While I'm not a big fan of Epitaph's Punk-O-Rama series, I was more than a little curious when they announced they were going to start up a DVD set. I figured that the idea had a lot of potential if it was done right. After all, it's pretty hard to get to see most videos of Epitaph bands. I, for one, don't want to sit around 40 minutes waiting for one to download on my computer. So once they announced the play list for the DVD, I was looking forward to it's release.
The videos:
1. Rancid "Nihilism"
2. Refused "New Noise"
3. Bad Religion "American Jesus"
4. NOFX "Leave It Alone"
5. The Offspring "Come Out & Play (Keep âEm Separated)"
6. Rancid "Salvation"
7. Pennywise "Same Old Story"
8. Millencolin "Kemp"
9. The Bouncing Souls "True Believers"
10. The (International) Noise Conspiracy "Up For Sale"
11. Hot Water Music "Paper Thin"
12. Descendents "I'm the One"
13. Dropkick Murphys "Barroom Hero"
14. Guttermouth "She's Got the Look"
15. Division of Laura Lee "Need to Get Some"
16. Rancid "GGF"
17. Death By Stereo "Desperation Train"
18. Pennywise "Fuck Authority"
19. NOFX "Stickin' in my Eye"
20. Dropkick Murphys "The Gauntlet"
21. The Bouncing Souls "East Side Mags"
22. Bad Religion "Sorrow"
Epitaph picked some classic songs, but at the same time left enough off the DVD to ensure Volume 2 to be equally good. I sat down and watched all 22 videos, most of which I hadn't seen, and got pretty much what I expected. Typical music videos.
One note, Rancid has the most videos on the disc with 3 separate songs. However, all 3 videos are exactly alike. I understand that many times less is more, but Rancid really beat the hell out of that saying. 3 black and white videos of the band simply playing the song in a studio rehearsal room. I'm not complaining, it was just an observation. The videos aren't too significant or distinct is all.
One of the highlights, for me anyway, included The Offspring's "Come Out & Play". I haven't seen this video since 1994 and it's strange watching it now. Singer Dexter Holland actually seems almost nervous or shy in the video. Compare that to a newer Offspring video.
Not to mention the video for "True Believers" from The Bouncing Souls. I was personally at this video shoot and can honestly say that this video captures the excitement not only at that Souls show, but any Souls show. This is one of the best, if not the best, videos on the collection.
As most DVD's do, this disc comes with some great bonus features. First is a great documentary on the nickel-and-dime beginnings of Epitaph Records. It's a great piece, with interviews from label founder Brett Gurewitz, Fletcher from Pennywise, Fat Mike of NOFX, and many Epitaph staff members. There really isn't much talk about any bands on the label other than the original 7 signed (L7, Bad Religion, NOFX, Pennywise, Down By Law, The Offspring, Rancid), but it is still a great story. Other bonus features are live performances from both The Bouncing Souls and Bad Religion, as well as behind the scenes footage at the video shoot for Pennywise's "Fuck Authority".
All in all, this DVD is great and is worth your money. Like I said, it's not every day you get a chance to see these videos. Plus, Epitaph is supposedly selling it extremely cheap, as they do with the Punk-O-Rama CD series. Definitely worth checking out.