the follow-up Metal Circus, the band moved to SST, one of the leading independent record labels of the ‘80s. Hart, whose father taught drafting, would design every album cover, but by 1987—only two years after signing to Warner Brothers—the band called it quits. Although Hart had developed a heroin addiction, the breakup had more to do with artistic differences of opinion. Before going solo, Hart played in other groups, such as Nova Mob, and fathered a son, but admits he hasn't been a very good parent (and hasn't kept in touch with his siblings either). If he has kind words for Mould, he offers a more critical assessment of Greg Ginn, who ran SST, since he doesn't believe that he received his financial due. The life story brings viewers up to date with the 2013 release of The Argument, Hart's most critically-acclaimed work to date. Featuring music by both Hart and Hüsker Dü—as well as bonus interview footage—this solid profile is recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)