Watch This Ain't No Mouse Music!

This Ain't No Mouse Music! is a documentary film that tells the story of Chris Strachwitz, the founder of Arhoolie Records, and his lifelong pursuit of authentic American music. The film is directed by Chris Simon and Maureen Gosling and features Ry Cooder, among other notable musicians. The documentary begins by introducing Strachwitz, a German immigrant who came to the United States as a teenager and fell in love with American music. Strachwitz's passion for music led him to travel across the country, recording the sounds of musicians who were often overlooked by the mainstream music industry.

Throughout the film, we see how Strachwitz's love of music led him to become one of the most important figures in American roots music. His record label, Arhoolie Records, was founded in the 1960s and became a haven for musicians who played everything from blues and gospel to Cajun and Tejano music.

We also see how Strachwitz's passion for music influenced the musicians he worked with. Ry Cooder, who appears in the film, credits Strachwitz with introducing him to some of his favorite musicians, including blues legend Mississippi Fred McDowell.

The film is filled with great music and features performances by some of the musicians who Strachwitz discovered and recorded over the years. We see footage of artists like Clifton Chenier, Lydia Mendoza, and Michael Doucet performing at music festivals and in recording studios.

One of the strengths of This Ain't No Mouse Music! is how it captures the spirit of the music that Strachwitz loves so much. The film is filled with footage of musicians playing in small clubs, on front porches, and at backyard parties. We see how music is an integral part of people's lives and how it brings them together.

Another standout feature of the film is how it uses archival footage and interviews to paint a vivid picture of Strachwitz's life and career. We learn about his childhood in Germany, his move to the United States, and his early efforts to record American music. We also see how Strachwitz's work with Arhoolie Records helped to preserve and promote music that might have otherwise been lost.

Despite the many strengths of This Ain't No Mouse Music!, there are some flaws. For one thing, the film can feel a bit scattered at times. It jumps from one musician to the next, and it's not always clear how they're connected. Additionally, while the film does a good job of introducing us to Strachwitz and his work, it sometimes feels like it's missing some key details. For example, we learn that Strachwitz faced challenges as an immigrant in the United States, but the film doesn't delve into this topic in depth.

Overall, This Ain't No Mouse Music! is an entertaining and informative documentary that sheds light on an important figure in American music history. The film is a celebration of music and the people who make it, and it's a reminder of the power of music to unite us all.

This Ain't No Mouse Music! is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes.