Another weekend of the Reel Music Film Festival, and Sunday’s movie is worth noting:

Monks: The Transatlantic Feedback
In the mid ’60s, five American GIs stationed in Germany started a rock band with the idea of being the anti-Beatles. They wore black and shaved tonsures in their hair; their music was loud, robotic, and violent. This excellent documentary focuses on the Monks’ sensation of being far from home at a time when America underwent drastic change. It also captures the artistic climate of Germany during the ’60s, with a particular eye on the distinct design of the period. The world wasn’t quite ready for the Monks then; in many ways, it still isn’t. NED LANNAMANN

It’s a hell of a story. And there’s a (sad) denouement. Monks’ banjo player (banjoist?) Dave Day just passed away January 10th. He has some of the best moments in the film, especially towards the end, where he speaks about how hard his life had been after the Monks. Thankfully, in their music being re-evaluated and reappraised many years later, he was able to finally reach some peace. After their reunion show, he talks at length about how satisfied he is with life. It’s pretty moving.

Monks: The Transatlantic Feedback, NW Film Center’s Whitsell Auditorium, 1219 SW Park, Sunday January 27, 7:15 pm