The Rhythm Devils

The Apocalypse Now Sessions (1979)
Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Airto Moreira, Flora Purim, Phil Lesh (& Others) Journey Into Francis Ford Coppola's Heart Of Darkness

Given the name of this blog, this post is probably long overdue. Francis Ford Coppola's bleak indictment of the Vietnam war, Apocalypse Now, had so many different musical elements - electronic, orchestral, atmospheric, tribal, The Doors - that it's hard to believe it coherently held together in a single film. The contributions of the Grateful Dead's Mickey Hart & Bill Kreutzmann (and friends) were minor in the film's final mix, but nonetheless effective - which is why these expanded session tapes are such a treat for fans. Clocking in at a mere 35+ minutes (there must be more) these improvised drum and effects sessions offer more tantalizing glimpses into Coppola's dark vision that was Apocalypse Now. Dead fans, soundtrack fans and drum majors will all appreciate. Links in Comments


Compound
Trenches
Street Gang
The Beast
Steps
Tar
Lance
Cave
Hell's Bells
Kurtz
Napalm For Breakfast