Light In The Attic Docs Presents: The Rock-n-Roll Farmers: Donnie & Joe Emerson

"'Baby' has been a staple on just about every playlist/mixtape I've assembled in the past 3 years. It is nothing short of sublime." -- Ariel Pink
Pacific Northwest isolation mixed with wide-eyed ambition, a strong sense of family and the gift of music proved to be quite the combination for teenage brothers Donnie and Joe Emerson. Originally released in 1979, Dreamin' Wild is the sonic vision of the talented Emerson boys, recorded in a family built home studio in rural Washington State. Situated in the unlikely blink-and-you-missed-it town of Fruitland and far removed from the late 1970s punk movement and the larger disco boom, Donnie and Joe tilled their own musical soil, channeling bedroom pop jams, raw funk, and yacht rock.
Spurred on their high school's music program, Donnie and Joe received a further push from their lifelong farmer father, who drew up a contract stating that he'd support his sons lofty ambitions with their very own recording studio as long as they focused on original material, sage advice for a man with zero experience in the music business. After taking out a second mortgage to help cover costs, Don Sr. also built his children a 300-capacity concert hall (dubbed Camp Jammin') replete with ticket booth, stage, and fully functioning snack bar. The only problem was that the projected audience never quite materialized, despite a prime time TV profile entitled "The Rock And Roll Farmers" from nearby Spokane, Washington. Even the Emerson brother's school pals were nonplussed at their privately pressed long player; hand distributed to local music stores, but not as far as Seattle, five hours away from their rural home. Somewhat rejected by the muted response, but never surrendering, both Donnie and Joe continued down a musical path and are still active as performers today.
This rare slice of bedroom-funk gets the usual Light In The Attic treatment with newly remastered audio, detailed liner notes, and expanded original album art with loads of photos from the Emerson's collection. Available on CD, Digital, and 180-gram LP June 26, 2012. Audio samples, more info and to pre-order, visit lightintheattic...
Directed by Matt Sullivan and Michelle M. Witten
Produced by Matt Sullivan
Cinematography and Sound by Ryan McMackin
Edited by Michelle M. Witten

[@LMW87MMA]

I'm glad that Don Sr is alive to see the album get this recognition... yet he doesn't seem to have needed it at all. Just the fact that he was making his sons happy was enough for him to feel content with spending all that money and losing all that land. What a great guy.

[@amandabruce7596]

No matter how much I love their music...I love the warmth of brothers and support of family just as equally ❤️

[@Sacrednalej]

they have one of the greatest songs of all time

[@jeffbuckley4453]

i wouldnt say that AT ALL.....

[@erics.6275]

@@jeffbuckley4453 but the emotion I feel towards my lover when I hear this song is priceless. A magical song no doubt.

[@kriskris5337]

I second this. Baby is top tier in any generation.

[@spiffydigs]

Definitely transcendent. Like a Bob Ross painting but with sound. Wonderful spaceship cruising music.

[@litaRecords]

Hi @mistertai - We spent the better half of a year going through hours of tapes the Emerson's had. It was a costly journey and unfortunately they had either lost or recorded over the original stereo 2-track master tapes for the album. So we were forced to go from a needle drop for the reissue. We had at our disposal multiple sealed copies so we had our most excellent mastering engineer source from best available copies. We think it came out amazing!

[@grady187]

Don Sr seems like an awesome father.

[@xl7131]

A most amazing dad, so generous to his sons.

[@wakajumba]

These guys are the classic example of why you need a producer behind the talent. They could have been really big,

[@myrnagalindez3559]

Just saw the movie last night. What amazing talented young men. Baby is my favorite and I am so impressed that it was written and sung by a teenager. Good for you Donnie and Joe! So glad your music was finally heard by many!!

[@slide4180]

They don't mention a producer. Donnie did it. And wrote it. And played, and sang, what some are saying is a lost gem of blue-eyed soul. Was Donnie Emerson a genius?

[@MaxFun365]

I grew up listening to everyone jamming at the Emerson studio and the Steele's place...those of you that grew up there know what I am talking about

[@naomi3184]

Just discovered these guys a few months ago. I'm obsessed - OBSESSED. You cannot convince me that these two men haven't written some of the best songs ever. Donnie and Joe - thank you!

[@mariadelrosariobellotti2314]

These people are family friends of ours. Glad to see they're finally getting recognition.

[@JayLee-kw1qv]

You ain't seen nothing yet. Watch.

[@allcapsbeats]

Don Sr is a proper Dad. Facilitating his sons' creativity. Beautiful story.

[@hjmendoza71]

You can hear the soul in their music. What a beautiful song

[@007diego2]

A true testament to believing in your kids. Nurturing their talents. When you truly love what you're doing it will reward you. Sooner or later.

[@carlo6870]

I got the record for my wife for Christmas and I'm wrapping it as of this writing. Amazing duo, I cried when I watched this video. :'(

[@florencevandermeer9447]

I can see why. Their music is sublime; they're wonderful people.

[@lemongold709]

This album is art because they had the freedom to do something unique and insightful without trying to being part of the industry, i see they had a lot fun doing the record and the songs are amazing

[@GameKinggameroom]

Good music has no expiration date! 😎👍🎸🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶

[@shimmercore]

Best unearthed and rediscovered album of 2012! I spin this regularly at the record shop where I work.

[@Patrick-jj5nh]

wonderful story of a whole family, mum and dad, supporting their sons/kids... my father was also a drummer but never got this chance, he was put on a path to a normal job... wish he was alive to see this doc or the forthcoming movie

[@rwwdzzm5608]

Can’t wait to see the movie getting ready to listen to the Album

[@RedPandaKoala]

Beautiful to see a parent’s love like that

[@mattrooney6942]

Only just found this album now.. it really is immense.. it's right up there

[@RICHMOND94114]

just plain love this story.

[@kayelfern2605]

The song Baby is amazing. So glad I found it.

[@chloehodde6577]

Something about this song and story behind it is insanely magical. Ill love it forever

[@ohitbe3616]

God bless everyone involved with this music only discovered this over the summer and I cant believe I lived all that time without hearing it.

[@dustini4596]

Love the song Baby. Dope oldies and dream pop vibes . Good shit

[@Sacrednalej]

this is just one of the greatest songs in history

[@cinmngurl]

I WANT THIS ON VINYL SOOOOOOOOO BAD 😭😭😢 MY HEART AND TAKE IT ARE SOOOOOOOOO GOOD 💕💕💕💕

[@hectorsalinasisback]

The Emersons need to tour and record a follow-up to the original. Donnie still seems like a ladies' man.

[@juancaminante8078]

Just discovered these guys. My heart is in this. Wow.

[@alfredsantiogo1845]

my friend seth showed me don and joe:) I’ve always appreciated their taste, but these guys really stuck with me. I really liked their side project with eldon! so sick!

[@polcat79]

If you have a gift that the world is supposed to see and hear, it will inevitably find its way. I was born in 79. Now At the age of forty four i get to appreciate and understand this great album. "Baby" and "Give me the chance"are timeless.

[@richardwilsonavena]

Damn! What a great story!

[@jackscruffy]

A very inspiring story. This is dedication and they were so fortunate to have their father's backing. Check out another Light In The Attic re-issue "Jazz Raga" by Gabor Szabo. Great guitar music and that's me playing bass in 1966.

[@AlcoVoz]

I just picked up a book called 'You've Never Heard Your Favorite Song: 100 Deep Cuts To Make Your World Sound Better' and the song "Baby" is the second song in the book. It's crazy that there's a quote by Ariel Pink in the video description because the second the song started I immediately thought of Ariel Pink. Great song and probably a great record. I'll be looking for it to add to my collection, for sure.

[@holocenealps]

Maravilhosos, "Baby" maior canetada deles, minha favorita...

[@mcdolan]

Really inspiring. It's wonderful that their parents could sacrifice so much and truly believe it was worth it to see their kids do something great, even if no one else appreciated it.

[@Skottink]

What a father.

[@AnnHeineck]

The music continues…I just discovered this album and what a treasure trove it is! It takes back in time with a smooth R&B groove flair! I’m the fortunate one, I found Donnie & Joe Emerson and their time capsule sounds! 😁🥰👏👏

[@newwavepop]

what a great sweet and innocent story, i am really glad they had that amazing opportunity in their youth and even more glad they are finally getting some attention. i always think its one of the things that is really missing in modern music, one of the things that made a lot of that 60s garage rock so good. its just the pureness of it, there is something about young people that are just playing for the joy of it and that arent doing it for or expecting to be huge rich stars. modern music just feels a lot more jaded to me, and there have been bands and artists like that since the 60s when you could really become a huge star from music. but when young Elvis went into Sun studios and made those first recordings it was just raw and genuine it was unbridled youth and enthusiasm. hearing young people sing songs of genuine longing and dreaming is just beautiful and we can all relate because we have all been young and been daydreamers.

[@JoeEmerson-q4l]

Absolutely spot on !!! I think most people can see that. Unfortunately in this time and age most things ,including music have to be polished to make the sale and then it looses its charm and beauty .Thank you ! for your insight , Sincerely , Joe Emerson

[@newwavepop]

@@JoeEmerson-q4l thank you for that little immortalized piece of time and place, and sharing it with us all. we can all be young again for a moment through the right song.

[@Scoob505]

Super wholesome lads, and what great and supportive parents they have. Very endearing story.

[@SuSinner]

You guys are GREAT! And yes, you DO have to wear the outfits again. And PLEASE come to LA - we get it here. LA Times story on Sunday July 8, 2012 just solidified it. GET DOWN HERE as soon as you can. Start with The Echo in Echo Park (LA)...Liz Garo is the head booker...please come play for all of us! xo

[@lisbeth3334]

they are exactly where they need to be. so grateful they came out with such a sick album when they did. legends 💚💚💚

[@caveman726]

Great sound

[@glockedie]

Heard "Baby" in a Narciso ad. I hope they'll get even more recognition.

[@TheNerdGod76]

One of the Best Albums I’ve heard. My Heart is genius.

[@donnafrench6395]

I want more of their Music.....

[@discodave6153]

Lovely film, thanks for sharing. Love the song Baby but never knew anything about the artists. It’s a great story, and what a cool Dad.

[@shipyard6276]

Stumbled upon the album by complete chance in February of this year and fell in love with it immediately. Such a great record and a lovely story behind its creation. Not so sure about those outfits though......

[@16mmDJ]

This is such a great story

[@artjuarez3274]

You guys are legends !!!

[@hedleytom]

We Maltese are so proud of you Donnie

[@zacsimpson4888]

Don and Joe Thankyou Blessing my ears

[@chuckbirth]

Amazing record! Thank you Emersons and thank you LITA for reissuing it. Greetings from Portugal.

[@macobjichael]

gives me goosebumps

[@cinmngurl]

I SOOOOOOO WISH I found you guys so long ago!!!!! Their butt rock days are so insanely MAGICAL

[@user-fl6ko9do5y]

best find ever.

[@killachunes2349]

Truly amazing.

[@ryogapchan]

Amazing sound from a time I lived...and I had to wait this long to hear it for the first time (Spotify). Talk about your indie labels and long before indie was cool.

[@IndieGuvna]

Just like everyone else that doesn't mention it: Ariel Pink brought me here

[@dariusgreasley5946]

Fantastic album.

[@Jerkcurb1]

this is incredible

[@babolofia]

Great stuff! Great family!

[@RandomEarthCinema]

Cool dudes, great music.

[@dancingbear86]

Amazing songs and sounds! Definitely gonna get the compact disc!

[@daudder]

this was fantastic; thanks!

[@sugarjoe50]

Way to go guys! Better late than never. Unlike my parents, at least your supported our musical endeavors.

[@jessicawendt8454]

#1 dad 🏆🙌

[@cintilanteasmr2884]

esse álbum é sensacional! 💖

[@holdmusic_]

Hey LITA... can you tell us if the LP reissue has been cut from the master tapes?

[@NIXAM56]

great video! thx!

[@yungpapi]

legendary story, legendary dudes - a beautiful reminder to any aspiring musicians that any great song is timeless, even if you aren't getting recognized for it the second you put it out 🔥 "baby" is one of the most beloved songs of the modern age. f*ck ariel pink. long live the EMERSONS.

[@yungpapi]

and shoutout to their fuckin dad 🥺

[@IndieGuvna]

Yeah! Fuck the guy that gave them a career and made their song memorable! You taking stupid pills you dumb fuck?

[@princeminski47]

Came from Dangerous Minds and ordered the CD.

[@Catgirl600]

Good job on the video.

[@76soulider]

really good

[@korifraziermorgan]

The movie sent me here.

[@chuckbirth]

You're Johnny Gregg? Nice! I really like "Jazz Raga" and all of Gabor's music.

[@Daniel-xu6kd]

I wonder if they got any cash from the new sales?

[@conomono3636]

I wonder where they got their acid. Their music is psychedelic af!

[@girl05628]

Where can i find the clips used in this video?

[@mikepetersen9887]

Whats the song in the intro

[@jjbilogayt9311]

Narduar the human serviette VS aziz ansari interview led me here

[@davidames1746]

f'n mythic

[@itsahzthing3433]

“see if he remembers Kevin Hinton

[@juicerversion1236]

What what?

[@ThomasShitneck]

Truly wonderful

[@williamandrewcrow]

You are on the internet.

[@unholychunk]

+William Crow no shit

[@williamandrewcrow]

***** excellent you too.

[@ThomasShitneck]

+unholychunk Oh now this is truly wonderful, truly wonderful indeed.

[@williamandrewcrow]

Thomas Silverman ***** I don't know who either of you are, but you stay away from my kids godammit