Toronto Mike

American Hardcore

A Movie Reel

American Hardcore: 6 out of 10.

The cool kids always wore tee shirts celebrating bands like Black Flag, the Dead Kennedys or D.O.A.  It was a scene I completely missed and never totally understood.  The songs seemed to be big walls of noise devoid of melody or hook.  I just didn't get it.

This documentary on the hardcore punk scene from 1979 through 1985 does a fantastic job of explaining it all and showing the evolution as it spread East.  It's loaded with fantastic footage and great insight.  I didn't know much about Bad Brains prior to last night, but I liked what I heard and I know I'll be hunting for more about these hardcore pioneers.  To these ears, they were the best of the bunch.

I think I get it now.  I'm just sorry I was born too late.

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