Scarred But Smarter (Life N Times of Drivin N Cryin) – Elmore Magazine
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FILM REVIEWS
Scarred But Smarter (Life N Times of
Drivin N Cryin)
dir. Eric Von Haessler (Shanzing Films)
Film Reviews | December 7th, 2016
Shanzing Films’ new documentary, Scarred
But Smarter (Life N Times of Drivin N Cryin) is director Eric Von Haessler’s attempt to
answer why his favorite band, Drivin’ N’ Cryin’, never enjoyed more success. Featuring
in depth interviews with lead singer/songwriter Kevin Kinney (known professionally as
Kevn), partner in crime and bassist Tim Nielsen, other bandsmates and a slew of
admirers including Peter Buck (R.E.M.), David Lowery (Cracker) and Darius Rucker
(Hootie and The Blowfish), Von Haessler chronicles the band’s slow but steady climb
out of bars, its big moment of fame with their 1990 release Fly Me Courageous, the
trials and tribulations of life on the road, and where they are today.
The name, Drivin’ N’ Cryin’, was chosen from one of Kevn’s many songs that reflected
the duality of his music, i.e. heading in two different directions at once. Formed in
1985, the band would become one of Atlanta, Georgia’s top nightclub acts and signed
with indie label 688 Records in 1986. Their first record, Scarred But Smarter, was a hit,
affording them extensive touring opportunities and a contract with Island Records. In
1987, the band brought in new drummer Jeff Sullivan, who had been with Mr. Crowe’s
Garden, later the Black Crowes. The Robinson brothers make brief appearances as
clean shaven, close cropped youngsters.
The hard rocking Fly Me Courageous was the band’s most successful album, and the
documentary gives insight into its unique appeal with Gulf War soldiers. Thanks to
increased exposure, Drivin’ N’ Cryin’ toured with Neil Young and Soul Asylum and
continued to release a slew of albums in a variety of styles, including acoustic folk and
retro ’60s psychedelia, however, none would compare in popularity with Fly Me
Courageous. The band hopped labels from Island to Geffen. Internal feuding and
substance abuse would plague the group, causing them to take time off from each
other and the road. However, Kevn Kinney maintained a solo career, releasing albums
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featuring friends John Popper of Blues Traveler, Edwin McCain and members of Gov’t
Mule and the Allman Brothers Band. Kinney continues to perform solo live concerts
and has frequently collaborated with Peter Buck of R.E.M., who produced and
performed on Kevn’s album, MacDougal Street Blues. The band was inducted into the
Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 2015.
Memorable moments include Kinney’s thoughts on his career and his attempts to
“clean up” for his family, though he drinks and smokes plenty throughout the film.
Bassist Tim Nielsen also reflects on his attitude within the band, and acknowledges
“being an asshole,” though his playing and personality brought much of the “drive” to
the band.
Drivin’ N’ Cryin’ were perhaps at their best as a live act, and the film contains fantastic
footage, old and new, to prove it. The band is joined onstage by Peter Buck, Mike Mills
and Bill Berry of R.E.M., Steve Wynn and others. Entertaining extras feature Kevn
playing an acoustic tune with New York City rocker Tom Clark.
Regarding Eric Von Haessler’s original inquiry, he gets his answer from Peter Buck
toward the end of the film. “Drivin’ N’ Cryin’ is a band that’s made a million great
records, and they’re successful because they keep playing. They’re still there.”
-Mike Cobb
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2 Responses
dre says:
December 8, 2016 at 1:41 pm
Dumb question, but Von Haessler, the radio guy? He’s awesome. I’ll check out his
film just on his radio host merits alone. I liked Drivin’ too, not to his level, but I’ll
check out this film.
Reply
MLP says:
December 12, 2016 at 12:29 pm
Hardly a review. Mostly retelling some PR info. Still, any coverage of this DVDs
existence is appreciated. Such a great documentary on an even greater band!
Reply
