Heartworn Highways (1976)

Screenwriter, cinematographer, producer, and director James Szalapski may be best known for the Alien teaser trailer, but this nearly lost country music documentary should be what people remember him for.

Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt, Steve Earle, David Allan Coe, Rodney Crowell, Gamble Rogers, Steve Young and The Charlie Daniels Band are the subjects of this piece, young men who looked to the past of country rather than what was popular at the time.

This film takes a sprawling narrative flow, basically following them as they record, drink, play shows and party some more. There are tons of astounding performances, but perhaps none better than Van Zandt singing “Waitin’ Around to Die” in his kitchen.

Kino Lorber has been releasing so many blu rays this year that are must owns. Consider this one of them. You can get it directly from them.