Bad Brains is a legendary band spawned from DC's hardcore punk scene circa the late 1970s—encompassing elements of punk, reggae, funk, soul, and hip-hop into a unique sonic stew. While covering the history of Bad Brains, this documentary focuses on their on-again, off-again lead singer Joseph I (Paul Hudson, aka Joseph 1, better known as "H.R." for "Human Rights") and his struggles with what may be mental illness. The band started as a jazz instrumental group but segued into hardcore punk—becoming perhaps the first black band to not just adopt the style, but completely own it. Known for his incredible range of vocal styles, H.R. turned from taking acid to embracing the Rastafarian religion after seeing Bob Marley and the Wailers perform. Bad Brains took Marley's gentler rhythms and channeled them into punk shows that are repeatedly called "religious experiences" by those interviewed here. Inspired by the figurative meaning behind the biblical Joseph's "coat of many colors," the lead singer adopted the identity of Joseph—and later H.R. While H.R. was initially focused, determined, and hyper-spiritual, friends say that something happened amidst the craziness of the rock ‘n' roll lifestyle, leading H.R. to engage in chaotic and inconsistent behavior. While onstage he was always bombastic, his offstage behavior veered towards violence. Today, however, he is much more chill, although in 2016 his wife said he suffers from a rare disorder that causes excruciating headaches. Filmmaker James Lathos's documentary serves up a gripping look at a man, a band, and a key music era. Highly recommended. Aud: P. (C. Block)
Finding Joseph I: The HR From Bad Brains Documentary
(2017) 91 min. DVD: $19.95. Music Video Distributors (avail. from most distributors). Volume 33, Issue 2
Finding Joseph I: The HR From Bad Brains Documentary
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