Badsville DVD
By
Edward "Ace" Annese,
RealityCheck TV
Friday, November 30, 2001 @ 2:30 PM
(Cinema Diablo, Acetate Record
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One thing's for sure: Despite all the bullshit pronouncements by the mainstream media that Rock n' Roll is dead, (upstart hypemongers like The Strokes notwithstanding) it simply ain't true. This flick proves it, though critics and writers from such Ivory Tower publications like the NY Times, Spin or Rolling Stone probably aren't going to see this, which is too bad. This film is not about rap/rock, nu metal, hip-hop or
candyass pop -- it's all about dirty, sweaty, stripped-down 4-on-the-floor R n’ R, with no frills, baby!!! And it's live and direct from Hollyweird!
The great thing about this flick is, not only does it document great bands (although San Francisco's American Heartbreak is notably missing) and great songs, with mesmerizing performances, but it also chronicles some of the funniest war stories about having been on major labels, then getting dropped unceremoniously, or in true R n' R scenarios -- like Extra Fancy's performing at The Playboy Mansion, or Dogs D'amour trashing an establishment in France, then getting busted by the Gendarmes. Classic!
Still, it's incredible performance sequences of bands like Texas Terri and the Stiff Ones, The Hangmen, Motochrist, Coyote Shivers, Man Scouts of America, and The Streetwalkin' Cheetahs, among others, that really drive this film. These shows embody the pure unbridled fury of Rock n' Roll for the fun of it!!! It's also a testimonial to the never-say-die spirit of these acts, who rock on, despite the long odds of ever getting another major-label deal, let alone becoming Rock Stars -- though it's evident that many would still love to live that life if it happened.
In short, Badsville is funny, sad, exhilarating, blistering and
poignant. And that, kiddies, is what Rock n' Roll is all about. The
title might read "Badsville," but it's All Good.
