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Review: Cameron Crowe's Almost Famous
by Kerry Douglas Dye

published 9/18/00

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Kerry Douglas Dye is LeisureSuit.net's Manhattan-based Senior Editor.



MOST RECENT YAK ABOUT THIS ARTICLE:

Subj: Re: name of song
Neal young
everybody knows this is knowhere

-- An LSM Reader
Oct 31, 2009 at 11:06AM

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My co-editor, music expert Jordan Hoffman, couldn't find the time to review Cameron Crowe's new picture Almost Famous, although he really wanted to. Implicit in this desire was the notion that I--music imbecile that I am--am unqualified to review what he described as "a love letter to Led Zeppelin and the Allman Brothers Band" (or something to that effect). True, I can't appreciate the pic's milieu--early 70's rock and roll--as much as he, but on the other hand, does he feel, like I do, that Cameron Crowe's Jerry Maguire was one of the 3 or 4 greatest pictures of the 90's? I'm quite certain he doesn't. So who looks unqualified now?

Almost Famous is almost perfect. Crowe's mostly-autobiographical tale of a 15-year-old music lover named William (Patrick Fugit) who manages to land an assignment covering a band called Stillwater for Rolling Stone in 1971 is packed with laughs. Like in Crowe's other works, there are tiny moments of delicious reality (remember in Jerry Maguire when Renee Zellweger sees the black eye Jerry's ex-fiancée has given him and he says "imagine if I had gotten her the ring she really wanted" and Zellweger's character laughs, but you can see she really didn't get the joke? That's like the only time I can think of in a movie where one character doesn't get another character's joke but laughs anyway--something which happens all the time in real life.)

Crowe is twice as smart as most screenwriters and three times as smart as most directors. That shows in the final product, and it's gratifying (although if Crowe really lost his virginity to three hot teenage groupies, as William does in the movie, I have to hate him on principle). Unfortunately, the movie kind of falls apart in the last act: William has traveled on the road with Stillwater, there's been a love triangle of sorts with Stillwater guitarist Russell (Billy Crudup) and groupie Penny Lane (Goldie Hawn spawn Kate Hudson), he's filed his story with Rolling Stone, he's gone home to his mother (Frances McDormand) . . . now Crowe doesn't have a decent way to wrap up the story.

That the last half hour is unsatisfying is a particular bummer because the rest of it is so damn good. Crowe has written terrific characters and milked performances out of his actors to match. Crudup is great as the shallow guitarist whose maturation is central to a film which is ostensibly William's coming of age story. William's mother is a bit of a nut--a liberal college professor who repeatedly reminds her son, "Don't Do Drugs". Wonderful part, wonderful performance. Do I hear a Best Supporting Actress nod?

My strongest reaction to Almost Famous, though, is that it made being in a rock band seem really fun. I guess a lot of kids fantasize about being a musician, but I never did. Now that I see it in action, I see the appeal, and I don't just mean the opportunity to sexually exploit teenage girls. There's a camaraderie among the members of Stillwater, and the adolescent groupies who orally service them, that's kind of heartwarming.

Yes, the ending is weak, but Almost Famous almost made a music lover out of me, which is a darn impressive feat. I recommend you check it out.


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THE YAK SHACK


Name: An LSM Reader
Subject: Re: name of song
-- Oct 31, 2009 at 11:06AM
Neal young
everybody knows this is knowhere

Name: GuyIncognito
Subject: ANSWER TO MARIA NUMBER 3
-- Jul 24, 2009 at 8:24PM
Actually both Honar and Rob are wrong.
1) it was River by Joni Mitchell to start with!
2) Then it went on to Roundabout by Yes..
No offence but kiss my bony ass goodnight suckaas!

Name: Tittybangbang
Subject: your mum
-- Jul 24, 2009 at 8:20PM
tell your mum i said he ;)

Name: Honar
Subject: REPLY TO MARIA X2
-- Jul 24, 2009 at 8:19PM
its coul also be joni mitchells 'blue' which plays for abit or one by simon and garfunkal as the background music changes during the scene!
ps:just to say,I love almost famous,its my one and only all time favourite film ever and i cry every time i see it!I could honestly watch it forever more!

Name: Rob
Subject: REPLY TO "mariaaaa"
-- May 19, 2009 at 7:29PM
it's you move by yes

Name: Aishlyn Hannah
Subject: To the person who said there should be an almost famous two
-- Mar 3, 2009 at 11:51PM
There should not have an almost famous two because A) Sequals suck and B) why ruin an original?

Name: mariaaa
Subject: help
-- Feb 25, 2009 at 12:36AM
whats the name of the song that plays as william (first time meeting stillwater) enters the arena? it plays only for about ten seconds or so..its killing me

Name: Rebecca
Subject: Cabin in the Sky
-- Feb 20, 2009 at 5:40AM
Actually, I found Lucky Trumble, but that is not the song played when Penny asks William to come to Morocco. I have heard that song may be called Cabin in the Sky by Nancy Wilson. If anyone can confirm this or tell me where to get it, that would be great

Name: Rebecca
Subject: Lucky Trumble
-- Feb 20, 2009 at 5:31AM
Does anyone know where to find the track Lucky Trumble to either purchase or download? I love that song so much but I can't find it

Name: mariarosa
Subject: Continetal Hyatt House song
-- Feb 9, 2009 at 2:35AM
The song in the Continetal Hyatt House, Before William joins the tour is Small Town Blues, by Pete Droge

Name: mariarosa
Subject: Airport song
-- Feb 9, 2009 at 2:31AM
the song in the airport is Cabin in the sky, by Nancy Wilson

Name: longman
Subject: acouic instrumental at the airport
-- Feb 6, 2009 at 5:23PM
love the movie, anyone know the composerfor that instrumental when penny is on the plane and william runs after her shaking his hand? its been eating me alive. a name of the song and srtist if anyone can!!

Name: Barbara
Subject: Neil Young
-- Jan 16, 2009 at 1:43AM
Is Neil Young the guy in the second close-up of the magazine when Lester Bangs is in the radio station talking about the Doors & the Guess Who? He has black hair and is wearing a black shirt....

Name: wrighter
Subject: Song?
-- Dec 11, 2008 at 3:52AM
first of all i think this is great that you can get these songs..Whats the song right before "River" when penny is playing with the enemys hair and face...Right before river kicks in . thanks

Name: harpo
Subject: cortez
-- Oct 3, 2008 at 7:29PM
it actually is cortez but he plays it acoustic. it sounds like natural beauty becuase 1. its in the same key and 2. the style of the performance is the same as natural beauty

Name: kirk
Subject: remembered it
-- Aug 28, 2008 at 1:53PM
that song is natural beauty by Neil Young. It was just the acoustics playing in the movie for about 20 seconds. It's not mentioned on the soundtrack at all. They did goof. Boneheads.

Name: kirk
Subject: question
-- Aug 25, 2008 at 3:24PM
There's a great song by Neil Young playing in the background when the kid and Russell separate at the airport. Anyone know it? I saw the credits and it's not "Cortez the killer" or "Everybody knows this is nowhere". It's a great song but I can't spit it out. I think they goofed on the credits cause I didn't hear "Cortez....) throughout the movie at all.

Name: VaughnP
Subject: edit
-- Aug 24, 2008 at 4:55AM
Thunderclap Newman not Newton, don't know what I was thinking. ***

Name: VaughnP
Subject: question
-- Aug 24, 2008 at 4:37AM
I'm pretty sure the song is "Something In The Air" by Thunderclap Newton, Travis.

Name: Travis
Subject: Acoustic song
-- Aug 9, 2008 at 7:58PM
What is the name of that song that jason lee is playing acoustic guitar to? It's the scene when Penny just arives in LA and is seducing Russel. The band is in a hotel room and they are all partying and singing along with Jason.

Name: Cheryl
Subject: Stillwater Songs
-- Aug 5, 2008 at 2:21AM
I have the Stillwater CD from the movie and I have been trying to figure out who is actually doing the singing.????

Name: Melissa
Subject: Stillwater Songs
-- Jul 27, 2008 at 5:16PM
Who sang actual lead vocals on Fever Dog and Love Comes and Goes? Stillwater, the 70's band had Nothing to do with this movie and I know its not Jason Lee.

Name: Alex
Subject: stillwater songs
-- Jun 12, 2008 at 3:30AM
The songs that stillwater performed in almost famous are: fever dog, love thing, chance upon you, hour of need, you had to be there, and love comes and goes. To answer shelly's ? the one where jason lee is playing the piano is called love comes and goes.

Name: Shelly
Subject: HELP!
-- Mar 14, 2008 at 8:27PM
I would like to know all the names of the songs Fever Dog sang in the movie. One in particular is when they're in concert and Jason Lee is sitting at a keyboard playing at the beginning of the song.

Name: chemet
Subject: want to know the artist of the song blue jean played in the movie almost famouus
-- Feb 3, 2008 at 8:10PM
i really liked the song blue jean and i am not able to figure it out please help me...i am dying for the song..

Name: An LS.n Reader
Subject: Review: Cameron Crowe's Almost Famous
-- Nov 23, 2007 at 4:38AM
It's a GREAT song :)

Name: An LS.n Reader
Subject: Review: Cameron Crowe's Almost Famous
-- Nov 23, 2007 at 4:37AM
The name of the song played when they pull up to the Topeka party house in the van is called

"Everybody knows this is nowhere" by Neil Young.

Name: DeAuna
Subject: What Song?
-- Nov 10, 2007 at 10:03PM
Whats the name of the song played when they pull up to the Topeka party house in the van... I think I want to go, back home and take it easy, there's a woman that Id like to get to know back home, I love it. Please Please let me know, anyone?

Name: Emma
Subject: Songs
-- Oct 21, 2007 at 1:57PM
Most wonderful film ever for me, hands down...

That gorgeous song that everyone sings along to on the bus is Tiny Dancer by Elton John.

The instrumental song that plays in the background when Penny asks William to come to Morocco with her is Lucky Trumble by Nancy Wilson, and was written especially for the film.

Hope this helps. :)

Name: Cassandra
Subject: What is that song?
-- Oct 17, 2007 at 10:04PM
Well it was a touching movie, and i fell in love with a song, and i don't know the name of it but i remember that Kate Hudson was singing along to it because it was playing somewhere and i think everyone else might of sang along too. Its been a while since i saw the movie but i just herd the song again today and i and trying to figure out the name of it.

Name: cassandra
Subject: what is that song
-- Oct 17, 2007 at 10:03PM
Well it was a touching movie, and i fell in love with a song, and i don't know the name of it but i remember that Kate Hudson was singing along to it because it was playing somewhere and i think everyone else might of sang along too. Its been a while since i saw the movie but i just herd the song again today and i and trying to figure out the name of it.

Name: Kirsten
Subject: Instrumental song
-- Oct 9, 2007 at 12:18AM
Big question mark added to George's question. It's been driving me crazy!!!!

Name: Becca
Subject: Song off Tommy
-- Aug 17, 2007 at 9:50AM
To Emily, The Song that Plays When William Puts on the album is Sparks by The Who.It's not a zeppelin album.It's off the album Tommy by The Who. Also in the movie the song played is partly a studio version and partly a live version put together but on the soundtrack it is completely the studio version.that's just some trvia for you.Also it's an instrumental.

Name: George
Subject: Song
-- Jul 11, 2007 at 10:23PM
What song is playing when penny and william are talking outside san diego sports arena after stillwater plays and they are talking about morroco and williams mother is whistling? It has no lyrics or that verison has no lyrics and is a piano and mandalin.

Name: George
Subject: Song
-- Jul 11, 2007 at 10:23PM
What song is playing when penny and william are talking outside san diego sports arena after stillwater plays and they are talking about morroco and williams mother is whistling? It has no lyrics or that verison has no lyrics and is a piano and mandalin.

Name: b
Subject: Thanks Guys!
-- Jul 2, 2007 at 7:27PM
Found every song I wanted because of your posts...
Something in the Air - Thunderclap Newman (hotel room Sing Along)

Small Time Blues - Peter Droge (couple in Hotel room playing)

Mona Lisa's & Mad Hatters - elton John
(William Runs after Penny in cab)

Thanks Guys You Rock!

Name: Emily
Subject: a song ? of course
-- Jul 1, 2007 at 8:13PM
does anyone know the name of the song william's sister told him to play off the led zeppelin album tommy?

Name: Kayla
Subject: A song question
-- Apr 18, 2007 at 2:50AM
I have a yearning to know what that first song is, before the movie really starts when the beginning credits are being written out by hand? I like that part and that song. thanks??!

Name: jadda
Subject: songs
-- Feb 19, 2007 at 11:30PM
june: thunderclap newman - something in the air

lukreto: alvin and the chipmunks (i dont know what the song is called)

:)

Name: beep
Subject: bloop
-- Feb 19, 2007 at 11:17PM
I LOVE THIS MOVIE. I love all the music and the whole 70s rock era...times have changed drastically and it SUCKS.

Name: lukreto
Subject: question
-- Jan 31, 2007 at 12:14AM
Does anyone knows the cute and funny beginning song, when William (child) walks with his mother ?
Thank you very much

Name: AF Fan
Subject: Reply for Rachael
-- Jan 30, 2007 at 4:56PM
Song when William runs around looking in taxis for Penny Lane is by Elton John called 'Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters' Love this movie!!!

Name: june
Subject: song
-- Dec 24, 2006 at 7:23PM
guys, the name of the song they are jamming in california when penny enters the room with william and makes the stewardess speech?

Name: Katie
Subject: Song
-- Nov 13, 2006 at 6:27AM
hey!
For Jarvis the name of the song that is playing when the guys are brushing their beards is The Oogum Boogum song by Brenton Wood..great song!!

Name: rachael
Subject: Name Of That Awsome Song??
-- Jun 13, 2006 at 8:33AM
Heyy! this is deffently my favourite movie ever, iv'e seen it sooo many times, and i was just wondering if anyone new the song that played when William was running around near the taxies looking for Penny Lane, the songs contunies when Pennys getting her stomach pumped? does anyone know the name and artist of this song? thankyou so much!

Name: jarvis
Subject: name of a song!!!
-- Mar 16, 2006 at 4:14AM
Like most of you i LOVE the movie and nearly go crazy when i hear some of the songs but dont know the names. The song im looking for is the upbeat one that starts playing in the bathroom when william watches the other guys brush their beards.

Name: kyle
Subject: name of song at topeka
-- Mar 10, 2006 at 3:54AM
the song playing as russel and william walk into the party is actually Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere by neil young

Name: Ryan
Subject: "Burn" name of the song at the Topeka
-- Feb 25, 2006 at 11:31PM
Burn is a great song but since the movie takes place in 1973 it's inaccurate. Burn didn't come out till 1975 and David Coverdale was lead vocal.

Name: Elodie
Subject: "Almost Famous" Song
-- Feb 15, 2006 at 2:53PM
Hi,
Does anyone knows the cute and funny beginning song, when William (child) walks with his mother ?
Thank you very much

Name: Elodie
Subject: Song
-- Feb 15, 2006 at 2:52PM
Hi,
Does anyone knows the cute and funny beginning song, when William (child) walks with his mother ?
Thank you very much

Name: Oscar (NL)
Subject: songs
-- Jan 23, 2006 at 11:15AM
@Lela:
"River" ; by Joni Mitchell, taken from the album "Blue", first released 1971. The original vinyl was also included in Anita's record bag (BTW it shouldn't be in it, because the record wasn't yet released at the moment of the scene).

@ray:
"Everybody knows this is nowhere", title track of Neil Young's second album, released 1969.

Name: Lela
Subject: another song question
-- Jan 18, 2006 at 3:27PM
Does anyone know which song is playing in the scene where Russell and Penny shake hands near the beginning of the movie? I must know!

Name: matt
Subject: name of the song at the topeka party
-- Jan 7, 2006 at 1:01PM
the song being played as will an russel walk into the party at topeka is "burn" by deep purple

Name: Ray
Subject: name of song
-- Oct 18, 2005 at 9:22PM
Whats the name of the song played when they pull up to the Topeka party house in the van... I think I want to go, back home and take it easy, there's a woman that Id like to get to know back home.... (something like that anyways) Does any one know the title? Thanks in advance!

Name: Jewel
Subject: That Song
-- Aug 8, 2005 at 2:07PM
The song that the couple are playing in the hotel room is called Small Time Blues and its by Pete Droge. Hope you find it!

Name: papashaggy
Subject: What was that song
-- Jul 20, 2005 at 6:15PM
I am a musician so of course I love the Movie. The question I had was When they are at the Continetal Hyatt House, Before William joins the tour, there was a couple playing a song in a motel room, the song lyrics go "Please Stay, I wanna hear your Breathing" PLease someone tell me the name of this song Its killing me I want the whold song, does it really exsist

Name: Seamus
Subject: Dates
-- May 7, 2005 at 4:36PM
The movie was actully set in 1973...Jason Lee is awesome

Name: Ana
Subject: address
-- Oct 25, 2003 at 4:24PM
I love almost famous.
and all the beautful songs, Cameron is the best. somebody tell his home address on the site

Name: JD
Subject: Real
-- Nov 18, 2002 at 11:09PM
I love this movie..I can't believe I just watched it yesterday. It feels so real it gets under my skin... and besides,Kate Hudson's hot!

Name: Felix
Subject: Music
-- Nov 10, 2002 at 7:21PM
Yeah, this movie may tell us about love, growin´up, education and all the other stuff !
But if you try to get the message, you´ll see:
It´s music...
This movie draws a picture : Man loves music...
But somehow Crowe makes the recipient get a much more important clue: how the music can give this Love back to you on an abstract but wonderful way if you make your heart ready for it...
Let this film open your eyes, perhaps you will find music more important for you, than it has been ever before...

Name: Tiffany
Subject: make a second!!!!!!
-- Nov 3, 2002 at 11:36AM
I really loved Almost Famous!!! I have it on DVD,VHS, and surrond sound!!! The music on the movie is the kind of music I live for!!!

It looked like more fun in those days than now!! The absoulty need to make Almost Famous2!!

Name: lance
Subject: Yeah!
-- Feb 25, 2002 at 4:37AM
I reckon that was a great movie, I wish I was back in those days they look like fun! they should make a second or another like it. thats the good shit!!!

Name: jopq4j
Subject: teenage girls
-- Oct 2, 2000 at 8:36AM
Everyone wants to have sex with teenage girls, THAT'S WHY THERE'S A LAW!

Name: Sean
Subject: You forgot...
-- Sep 22, 2000 at 10:49PM
Most importantly that Jason lee (Mallrats, Chasing Amy, Dogma) is in the flick!!


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