The Jesus Lizard (1994)

2 1/2 Stars (out of 4)

Flies on the Wall

By Jeffrey M. Anderson

Among their other claims to greatness, Kurt Cobain and Nirvana should be remembered for their generosity toward other bands. They covered songs by The Vaselines and invited the Meat Puppets to sit in on their MTV Unplugged session. Kurt touted the genius of the Melvins and the Raincoats whenever he got the chance, and wore a Daniel Johnston T-shirt to some high-profile photo shoots. In 1993, Nirvana released a split single with the Jesus Lizard. And so, like many others, my introduction to the Jesus Lizard was their song "Puss," which shared CD space with Nirvana's "Oh, the Guilt." Now MVD has released this full-length, 65-minute Jesus Lizard concert video from October of 1994. Shot on pale, rudimentary, hand-held video, the show features 15 songs, including "Puss." The sound is available in either stereo or surround, and is superb. (You can't hear much of what David Yow is singing about, but that's also the case on their records.) A bonus feature includes five more songs recorded in 1992 at CBGB, with even less impressive quality. The DVD won't make any new converts, but fans more passionate than myself should enjoy it. (Note: the film had a few sporadic theatrical showings around the U.S. in June of 2007.)