"http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"> YOUNG @ HEART
By: Timm Carney
So you think you're an old Punk rocker. Ha! You are nothing unless you are as old as the members of the Young at Heart Chorus. The minimum age of the chorus is 73 and they rock. Have you ever heard a group of 80 something's belt out a version of "I Wanna be Sedated" or Sonic Youth's "Schizophrenia"? Well you should. A 2006 documentary was made for England's Channel 4 and released by Fox Searchlight pictures recently played on PBS as a part of its Independent Lens series. The film documents the story of the chorus from Northampton' Massachusetts and its members. The director of the chorus is man named Bob Cilman who brings a love of modern music and punk rock songs to a group of elderly singers. The chorus' take on punk songs is a refreshing' exciting albeit campy experience. They have a CD available on Rhino Records titled "Mostly Live" on which they cover songs like "Walk on the Wild Side" "Should I Stay or Should I Go" "Ruby Tuesday" and "Yes We Can Can". You can't help but love this chorus and their vitality. The documentary gives you what appears to be a true picture of them health issues and all. It is touching' sad' and hilarious experience. If you want to see a great rock and roll movie make a point of renting it or looking for it on your local PBS station. The chorus is the essence of ROCK ON.