The Exploited - Beat
‘Em All (Punk Rock Music)
Picture:
C+ Sound: B- Extras: B Main Program: C
The
immediacy of punk resulted in a lot of unskilled bands trying to pick up where
acts like the Stooges and the New York Dolls left off by taking the volume and
anarchy to another level, and leaving off the glam and any ties to classic
rock. Some bands were able to at least
differentiate themselves from other acts by using a certain look or finding a
new angle to present the music. On the
other hand, you had bands that adhered to the formula of their recent
predecessors and helped to form a permanent image of what “true“ punk would
be. The Exploited are one of the
latter. Despite the many years this
band has been around, time hasn’t really affected their songwriting or
performance skills. In their eyes, all
that’s required of them is to play loud and fast. That may cut it for the majority of the punk world, but you can
have both of those things and still infuse them with talent... The Exploited
never quite seem to manage that. Here
they are again with their new DVD, Beat ‘Em All.
With many
punks, actual musical skill is not usually a requirement, and often seems to be
almost frowned upon. This band seems
the type who looks down on progress as something that waters down the energy of
their music. In many cases, this can be true - as “progression” can easily lead
to a musical gloss coat and eventual conformity by the artists. But to exist as a unit for such a long time
and never really diversify or expand on a boring, tired routine is
suicide. The Exploited don’t really
seem to care, and are content to kick a dead horse and carry on the remnants of
punk for years to come.
It isn’t
that punk was never relevant - but it’s been many years since it’s eruption,
and the point of the whole thing has been lost on many people. The meaning behind it started to waver as
followers began to flood in and dilute whatever relevance there originally was. The Exploited were one of the bands that
stepped in, aspiring to emulate what had been done before and just have a good
time being punks. But after a while,
more bands like this sprung up and choked out the individuality and creativity
that was originally present, resulting in an artistic drought that has never
really been lifted.
Anyway - back to the topic at hand. The actual program here was filmed pretty
well, and the picture is very clear for concert footage, so it does get props
for that much. But when you get down
to the music - song after song seems to blend together, resulting in a very
boring experience. The performers don’t
even get that into it. Granted, at least a couple members are getting up there
in terms of age, but they could have given much more than they did. Instead, they remain mostly stationary for a
good portion of the show. The audience
also doesn’t seem quite so responsive to the music for most of the time - but
it’s hard to tell, as they’re not exactly the focal point, and the camera angle
is often changing. The sound quality is
also pretty good, and is even in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound.
The
extras include a lot of information - such as a biography, discography,
screensavers, pictures, etc., etc.
However, you’ll no doubt be able to find all of this online - the bio is
even taken directly from their label’s webpage. An interview is also included - but good luck understanding most
of what is said - most of what bandleader Wattie says is almost incoherent.
If you’re
a casual fan of the band, I’m not sure you’ll be that interested in picking
this up. But, if you’re a hardcore fan
and have to own the band’s entire output, I suppose that there are worse things
you could spend your money on. However,
you’re probably better off saving your cash for when they come near you and seeing
them live for yourself.
- David Milchick
