2011 is proving to be a good year for music documentaries. Last month saw the UK release of Living in the Material World, Martin Scorcese's acclaimed and exhaustive tribute to George Harrison, which followed hot on the heels of Pearl Jam 20, Cameron Crowe's history of the grunge survivors.
Currently on a theatrical tour is Sound It Out, Jeanie Finlay's warm-hearted documentary about the last surviving record shop on Teeside and the die-hard vinyl fans who shop there.
And 20 years after its making, Sonic Youth fans are this week finally able to get a DVD copy of 1991: The Year Punk Broke, a fascinating documentary that follows the band as they tour Europe, playing alongside the likes of Nirvana, Dinosaur Jr, Mudhoney and Babes in Toyland.
What are your favourite music documentaries? Have you seen any of the ones mentioned above, and if so would you recommend them? What makes a good music film? And are there any hidden classics of the genre that deserve a wider audience? Let us know below – the person who puts forward the best case for the music documentary of their choice will win themselves a copy of 1991: The Year Punk Broke on DVD.
