"All You Need Is Love"

All You Need Is Love - Tony Palmer
Image: Wikipedia

... and I'm not referring to the eponymous Beatles' tune.  A must-see for those of you who relish a little reverie in musical history now and again.  I'm currently making my way through this box-set, having chosen "Go Down, Moses" for my first viewing.  This particular episode brings the viewer through musical history in the context of protest and war, featuring many of my own particular favourites - Cohen, Dylan etc - against a backdrop of social and cultural activity.

It's truly compulsive viewing, and the educational journey you're brought on in the process is part of the enjoyment.  Palmer collects a wonderful, colourful collage; there are interviews with individuals such as Phil Spector [renowned for, amongst other things, being inaccessible for interview], interspersed with shots of live performance, and moments of nudity [Mr. Leonard Cohen, in a swimming pool].

There's a broad but deft usage of all varieties of media, including photography, interviews, performance and excerpts of contemporary historic reference.  The overall impact is something of great relevance - musically, culturally and historically.  Go forth and view, folks!