"Beijing Punk" DVD (director: Shaun M. Jefford)

Director Jefford did a wonderful job on this feature-length documentary, delving deeper into the burgeoning Chinese punk rock scene. What's so cool about this is that these underground artists in Beijing are truly underground, as their oppressive government certainly opposes their individuality and message. They are under constant threat from their government more than we in the Western world can imagine.

Skinhead/punk band Misandao, indie band Hedgehog, and classic punkers Demerit are the main focuses here, as Jefford accompanies them to clubs, shows, and on the streets of Beijing, where they are truly outsiders in their leather jackets, mohawks, tattoos, and studded jewelry. The bands' attitudes and thuggish behavior (especially in Misandao and Demerit's cases) may seem juvenile and stereotypical for an English or American punk band, but these artists are at the forefront of a new attitude in China, expressing themselves socially and politically -- a radical step in such a restrictive state. "Beijing Punk" shows a new awareness in a culture, looking at democracy from an outsider's viewpoint. These bands have plenty to shout about, and this documentary is inspiring and engrossing. (Seminal Films via MVD Visual)

Dwarves - "Born Again" CD

The classic gutter-shock punk band is finally back, with their first new album since 2004. Including longtime members Blag Dahlia and Hewhocannotbenamed, among a cast of, well, many, it's an energetic, trashy, and well-played selection of 18 sleazy, drug-and-slut-inspired rockers. .

There are a plethora of great, catchy, and under-two-minute pop-punk songs here. In fact, there are 18 songs of them, all well-written and concise. Self-reverential? Sure. Indulgent? Not really. Dwarves' strengths are their ability to write great songs while maintaining a real "fuck you" attitude. There are no concessions for radio, just great songs like "You'll Never Take Us Alive", "We Only Came To Get High", "Working Class Hole", or "Your Girl's Mom".

The bonus DVD (included in some copies) is an extensive collection of live bootleg footage, promotional videos (both censored and uncut), and TV interviews. It's a ripe and well-presented set for any serious fan. A worthy set from one of American punk's most notorious acts. All hail the Dwarves! ripe and well-presented set for any serious fan. A worthy set from one of American punk's most notorious acts. All hail the Dwarves. (Greedy/MVD Audio)

Dwarves site

GG Allin + The Aids Brigade - "Live in Boston 1989" DVD

Whether GG Allin was one of rock's greatest or worst frontmen is up for debate. But 20+ years later, one thing is certain -- nobody has taken punk rock to such depraved, confrontational, and vile depths since.

Here, GG and the boys (including brother Merle, who Goatsden did a tape-trade with many years back) play dress-up, New York Dolls-style -- to gain entrance to a club that GG was banned in a few months prior. This drag-queen plan worked, as GG and crew were able to battle through 9 tracks, including such tasteful "classics" as "Cunt On The Loose", "I Wanna Rape You", and "Bite It You Scum".

The show was relatively tame, for GG Allin standards. Musically, the group's basic 3-chord punk wasn't too interesting nor unique, but the antics of their untamed frontman (and the extensive make-up, wigs, and dresses) made this one a definite curiosity.

The added bonus material, equating to 2 additional shows from 1993, stands as prime GG, with all the expected mayhem and feces. It's all spectacle, rather than music here, as Allin baits the (dwindling) audience with threats of violence and sexual assault. It's not pretty or easy to watch. As it stands, "Live in Boston 1989" is good value for Allin fans, as it runs well over a couple of hours altogether, but casual fans will need to see the "Hated" documentary first. (MVD Visual)

GG Allin official site

Also worthy of mention while on the subject of GG Allin...a new throbblehead figure, commemorating the 1991 GG...

Aggronautix, home to the GG Allin throbblehead and tons more...