I'm definitely going to check the film out. I've just listened to Rodriguez's two albums, Cold Fact and Coming From Reailty, and it really is a mystery to me as to why they became so obscure. It really makes you wonder how many other incredible artists we've missed out on because of a simple case of wrong place, wrong time.

Maybe a perfect example of the ficklness of the record companies. Throw money at someone with talent then drop them like a stone when the wind changes or they don't sell the units they hoped for.

As one of songs Daniel Johnson sang says 'Don't play the chords of fame"

I saw "Sugarman" on Sunday, and not wanting to give anything away, as part of the pleasure is unravelling the mystery, it's a real life fairy tale. Afterwards i went back in to watch Swandown thinking it won't be as good as Sugarman and it was even better making this the most pleasurable day in the cinema i've had in years. I would even say that either of those films is better than The Dark Knight Rises.

This whole argument about the filmmakers withholding information for dramatic effect is nonsense. Hitchcock once said that film is "life with the dull bits taken out" any documentary represents only a small percentage of the footage shot and are routinely edited to give it a narrative arc. To quote one histories great thinkers " that aint no history lesson, thats entertainment"

This reminds me very much of Shuggie Ottis............he made one excellent, unique album in the very early 70's and then vanished. Yet, that one album has influenced a plethora of other artists, most notably Prince. I wish somebody would do a Sugarman on him.

Artists who flirt with fame, or live on the margins of it, but still stay true to their art (unlike 99% who make it!) are always more interesting and credible. That's why the Anvil film was so enjoyable and why artists such as Rodriguez, Shuggie Ottis,Daniel Johnson, Rocky Erickson,Captain Beefheart and Syd Barret (who is also desparately in need of a definitive documentary) will always hold the interest and continue to sell for years after their 'careers' finished.

Looking forward to seeing this film.

PS-If you're looking for another documentary alternative to the blockbusters that's out at the moment, check out, 'Nostalgia for the light'-It's fantastic!