Buzzcocks: Live at Shepherd's Bush Empire 2003 (2006)

3 1/2 Stars (out of 4)

Wake Up Call

By Jeffrey M. Anderson

Formed in 1975, the Buzzcocks might have been just another English punk band trailing in the wake of the Sex Pistols and the Clash. They had a couple of crunchy pop hits, such as "Ever Fallen in Love," "What Do I Get?" and "Orgasm Addict" before becoming a punk footnote. But watching this new DVD, filmed only a few years ago, reveals a totally vital band sounding even better than at their peak. They could be a new Green Day or Sugar, but with more fury. They thrash through 32 songs without ever sounding bored or giving the impression that they've grown tired of this 30 year-old material. Director Dave Meehan struggles to keep up with them, and mostly succeeds with an aggressive collection of tilted, up-close frames. The stereo sound is terrific, and fans should be able to crank up their systems without distortion. If anything, 32 songs might be a bit more trying for the audience than for the band.

DVD Details: All of their hits are included on Music Video Distributor's new DVD, plus several interviews, bios, posters and other extras. Note: This same concert was released as the 2005 CD Driving You Insane.