AllMovie

The theatrical music documentary from DEEP BLUES director Mugge uses the March 1992 Alligator Records 20th Anniversary Tour concert at Philadelphia's Chestnut Cabaret as the hub for a fascinating look at the pivotal Chicago blues label. Presenting musical highlights from one of the many 4+ hour concerts that made up the tour, glimpses of Alligator's Chicago offices, and profiles of key performers and staff members, THE STORY OF ALLIGATOR RECORDS highlights the idealistic label head Bruce Iglauer, the ups and downs of indie label-dom, and Iglauer's ever-articulate insights into the wonderful universality of the blues experience. Songs in the film include Pride and Joy and Ed's Boogie (Lil' Ed), Pussycat Moan and Lord, I Wonder (Katie Webster), El-Bo and Beer Drinking Woman (Elvin Bishop), I'd Rather Go Blind (Koko Taylor), Wife For Tonight and I Want All My Money Back (Lonnie Brooks), It's A Dirty Job (Koko Taylor with Lonnie Brooks), and Sweet Home Chicago (final joint encore).