In episode #30 we give a big shout-out to FilmStruck with their currently streaming THE DECLINE OF WESTERN CIVILIZATION over a ROGUE DEAD GUY ALE — an homage to Darby Crash. Cole's early '80s San Diego punk band The Rockin' Dogs make a couple of guest appearances. Eat.
Penelope Spheeris’s infamous documentary of L.A.’s hardcore early ‘80s punk scene was banned by police chief Daryl Gates after the film’s premiere.
If that isn’t reason enough to watch this essential punk document, seeing staged performances by The Alice Bag Band, Black Flag, Circle Jerks, Catholic Discipline, Fear, Germs, and X will surely do the trick.
Spheeris captures the humor, energy, and mindset of L.A.'s short-lived punk scene between interview clips and live music footage.
You can't put a price on a filmic document such as this one.
Also, you can plainly see and hear how much better X was than most of the other bands in the film.
In the words of X, “We’re desperate, get used to it.”
Not Rated. 100 mins.
