Danielson: A Family Movie

The Jacksons. The Corrs. The Shaggs. Destined to join these groups in the annals of sibling rock are New Jersey's Danielson Famille, best known for their homemade nurse's uniforms, their unique sound and their love of God - not something widely declared in alternative music circles. Over several years JL Aronson and camera had intimate access to them, and his warm, laid-back film gives a fascinating band's-eye view of their evolution, their burgeoning indie fame and their struggles to reconcile family, faith and music. Primarily it is a portrait of lead brother Daniel Smith, an insanely motivated and prolific fellow (think Wayne Coyne, but more so) whose occasionally rocky road is contrasted with the meteoric rise of former Danielson Sufjan Stevens. For Sufjan fans there is priceless early footage of him road-testing songs from Michigan, and the group's visit to All Tomorrow's Parties is also a joy: "Thank God for Steve Albini".