Watch Dr. Feelgood - Oil City Confidential

Dr. Feelgood - Oil City Confidential is an iconic British documentary directed by Julian Temple, which offers a nostalgic glimpse into the fervent music scene of the 1970s. The film follows the rise and fall of the band Dr. Feelgood, one of the pioneers of the punk rock movement, and the musical history of Canvey Island, a small town in Essex, England.

The documentary features interviews with Lee Brilleaux, the frontman of Dr. Feelgood, and other band members, Wilko Johnson and John Martin, as well as other musicians, such as Alison Moyet, Pete Townshend, and Mick Jones, who reveal the impact Dr. Feelgood had on their own musical careers.

The film is presented in a non-linear style, with the events of the story unfolding in fragmented memories and flashbacks, as the band's members recount their experiences. Each of these memories is accompanied by the band's music, which creates a vibrant and frenetic atmosphere, reflecting the energy of the music and the era.

The documentary explores the origins of Dr. Feelgood and its roots in the blues music of the 1960s. The band was formed in 1971, and its members shared a love of the raw, energetic sound of the blues, which they sought to capture in their own music. They quickly built a local following due to their intense live performances and distinctive sound, which combined the blues with a punk-inspired edge.

The film delves into the social and cultural context of the band's rise, depicting the bleak landscape of Canvey Island and its working-class inhabitants. The town was in decline due to the closing of the local oil refinery, and the band's music provided an outlet for the disillusionment and frustration of the community.

Dr. Feelgood's success was as much due to their on-stage presence and style as it was to their music. The band's appearance - skinny jeans, felt fedoras, and leather jackets - became a signature style that influenced the punk rock fashion of the time.

The film also explores the tension within the band, particularly between Brilleaux and Johnson, who had different visions for the band's direction. Despite this, they were able to produce several successful albums, including Down by the Jetty (1974) and Malpractice (1975), which showcased their unique sound and earned them a loyal fan base.

The band's success was not to last, however. Internal conflicts, combined with the changing music scene of the late 1970s, led to their decline. Brilleaux passed away in 1994, and Johnson continues to perform and record music to this day.

Dr. Feelgood - Oil City Confidential is a must-watch documentary for anyone interested in the early punk rock movement or the British music scene of the 1970s. It captures the raw energy and frenzied spirit of the era, while also providing a poignant reflection on the social and cultural context in which this music emerged.