In the early 2000s, art/folk/experimentalists Califone played a few shows in which they improvised accompaniment to silent films. The sessions were documented in the Deceleration series, and though the discs are quite good, they seemed like a different side of Califone, rather than a natural path.
Enter 2009 and All My Friends Are Funeral Singers. Tim Rutili set out to make a movie using only cell phone cameras. Things changed, ideas grew, and a feature film was born. This time, it had a Califone soundtrack and Califone stars, and the film itself had the Rutili touch. Funeral Singers is a remarkable, wildly imaginative film that — along with the band’s 2009 album of the same name — sees Rutili at a creative high point. All My Friends Are Funeral Singers premiered at Sundance, SxSW, and Sarasota film festivals. Paste magazine called it one of the highlights of Sundance, a “whimsical movie…full of fascinating characters…directed with a light, deft touch.”
To win a copy of All My Friends Are Funeral Singers, just comment below and include your email address in the form (your email won’t be visible to the public). The winner will be chosen at random on July 12, 2010.
Upcoming Califone shows
6/20/10 – Taste of Randolph Street Festival – Chicago, Il
8/28/10 – Mass MoCA – North Adams, MA
This contest is now closed. Thanks for playing!
I had the opportunity to see Califone at the Thrill Jockey 15 shows in December of 2007 in Chicago. This show really solidified them as a favorite of mine.
Saw the guys in Louisville last Friday night and the show was brilliant as usual. Many songs from Funeral Singers and a few from way back.
They are also playing at Saki Records in Chicago this Saturday at 2 pm.
It's a new vinyl store on W. Fullerton in the city. If you can't make it to the show downtown on Sunday, you should check this one out.
I would savor this victory!
califone is awesome. also, july 15 is my birthday.
dog, an exorcist and a bride drunk and trading
Califone knock me out. I would give this dvd a happy home.
ahhh dying to see this film.
Caught them at ribfest on saturday. They were great, weren't selling the dvd, unfortunately.
Flew to Chicago to see this performed live. Amazing.
Love Califone. Have yet to see them live though.
I love CALIFONE and hate that I had to miss their "All My Friends Are Funeral Singers" screening/tour last fall.
Sorry if that was confusing. It's my understanding that the cell phone cameras were just part of the initial idea. The actual thing was filmed with good cameras.
Also– I recall that they wanted to release footage of their Deceleration shows, but licensing issues prevented it from happening.
it was shot using cell phone footage? wow. any videos of the old silent film performances?
if you get a opportunities to see califone perform the soundtrack live alongside the film, you should do everything within your powers to do so. it gives the movie this depth that i don't think you'd get just watching the dvd. the band is so wonderful live.
Love Califone as well. Missed their live performance of the album when they came through town…hoping to catch them next time.
The movie was really great when I saw it at Lincoln Hall in Chicago!
One of my favorite bands. Heron King Blues blew my mind the first time I heard it.
Love Califone. Their last show at the Casbah behind the screen was amazing. First time I ever saw everyone sit on the floor at a show.
Weeds and rain