What the Punk?! 2: An MVD Sampler (2004)

3 Stars (out of 4)

Mix Tape

By Jeffrey M. Anderson

This 65-mintue "sampler" from Music Video Distributors features clips from 23 previously released MVD videos, and -- at less than ten bucks -- it's a definite bargain and a must-have for all current and former punks, or at least those who don't mind a greatest hits mix tape in favor of the complete album. Don't expect much quality-wise; most of these clips were shot on the sly in chaotic clubs. Among the best are: Sublime's "Saw Red" (featuring Gwen Stefani), T.S.O.L.'s "Code Blue," the Butthole Surfers' "Mexican Caravan," the Meat Puppets' "Lake of Fire," Shane MacGowan's "Paddy Public Enemy No. 1," The Circle Jerks' "World Up My Ass" and a clip from the Dead Kennedys' recording session of "Hyperactive Child." Other clips include interviews with Dee Dee Ramone and older footage of the Weirdos and the Germs. The late Wesley Willis, an overweight chronic schizophrenic, wails his song "Chronic Schizophrenic." MVD also includes musical numbers from some of their feature films, such as Desperate Teenage Lovedolls and Moby Presents: Alien Sexy Party and a non-musical fight scene from Jesus Christ: Vampire Hunter. Most notoriously of all, the DVD contains two clips of the infamous G.G. Allin and the Murder Junkies, one from Todd Phillips' film Hated and the other from the video Live & Pissed. The late Allin was so unquestionably foul that he makes many of the other punks look like Grammy winners. Not all the music on the DVD will appeal to everyone, which is why it works so well. True fans will want to purchase the complete DVDs, of which this sampler handily provides detailed descriptions. I can personally recommend Meat Puppets: Alive in the Nineties, Shane MacGowan: If I Should Fall from Grace and Dead Kennedys: In God We Trust, Inc. - The Lost Tapes. And those with the strongest sense of adventure should see Hated.