This online documentary chronicles the recording of Vic Chesnutt's latest album Ghetto Bells. The album was recorded September 26 to October 3, 2004 by David Vaught in Don Heffington's backyard guesthouse, Los Feliz, CA. The recording features performances from Bill Frisell, Van Dyke Parks, Don Heffington, Liz Durrett, Dominic Genova, Tina Chesnutt, and of course Vic Chesnutt. The documentary video will be released in several parts, each containing a recording of the players tracking the album.

The videos were shot by Chris Strother, who also shot the photos for the album package. The videos were edited by Chris Fagot.
Part Four - Ducks and D***s!
Vic improvises a dirty song on his trombone.
Not for kids!

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Part Three - Silver Scalpel Knife
A spilled photo-collage of polaroids. Vic enters the studio with a little help.

Producer John Chelew listens as Vic tracks vocals for an outtake from the album.

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Part Two - Psychedelic Wallpaper
Van Dyke Parks and producer John Chelew discuss the esoteric appeal of Vic's lyrics and music.

Van Dyke lays down an accordion track for the song 'Little Caesar'.

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Part One - Ghetto Bells
Introduction - Vic dictates the lyrics from 'To Be With You' to Van Dyke Parks. Van Dyke needs to know the lyrics before he records his tracks.

Bill Frisell lays down a guitar track for the song 'Ignorant People' as Vic listens.

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©2005 New West Records, LLC