Fear of a Punk Planet
Kung Fu
An off-spin of the album by SoCal punk style originators the Vandals, Fear of a Punk Planet is the brainchild of Vandals leader/bassist Joe Escalante. Written and directed by and starring the Vandals and their friends and family, Fear of a Punk Planet takes their infamous antics to a new level—a TV show.
Here’s the premise: Brian Gonzales (Escalante) is an aging punk star with his own punk club, the Baby Seal. When it is closed down for fire violations, his biggest fans gather together to make the venue a non-profit organization, thereby bypassing fire codes. Yeah, the premise is kinda sketchy, but the Kung Fu crew manages to spin gold out of it. Each episode relentlessly pokes fun at every aspect of modern punk, from the characters (The Crusty, Epitaph Man, Ska Chick, The Hardcore Punk) to the bands themselves (the Evil Fire Marshal sarcastically refers to Bad Religion as “Bald Religion.”). Sure, the acting is embarrassingly cheesy and lines are occasionally silly, but you’re drawn into the fact that these people are having such a blast. And as an added bonus, the DVD includes footage of NOFX, the Souls, SOIA and the Ataris performing at the Seal. Amusing for all, but especially for punkers, Fear of a Punk Planet is brilliant in its own low-budget way.
Rating:VVVV
Keith CarmanJohnny Thunders: Live in Cold Blood
MVD
Shot live on March 13, 1982 in New York City, this DVD proves sometimes legends should stay just that. You’re apt to see things you’d rather not when you look at the person behind them. Johnny Thunders was one of early punk’s most important figures. A member of the New York Dolls, he broke many a taboo, wearing female clothes and make-up when the idea was unfathomable. Eventually kick-starting a solo career with the Heartbreakers, virtually every glam rocker, punker or just plain rock n’ roller from the past 20 years cites his work as an inspiration. But after viewing one of his worst performances ever, the glories his soul come crashing down with the reality of just how wasted he was. The cover photos are a sign of the cliché heroin overdose to come. On the front, Thunders’ face is covered and only a telltale syringe speaks to his evil doings. Oh yeah … the DVD. Throughout the half-hour set, Thunders wanders aimlessly about the stage, loses his guitar frequently and eventually collapses while babbling into the mic. His guitar playing is barely second-rate and at one point some dude strolls on stage and gives Thunders another dose of horse, which he happily tucks away for later. What a rebel! What a loser. Excuse me, I’m off to shred my memorabilia now.
Rating: V
Jimmy Finch
