The story of David Berman and The Silver Jews has always beguiled. From the early perception of the band as a mere Pavement side project (a strange presumption given the band's inception came a couple of years prior to the formation of Malkmus' seminal lo-fi outfit), through Berman's intense period of depression, drug abuse and a failed suicide attempt, right up to their notorious reluctance to play live, The Silver Jews have always - rightly or wrongly - had a story that existed above and beyond their music. The release of 'Silver Jew' is perhaps a small attempt to rectify this situation and help demystify David Berman and The Silver Jews. It's also a glorious opportunity to exhibit quite how fantastic a band they really are.

In 2006 David Berman shocked all by announcing a full American and European tour schedule for The Silver Jews. This first ever tour included 2 shows in Tel Aviv and it's these dates that David Berman decided to document for 'Silver Jew'. Recruiting friend and film-maker Matthew Robison and Michael Tully to the project Berman set about documenting the band's first ever foray into the Jewish heart-land and looked to tackle the idea of offering some form of insight into the workings of one of America's most cherished cult bands.

The result is a film that re-aligns the parameters of your standard tour documentary. Opening with a simple and frank interview with Berman discussing the decision to suddenly break with their no-live policy and set out on the full world tour, the DVD precedes to follow David and Cassie Berman and their touring band as they touch down in Tel Aviv and attempt to handle the effect such a profound pilgrimage has upon them.

What shocks most about this film and what sets it apart from almost every other tour documentary is the fact that Berman's interviews and thoughtful asides (the short snippet of Berman discussing his choice of band name, his decision not to tour, collaborate or agree to any compilations is a revelation) quickly become the spine of this DVD; quite a considerable achievement given the DVD features live footage of the band officially performing for the very first time in Tel Aviv. Berman comes across instantly as a thoughtful, genial, understated guy who has at times struggled to deal emotionally with a few of life's big questions. As he snakes through the Tel Aviv stalls and markets you feel part of the story; as if you've become a punctuation mark in a chapter of Berman's life. It's a very strange feeling.

The live footage itself is still remarkable though. 'Random Rules', 'Sometimes A Pony Gets Depressed' and 'There Is A Place' all get captured from various angles across the two nights and each exhibits the rich song-craft and impenetrable lyricism of Berman's delicious country rock.

Just shy of an hour and it's over. Berman's decision to offer a tiny window into the world of The Silver Jews has been an unquestionable success, which rather than dampen the spirituality surrounding the band instead serves only to heighten their position as one of the world's most intoxicating bands.

'Silver Jew' is released on 15th September through Drag City.

Stephen Jasper

http://www.silverjews.net/
http://www.dragcity.com/