The Day The Country Died {Cherry Red} This is the accompanying DVD of the second in Ian Glasper's trilogy of books about 80s UK Punk Rock. Unlike the 'Burning Britain' DVD, this runs as a documentary and, while it lacks significant footage from the actual era, it is a massive improvement on the first, disappointing DVD.
It’s apparent from the get-go that this is going to be a better deal when the SUBHUMANS’ Dick Lucas appears and begins a fantastic, expletive-laden narration about war, imperialism and capitalism, which cuts to some frantic live footage of the SUBHUMANS blasting out a vociferous take of ‘No’.
The main allure of this DVD, besides the music and the comments of the music makers, is that this interviews Ian Glasper himself and probes into his thoughts and ideas behind the The Day The Country Died book and Anarcho Punk in general. He proves to be a thoughtful and perceptive fella, with clear ideas behind what something like Anarcho Punk means, what it achieved, the contradictions within it and what made it a totally different entity from the Burning Britain genre of bands.
The remaining dialogue is taken up by those who made the music. Penny Rimbaud and Gee Vaucher from CRASS and Colin Jerwood and Paco from CONFLICT (with specific focus on the Brixton Academy show and ensuing riot) are the obvious ‘name’ names and all provide compelling viewing. I really enjoyed the controversial inclusion of Boff from CHUMBAWAMBA (a band I’ve always rated) and how he defiantly justified some of CHUMBA’s acts.
Other impressive interviewees include Rob of AMEBIX, Sean of PSYCHO FACTION, Steve Lake of ZOUNDS, Zillah Minx of RUBELLA BALLET,  Jon Active, Gerard of FLOWERS IN THE DUSTBIN (who is much less intense but insightful) and the hilarious Kevin and Colin outta FLUX OF PINK INDIANS that sees Colin constantly saying, “Yeah…Yeah…OK,” while Kevin is speaking. Sean of Rugger Bugger Recs thankfully doesn’t view the whole period through rose-tinted specs as he honestly states a lot of the music has survived the test of time but some of it is fucking terrible.
Other notable moments include a sickening, intense piece of footage of animal experimentation shown while CONFLICT’s ‘Custom Rock’ blasts out along with the comments of how much DIY publishing was available/ given out at Anarcho shows. I personally find the lack of literature at shows – even while I was doing Scanner in the 90s – hugely disappointing and these comments reinforce my feelings of apathy among today’s Punk show attending public. Some of the visual editting also typifies what the whole Anarcho movement seemed to typify: lots of black and white iconography, fragmented and rapid imagery featuring striking anti-state metaphors.
It has its down points though: seeing interviews with Mark of THE MOB and Tez Turner of INSTIGATORS/ XPOZEZ would have been awesome instead of the nonsensical crap THE ERATICS spout. As with the 'Burning Britain' DVD, there is a lack of quality, vintage footage from the era also.
Extras include an extensive photo gallery/ slide show and some footage of various bands including AOA in 1988, ICONOCLAST from 1985, REALITY in 1983, a stunning ICONS OF FILTH in NYC in 2004 plus STALAG 17, DISRUPTERS and TOXIC WASTE (which, incidentally, featured Roy Wallace, director of this film).
For a visual introduction to the Anarcho scene and its generation this is gonna be hard to beat. As an in-depth analysis to those who lived through it (as, like myself, many of those who will purchase this DVD did), it revives a lot of great memories but simultaneously leaves us wanting more. But the ‘more’ we crave all too often resides in a utopian, anarchic memory.

King Of Punk: The Relevance Of A 3-Chord Revolution {Etit/ MVD} Slightly bemusing but entertaining documentary that focuses on what Punk is, its origins, its lasting effect and its relationship with both the music industry and the individual. While featuring a host of well-known Punkers, the documentary pivots primarily around all-girl quintet OBGYN and Boston label FNS Records.
OBGYN (the meaning of which is not fully explained; unless I missed it) is a young 5-piece female Punk band outta Fayetteville, North Carolina. Like all fledgling bands, there’s a lot of naivety. They seem rather confused at times; one of them makes the statement, "Some of our songs are about politics, but we don’t take it seriously." The film follows the band for about a year and takes in the band’s bubbly, frivolous beginnings through to a slightly bitter split with its (it has to be said, pretty smoking) drummer being fired for that age-old crime: the band didn’t like her boyfriend!! It’s also later stated that she was ‘too hardcore’ and a Republican. Meow!! It culminates with the band’s split, over which the singer (who left due to becoming a Mum) is particularly reflective in a positive sense. The band seemed to attract a large proportion of skinheads to its shows including a few with the ‘Cross Of Iron’ mentality. It’s a shame none of the band really got into Punk for the long-haul; but I guess they had their fun and, with this film, their 15 minutes.
The section on FNS Records, run by Patrick Clement, made much more interesting viewing. He discusses his label, show promotion, his fanzine and more. One of the most interesting sections was him going to Bridge 9 Records and the interview with Chris Wrenn.
The rest of the film features interviews with luminaries such as JOEY SHITHEAD, MARKY RAMONE, CHEETAH CHROME, JAYNE COUNTY, PENELOPE HOUSTON, ABRASIVE WHEELS, ZEROS, UK SUBS, SLF and even MONKEY from THE ADICTS (minus make-up!). Most are insightful and entertaining, but none more so than Jack Rabid, MDC and Sonny Vincent from THE TESTORS. Unfortunately, there’s also that fuckwit Wattie from THE EXPLOITED. He actually has subtitles and spews a load of bonehead shite (including how Exploited Punks would beat up CRASS Punks which totally reinforces his bonehead-thug-moron reputation).
There’s a range of extras including an alternative ending (which I prefer) and additional interviews with some of the personalities. Jack Rabid again steals the show with his comments on being put off drugs for life by seeing their effect on CHEETAH CHROME and JOHNNY THUNDERS! Penelope Houston gives her comments on the progression of Punk to Hardcore - most of which focus on the negatives. Finally there’s the ‘official trailer’.
The real highlights of this movie lie with the name performers - even though most of them don’t tell us much new or original. The FNS stuff holds the interest also with Patrick displaying a genuine love of this Punk Rock thing that mirrors the likes of Shithead and Dictor. His is a D.I.Y. mentality and is someone who is out there doing it. The OBGYN saga can be found in any town with a bunch of friends who discover Punk Rock: For them it’s just a passing phase of rebellion and fun before college/employment, relationships and families take over.
This is a film that anyone with an ingrained interest in Punk and its history would enjoy - although with repeated viewings the fast-forward button may employed more and more frequently.