The world of documentaries is in a very healthy state at the moment, particularly those focusing on music. Whether it’s the passion of those involved, the extreme characters that are attracted to the music industry or, indeed, the fact that we only to get see the best ones is impossible to say but, after the sheer joy of last year’s Anvil, comes Julien Temple’s thrilling look at the life and all too brief times of Dr Feelgood.

At which point most people will say “who?” and that, unfortunately, is exactly why we need this documentary. Dr. Feelgood were Canvey Island’s finest, and some of the greatest exponents of raw rock and blues this country has ever produced. From the mesmeric growl of lead singer Lee Brilleaux to the drums of “Big Figure”,  via Sparko’s bass and, of course, the prowling lead guitar of the manic Wilko Johnson, Dr. Feelgood were THE live band of the 1970s. Oh, and for the record, those aren’t their real names. But when three of the band are called John, you have to find alternatives...

Despite having a number one live album in 1976, and touring like maniacs – sometimes doing 300+ gigs in a year – the band never quite became the huge success they really should have been. We’re talking four Essex boys who influenced Joe Strummer and had The Ramones opening for them. In musical terms, that makes them royalty. Even those coming to their music fresh will, without any shadow of doubt, scratch their heads at the live footage here and wonder how four men could make that sort of noise, own the stage like very few before them and still fade into relative obscurity.

It’s not though a huge mystery, as Temple explains, via interviews with the surviving members of the band – Brilleaux died of cancer in 1994 – period footage, great talking heads and some brilliantly quirky footage from assorted old movies. 

The main focus is, almost inevitably, Wilko Johnson, a man who’s remained remarkably lucid despite years of chemical experimentation. He’s a fantastic British eccentric, a genuine rock legend who’s long overdue another moment in the spotlight. He’s bloody funny too.

There is, of course, a certain irony in punk’s finest documentarian Temple, the man behind The Great Rock n Roll swindle amongst others, casting an appreciate eye over this raw Canvey foursome but it’s not so outlandish: there is, after all, an undeniable punk energy on display. Hopefully now, with assorted punk revivals under our belts and that movement’s leading lights suitably worshipped, it’s time for a Dr Feelgood revival. It’s long overdue – and, as Oil City Confidential proves, long deserved. 

Rating: ****

Starring: Lee Brilleaux, Wilko Johnson, John Martin, John B Sparkes, Christopher Fenwick
Directed by: Julien Temple
Cert: 15
Running time: 104 minutes
Release date: 2nd February 2010

For more musical biopics, we'd recommend Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll or Nowhere Boy.