I guess, probably in part to my whole re-kindled love for playing the guitar and getting back into music, I bought this DVD and CD blindly without ever actually listened to any of Daniel Lanois works. Other than knowing him for producing U2’s albums (with Brian Eno) - I just decided on a wimp to get it.

At first I decided to hold off on the listening to just the CD until I watched the documentary first. I’m glad that I did. Now my initial thought of the documentary of him producing his album reminded me of that terrible Anton Corbijn’s U2 film “Linear”. (Sorry Anton, I love your photography work but that film didn’t cut it for me… more on that in another post) Other parts of the film, felt like a wannabe Phil Joanou’s “Rattle And Hum”. But in reality, I have to say that’s this documentary is much different on it’s own.

To my ear’s delight, I really enjoyed Daniel Lanois’s voice and musical enthusiasm during the recording and mixing of his songs. If you watch closely enough and read between the lines, you can actually understand his method of producing albums.

Furthermore, I love how he recruited some top-notch musicians to work on his album. Garth Hudson’s piano playing blew me away. The only thing I can’t seem to get over were his scary looking fingers… But surprisingly, I was impressed with Brian Blade’s wicked jazzy drum playing. If I had to describe his playing, I would have to said that it’s “smooooooooth”.

Of course, there are plenty of other notable guests included in the film - like Billy Bob Thornton. I was quite happy to see that Daniel and Billy were good friends - and to learn that Daniel Lanois scored Billy’s film “Sling Blade”.

The best part of the film was catching glimpses of Daniel’s Gibson Les Paul (with a Bigsy tail). I don’t have to tell you that I just love the Les Paul guitars. I just wish that there were more (or better) shots of the his guitars. Now the film does include an extensive shot of him playing on his steel guitar on one of his tracks, but I would rather hear to rock and roll tones.

My favorite track on the CD is “Harry”. It’s a very slow melodic tune mixed with a soft guitar tone and driving piano part. The lyrics and vocal tone are very moving. So after researching the backstory, I totally appreciate it for what it is.

“Harry had been robbed and was afraid to go back to his house, so he came to my hotel and we spent a fascinating night together,” he says. “He just told stories. I wish I had filmed that because he is really somebody who has lived through enough chapters to qualify as one of the mentors of modern times. I asked Harry if he had any kids, and he said, ‘I think I got one’…and he was really evasive about it all. But he said, ‘I’ve pretty much always been a womanizer.’

“I said I was going to write this song about a womanizer, and on that night the woman who comes to him is his angel that is going to take him away-someone who is kindhearted and generous.”

Overall the film presents itself in a humbling and honest personal tone. I can feel the passion of Daniel’s workmanship and the amount of effort he puts into producing any one of his songs. Now, whenever I listen to the CD, I truly think of the DVD.

You also learn, as a tidbit, that this film was made during the time U2 was also working on their “No Line On The Horizon” album… (speaking of which, what’s up with bald (or going bald) guitar players sporting beanies???)