Greetings again from the darkness. The next entry in the HBO Music Box documentary series comes from director Amy Scott and provides a textbook example of what can happen when a band hits it big ‘overnight’. It’s not always pretty, and sometimes it’s downright uncomfortable. Counting Crows’ popularity exploded with the release of their 1993 debut album, “August and Everything After”. The hit single, “Mr Jones” was all over the radio, only to be followed by an even better song, “Round Here”. The band and their music were ubiquitous.
Director Scott allows band leader, lead singer, and songwriter Adam Duritz to spend a good amount of time explaining what happened after the band’s follow-up album, “Recovering the Satellites” hit big … but not as big as the first album. Adoration was met with vitriol. Duritz admits to his struggles with mental illness and the delay in a proper diagnosis. We also hear from band members, as well as musicians Cindi Lauper and Chris Martin (Coldplay) on the impact of the music, as well as the strain of celebrity and pressure on artists. At times, we feel we are in a Duritz therapy session, although the music reminds us otherwise.
Additionally, NBA coach Steve Kerr, actor Mary-Louise Parker (once romantically involved with Duritz), and comedian Jeffrey Ross also contribute to the insight of celebrity. Their input helps us understand why success and criticism were both so tough on Duritz. There are some fascinating bits to the Counting Crows story. This little band from Berkeley put together a demo tape that spurred a bidding war by record labels and led to the great T-Bone Burnett producing their first album. The importance of MTV is discussed, and a spectacular clip of the band performing on “Saturday Night Live” is included – along with the story of why there never invited back.
Despite the backlash and internal battles, the band continued to make music. Duritz was ultimately properly diagnosed, and his current partner, Zoe Mintz, offers insight into the man. This is certainly not one of those fairy tale stories, as it seems the band endured as much pain as success … but for a guy who spent some time bartending at the Viper Room, Adam Duritz has delivered some beautiful songs and vocals.
Debuts on HBO on December 18, 2025
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