masterson-1
Really liked this, even though it was quite apparent that the bands were merely lip syncing their songs. Well produced, very imaginative "mod" sets, choreography that was forced but cute. Colorful. Bands ranged from well-known to obscure, but all of the songs were interesting. I wonder if this was one in a series of such movies, which was supposed to be a review of the previous year's music. Captures the time period very brilliantly and in a presentation that is both intelligent and holds up some 50 years later. I think it would have been even better had the bands been able to actually perform on the stage, although they did quite well faking the playing of their instruments...especially the drummers.
kakkarot
I was pleased to see AMC run this film last summer. Pop Gear is truly a rare gem. The film starts off with a familiar live performance by the Beatles. Most of the performances were made for the film. The different sets made in contrast to the songs reek with a lost 60's fashion sense. There are many wonderful hits, some forgotten, featured. One of the best is 'Have I the Right' by the Honeycombs. Other fine performances are by Herman's Hermits (Something Tells Me I'm Into Something Good), The Animals (House of the Rising Sun), Tobacco Road (Nashville Teens), Peter and Gordon (World Without Love), and a great lost song by the Spencer Davis Group, among many other performances. The film ends with the Beatles performing 'Twist and Shout,'I think. The only downer is that one of the most wonderful and under-rated band of the 60's the Zombies are not performing on here. If you love this music, do yourself a favor and watch this film, that is if AMC ever shows it again.
mesadude
I grew up listening to the early British bands and loved their music. This is a wonderful time capsule preserving for everyone a rare glimpse of the early British music invasion. I still have some of the albums from those bands and listen from time to time to reminisce. "Pop Gear" sets the stage for the visual British invasion experience. Highly recommended to anyone interested in this music.
John Seal
Thanks to AMC, we now have the opportunity to see this technicolour marvel in all its widescreen glory. Starting out with some welcome (if inessential) Beatles footage, the film soon hits its stride with compere Jimmy Savile's wide-eyed introductions to the pop leaders of Britain, 1964. Some of the highlights: The Animals looking menacing during House of the Rising Sun, the undervalued Billie Davis, a terrific appearance from the Nashville Teens doing Tobacco Row, and The Honeycombs doing Have I the Right. The Rockin' Berries He's In Town still sounds great, too. The overall quality is dragged down a bit by housewife's choice Matt Monro (nothing against your voice, Matt, but you're a bit if a square), the already cringe-inducing Herman's Hermits, and an embaressing turn by Tommy Quickly and the Remo Four. Plus bits from Billy J Kramer and the Dakotas(Little Children), Peter and Gordon (World Without Love)and The Four Pennies. Essential viewing for fans of Merseybeat and 60s pop.
AD
