Cook review: Hear sublime music in ‘Lost Angel’ Judee Sill documentary

As a die-hard music aficionado, I was stunned to find out that, during the 1970s, I missed out on the music of an artist who has become one of my favorites decades later.

A few years ago, I discovered Judee Sill’s work upon a recommendation. Her ethereal melodies and spiritual lyrics drew me in, and several of her songs are among my favorites of any genre or era.

Now, through “Lost Angels: The Genius of Judee Sill,” I hope her music – and her intriguing story – reaches a wider audience.

As a teenager and a young woman, Sill was a felon, involved in the likes of armed robbery. She decided to pursue another career as a musician, with the hope of becoming a famous pop star.

I never thought I’d get to see and hear Sill perform, but, through this documentary, I have. And I understand more now that Sill battled demons throughout her entire life.

The film features another one of my favorite musicians, Robin Pecknold of The Fleet Foxes, as he performs a Sill tune. Through narratives or talking heads, we also hear the likes of Shawn Colvin, Linda Ronstadt, J. D. Southern, Jackson Browne, and interviews with Sill herself as they piece together Sill’s complex personality and incredible songs.

The archival imagery includes some of Sill’s drawings and handwritten notes, some of which are animated to great effect to reflect Sill at her most talented, most hopeful, and most devastated.

Take special note of “The Lamb Ran Away with the Crown.” Even if you’ve never heard of Sill before, you’re likely to be just as confounded as I am about why this song never became a hit.

Better late than never, this documentary is well-earned and deserved. It deserves to be seen, and if you love music, you deserve to see it.

4 stars

Streaming on multiple platforms.

Running time: One hour and 31minutes.

Watch the trailer here.

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