Les Blank: Always for Pleasure (Criterion Collection)

In "The Blues Accordin' to Lightnin' Hopkins" (1968), independent documentarian Blank profiles the Texas music legend. Blank covers an L.A. love-in in "God Respects Us When We Work, But Loves Us When We Dance" (1968). The Cajuns of Southwest Louisiana are portrayed in "Spend It All" (1971). Guitarist Mance Lipscomb is remembered in "A Well Spent Life" (1971). Experience Creole life in the Delta with the Zydeco-laced "Dry Wood" (1973). Zydeco master Clifton Chenier is the subject of "Hot Pepper" (1973). Holiday spirit in New Orleans gets limned in "Always for Pleasure" (1978). The "stinking rose" is celebrated in "Garlic Is as Good as Ten Mothers" (1980). Bluegrass fiddler Tommy Jarrell headlines "Sprout Wings and Fly" (1983). "In Heaven There Is No Beer?" (1984) visits Eastern European-American communities. Blank notes "Gap-Toothed Women" (1987), from Cleopatra to Sandra Day O'Connor. Cajun singers Marc and Ann Savoy share their cooking tips in "Yum, Yum, Yum" (1990). Artist Gerry Gaxiola is "The Maestro: King of the Cowboy Artists" (1994), and percussionist Francisco Aguabella is "Sworn to the Drum" (1995). 9 1/2 hrs. on five discs. Standard; Soundtrack: mono; bonus shorts; featurettes.