Jason Isbell: Running with Our Eyes Closed

Haven't quite figured out why this documentary was disappointing in the end. I'm a big Isbell fan and the best part of the doc was seeing him perform in current days and over a decade ago with Drive-by Truckers and in his childhood bedroom. Great stuff. It was interesting too to learn that the band doesn't do much rehearsals prior to recording. Isbell shows up with the songs and they go from there.

Otherwise, I found the doc to be disjointed and fumbling and often times not very interesting. What were the filmmakers really trying to depict? It was barely about the making of the record. I think the band got short shrift and were barely heard from... The relationship stuff between Isbell and his wife was awkward (not surprising I guess) and I feel like it could have been edited better. Seems like we heard a lot more from Amanda.... I dunno maybe I was just put off by those dumb glasses. That said, what a talent she has!

In the end, the doc did renew my appreciation of Isbell's songwriting craftsmanship!! Wow. I'm back on Spotify listening non-stop to his work. That is a joy.

Jason Isbell and Amanda Pearl Shires just inhale and exhale imagery. They couldn't not be artists. This documentary intertwines their relationship with the music. The music that rips our hearts out is born of the agony of anxiety, perfectionism and addiction. But this isn't another addicted musician cliche. Jason Isbell is all of us as we struggle to make things right with our family, push ourselves to make the world better, and not give in to nihilism. Add in the complications of the Covid pandemic that could have derailed the work of art that is the Reunions album, we were all there waiting to see how it would all turn out. Isbell is a model of vulnerability and we can shed a few tears with him as he balances ego, parenting, childhood pains, and channels the emotions into this documentary and dramatic album.

I'm a bit biased. I've been a fan of Jason ever since he tore my heart in two with his rendition of his song "Elephant" on a Wtf Pod. I had never heard such a raw and gutting portrayal of cancer in popular music and all that hurt and passion were in the vocals and the unflinching words. This doc was made by Sam Jones, who's also credited for the great Wilco documentary I Am Trying to Break Your Heart. And like that doc, the focus is half on honest and raw personal looks inwards from the artists and the strain wrestling with their muses puts on their relationships. And half about being in the studio where something is born out of thin air.

I have enjoyed Jason Isbell's music for years. But watching this documentary really opened my eyes to how human he is and gives me a whole new appreciation for the music he creates. I'm really glad they made this documentary showcasing the process of bringing the record to life. Constantly producing, feeling the stress of everyday life, and the drive to always do better are heavy to things to carry which is why it was great to have it shared with the world.

Watch this documentary. Always keep moving forward. The process is what it is, and even when it hurts, there is a path through.

Now I'll have Reunions on repeat for days.