Rarely do I take advice from the folks working the floor of the video store but a few years back, after aimlessly and desperately searching the shelves of the local video store, I broke my own rule and talked to a meek looking floor guy. After the usual questions (what do you like, what have you seen, what do you feel like watching), he walked me over to a little shelf, hidden off around the corner with a tiny sign that read “Indies”. “If you like music, you’re going to love this,” he says as he hands me a DVD.

It was Ondi Timoner’s DiG! and that was the day I discovered both The Dandy Warhols and The Brian Jonestown Massacre, a band I’ve come to love. Timoner’s documentary tracked both bands from their humble early beginnings and into moderate success while shining a not always pleasant light on the friendship and rivalry of the band’s founders Courtney Taylor and Anton Newcombe. It was fascinating to see how both bands managed through the ups and downs but it was even more interesting that the least talented of the two bands (in my opinion at least), managed to be successful while the other essentially disappeared into obscurity.

Since that first screening, I’ve recommended the film to a number of friends but they usually come back with a disappointed look on their faces, complaining that it’s nearly impossible to find. For my part, I’ve failed to buy the DVD but would certainly jump on it if I ever saw it at the store. I don’t feel so bad about recommending it now because it’s actually available and easy to find.

Earlier this week the folks at Cinematical noted that Timoner’s film was available for free streaming at SnagFilms. The only setback is that it’s only available in the US.

Still here you go: I recommend, very highly, that you check out this documentary and to make it that much easier, I’m even putting it here for your viewing pleasure.

Film is tucked under the seat!