Punkorama - The Videos Vol. 1, Various Artists
Following hot on the heels of Fat and Kung Fu, Epitaph have seen the light of new technology and opted to bring out a sampler dvd. With the label fortunate enough to have the biggest selling cheap cd sampler in their arsenal, there was no need for a new name for this release. Hence what we have here is ‘Punkorama The Videos, Volume 1’.
The ‘Punkorama’ dvd features 22 videos by a host of bands, as well as a selection of special features that set it apart from dvd samplers that have come before. In the fast changing world of dvd, special features are increasingly being used to sell new releases and Epitaph have realised this. Probably the most interesting of the extras is the ‘Inside Epitaph’ feature about the labels origins. It has interviews with Brett Gurewitz, Fat Mike and Fletcher from Pennywise, to name but a few. We are also treated to the making of Pennywise’s video for ‘Fuck Authority’ and a few live songs from Bad Religion and Bouncing Souls. All in all, these from a nice compliment to the videos, which, lets face it, are the main reason you’re going to buy this dvd.
The 22 videos on offer showcase a host of Epitaph talent, and between them cover a good decade of music. There are the likes of The Offspring’s ‘Come Out and Play’ and the immortal ‘I’m The One’ by the descendents from the early days of the label. At the other end of the scale there are newer videos such as Bad Religion’s powerful ‘Sorrow’.
There is a decent range of Epitaph/Hellcat bands and videos on offer, and as usual a couple of burning heart bands are throw into action as well; step forward Millencolin and the usual suspects! Rancid fans will also be pleased by the previously unreleased video for ‘GGF’, and UK music channel viewers may find that they haven’t seen NOFX’s ‘Stickin’ In My Eye’ on many occasions, if ever.
‘Punkorama The Videos, Volume 1’ is the best effort yet at a dvd sampler from a punk label. It has a lot of good quality videos, but at the same time there are a number of obvious absentees. No doubt these will make their presence felt on the inevitable volume 2. This will obviously appeal most to fans of Epitaph bands, but there is a lot of material here that many punk fans will find interesting. A recommended purchase, and at a fair price, which can’t be bad can it!
Mark
