The film's high points are to be found in tremendous archival footage.
Comment
12/17/04
Rate this Movie 
Tom Dowd and the Language of Music (2004)
89
%
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work
Reviews Counted:28
Fresh:25
Rotten:3
Average Rating:7.4/10
Theatrical Release:Aug 13, 2004 Limited
Synopsis: In the annals of pop music, there's probably no one other than legendary impresario John Hammond whose ubiquitousness compares with that of engineer/producer Tom Dowd. From the 1950s on, Dowd was... [More]
Get This Movie
Reviews for Tom Dowd and the Language of Music
How quaint: the idea of an artist who makes other artists better.
08/13/04
The film is full of artists' stories and testimonials from both the old and new schools of the music industry. But it is the delightfully charming Dowd that makes the movie. He's a hoot, and a legendary one at that.
08/13/04
Visually appealing.
08/13/04
It makes a convincing argument that Dowd's personal history is a kind of history of the 20th century itself, encompassing the era's art, science, commerce and politics.
08/12/04
If you ever wondered what it would be like to mix a song like 'Layla' by Derek & the Dominos, this could be as close as you'll get.
08/08/04
Affable and hugely entertaining.
08/13/04
Includes many fascinating anecdotes about the creation of some of the most famous modern rock and soul recordings.
08/12/04
Top CriticDeserves credit, not only for choosing a wonderful and deserving subject for a film, but for doing him proud.
08/13/04
Top CriticMark Moormann's documentary tends to the worshipful, but Dowd, a charmer onscreen, was by all accounts just as appealing in real life, a gentleman and a scholar who loved music, loved musicians and loved making them sound their best.
08/13/04
Music fans of every stripe should kill to see this film, one of the very best music documentaries in recent years. Then, get thee to a record store.
04/17/04
As a probing look at a really nice-guy genius in the studio world, it succeeds admirably.
08/13/04
Top CriticA loving portrait of 50 years of pop music and a man who by all accounts was a musical genius.
08/13/04
Top CriticIf nothing else, you'll earn a new appreciation for the way music is produced.
11/14/04
...if you've ever wondered the inspiration behind that classic riff from Cream's Sunshine of your Love, look no further.
04/17/04
As affectionate and energetic as its subject.
08/12/04
This highly enjoyable documentary makes sure that Dowd's contribution to the music business will not be forgotten.
11/15/04
A fitting epitaph for a giant few people outside the industry knew but whose work everybody heard.
08/13/04
Top CriticMoormann's film transcends A&E hagiography, and Dowd's spry egoism and science-hipster joie de vivre provide piquant icing.
08/10/04
Top CriticLike its subject, the movie is a tad overzealous, but often fascinating and revealing.
08/12/04
RT On Current TV
What’s Hot On RT
Fresh Links
Featured
Best Dozen of the Decade 
Last week, MSN gave us their top 09 films. Now see what their favorites of the decade are!
Top 50 of 2009
Here's a list of the 50 best movies of 2009, according to the good people over at Moviefone.
Santa's Naughty List
Hollywood.com takes a stab at determining who in movies will be on Santa's naughty list in 2009.
Top 10 Movies of 2009
TIME chimes in with their own list of the best films released this year.
Top 20 of the Decade
Click through to see which movies BuzzSugar placed in their Best-of-Decade list!
Promos
Follow RT on Twitter
Get the latest Tomatometer updates on upcoming movies!
RSS Feeds