Derek Vincent Smith, Pretty Lights by night, has already conquered the concert industry with his new music distribution model and sophisticated visual spectacle. Will the film world be next? Re:Generation, a Grammy-backed documentary that sees limited release starting today, features Colorado hero Smith, along with Skrillex, the surviving Doors, Erykah Badu, Mos Def, LeAnn Rimes, Crystal Method and more. The flick plays musical chairs with prominent artists and producers of both yesterday and today, and the resulting studio sessions don’t exactly blow. I’m not necessarily a hardcore fan of either The Doors or Skrillex, but their combined aural chemistry on Re:Generation soundtrack standout “Breakin’ a Sweat” is positively intoxicating. Smith encounters a smidgen more friction in his own recording situation. “Wayfaring Stranger” vocalist Dr. Ralph Stanley seems a little less keen on experimentation. Still, Smith exercises his Midas touch on the country/electronica hybrid.
Re:Generation screens tonight at 8 p.m. at Harkins in Northfield and AMC in Highlands Ranch.
George Peele enjoys strapping on height enhancers and aurally ambushing strangers. He is Music Features Editor for 303’s print edition. Look for a Custom Singing Telegrams mention in 5280 Magazine’s February ‘It’s a Date’ feature or Mantis Man at Westword’s Artopia February 18. Follow Peele on Twitter: @Orangepeelmoses. Avatar image courtesy Jonathan Shoup.