SXSW Film Reviews
By Marc Savlov, Fri., March 18, 2005
SCRATCH: ALL THE WAY LIVE
D: Doug Pray
Documentary Feature 24 Beats per Second
This follow-up to Pray's 2001 documentary on turntablists – those lunatic DJs who've created an art out of the sonic manipulation of the vinyl 12" – is every bit as entertaining as its predecessor, right down to the enormous "I can't believe they did that" factor that arises whenever you hear a scratchy-scratch that mimics the sound of a voice, or a piece of live music. All the Way Live follows those frantic fingers out on tour, with South Bronx hip-hop granddaddy Jazzy Jay leading the fray. The new school, represented by Z-Trip (whom Jay laughingly refers to as an "FWB ... funky white boy"), Beastie Boys' backbone Mix Master Mike, and the ludicrously talented trio X-Ecutioners, are on board, as well. Pray's film includes plenty of backstage banter, snippets of interviews, and the like, but for all intents and purposes it's a thoroughly well-constructed concert film, and, remarkably, one that makes you want to stand up and applaud after each and every set.Alamo South Lamar, 2pm
