Pennywise

Pennywise: Home Movies DVDHome Movies DVD (2004)
Epitaph Records

Reviewer Rating: 4

Contributed by: NotoriousGrayDavisNotorious Gray Davis
(others by this writer | submit your own)
Published on January 4th 2005Back when I served as a noteworthy Lieutenant Governor of California in the 1990's, I remember a conversation I had with one of my punk-minded staffers. He had heard from my wife about my newfound interest in punk rock music and sought to indulge me about it (perhaps as a bold networking move). (Sha.

Back when I served as a noteworthy Lieutenant Governor of California in the 1990's, I remember a conversation I had with one of my punk-minded staffers. He had heard from my wife about my newfound interest in punk rock music and sought to indulge me about it (perhaps as a bold networking move). (Sharon has always been egging me on about developing actual hobbies, worried that I might become a dull automaton and let work become my life in general.) So I shot the breeze for a few minutes with this wide-eyed, faux-hawked lad and he asked me if I had been to any shows lately, to which I replied, "No, I can't neglect my constitutional duties: of presiding over the California State Senate, of attending some UC Regents meetings, of maintaining the quiet dignity of the Lieutenant Governor's office, etc."

After a few minutes worth of jibba jabba, the subject turned to a VHS video: Pennywise's "Home Movies." He told me about it being one of the most graphic, disturbing, even at times outright violent punk videos he's seen -- yet also the most representative of the experience of seeing a punk band. He didn't personally own a copy; he saw it at a friend's house, and by then it had been long out of print. Nonetheless, this prodigal son of a prominent California State Senator had stroked my fires of curiosity for "Home Movies" long enough such that when Epitaph Records announced that they'd re-release "Home Movies" on DVD, I became emboldened and gleefully exuberant to say the least. I loudly proclaimed: "Finally some old school Pennywise!" (IMHO, Land of the Free and From the Ashes were just embarassing to say the least.)

After a number of repeated viewings, I'd like to share some of my ruminations with you:

Home Movies is less of a music video than it is a documentary video. It's raw and unrefined -- the analog sound fuzziness remains from its VHS days, and some of it comes from hand-held cameras. Still, it's only about forty minutes long and there are only six complete live performances of songs -- obviously not the expansive live concert DVD. Since these songs aren't listed on the DVD case, I'll post them here:

Unknown Road
Pennywise
Wouldn't It Be Nice
Rules
The Secret
Every Single Day (video clip of rehearsal)
It's What You Do With It (video clip of rehearsal)
Bro Hymn

Even though it falls short of a music video, it more than excels as a straight-forward, band-authorized documentary video. The professionally shot live performances reveal all and hide nothing: every camera glance of the hard charging, guitar-riffing band is matched with the full on roughhousing of the crowd moshing and hurting each other, stage diving, and lounging around on stage belching out the songs in unison. One thing's for sure: audience participation is mandatory at a Pennywise show. Obviously, the band thrives on its interaction with its fans to the point where it just wouldn't be right to not document it. Usually you can't get this kind of footage from any ordinary DVD or any other punk DVD in general (save for Minor Threat's) without lots and lots of legal clearances, which doesn't happen a lot in today's litigious world. It's a refreshing view -- sweat, shoving, noxious odors, building steam, mangled bodies, and wrenched clothing in all.

Nonetheless, the DVD really makes a turn for the noteworthy, the graphic and disturbing with the band footage. You get to see Fletcher Dragge's infamous "Treatments," his innocent little pranks on the band and assorted roadies that easily border on outright sadism. You get to see some footage of the crowd getting out of control -- and reflect on how easily an innocent kinda-docile mosh pit can turn into a full-on violent brawl with bodies flailing, fists flying and some intentional bruising. There's a scene where the brawl takes a turn for the band, where some of the bodies knock over pieces of drummer Byron McMackin's drum set-up, but still Byron continues pounding away while others help put back the drum set-up as the fights continue a few feet away. Towards the end of the video, as the credits are rolling, you get to see singer Jim Lindberg violently shove to the floor some white-power skinhead making the Hitler salute while standing on stage with the band. Further augmenting the gross-out factor, you get to see random shots of Fletcher vomiting on other people, intentionally.

Still, there are some non-threatening scenes of band footage: band members in the van on the road, running to their motel suites, chilling with each other after shows, showing off their practice space in a large steel storage container, etc. Those new to the band get to see the original bassist Jason Matthew Thirsk -- memories that should hold new emotional significance for the band. But those scenes are interspersed as few and far between, as Fletcher's manic "Treatments" upon the unsuspecting take the stage.

Hence, this is a great DVD for those that love the old school Pennywise and want to revive memories of the old-school days and those that can't enough of the shock-value of Fletcher's antics. And, yes, there's some male nudity. (Yes, a great classy way to end a punk DVD review.)

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Fine Print: The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. We are not respon sible for them in any way. Seriously.

Anonymous (January 22, 2005)

what u r saying u already said fucking 20 lines down. this is the internet i didnt know u had to live up to certain type of english major to write here. plus the quote obviously was on purpose, i was ditching ur type of ppl that think their "punk". also i never said i was punk, sorry. Plus i actually listen to good charlotte because they talk about poser like u that think they know about punk but u actually dont know shit.
and yeah, about your shittyass comment about my english, check this out, i speak more languages than your family together, so excuse me if i cant "speako english right" booya

rightcliqificus (January 18, 2005)

i love pennywise, but i'm gonna have to agree that the guy below me is clearly mentally retarded. all this "y r u hear. don't u lik pnywise" crap is really fucking annoying. i don't understand how there are "punks" that can't form complete sentences. your language skills do reflect your intelligence, my friend, sorry to be the one to tell you that. people will take you seriously if you can write sentences without slang you picked up from the good charlotte chat room. also, you can't pretend to be a fan of a band if you can't even quote one of their most popular songs correctly. that's the very minimum you should be able to accomplish. the only way i can imagine you not being a complete tard is if english wasn't your first language.

Anonymous (January 13, 2005)

so just because i write in a different way that u do, im a retard..... dude grow up u r the one that looks like a retard because u have nothing else to say. instead of wasting ur time here go do sumthing... go suck sum horse dick its big enough to shut u up. wut a fucking dildo

Anonymous (January 11, 2005)

Yeah let's list some obscure bands to listen to if you're into Pennywise or Guttermouth. Who gives a shit, really?

Anonymous (January 10, 2005)

"punk-o-rama is such a good album to find new bands.
ok one thing, u guys hate pennywise sooo much, so y r u even here?
i think i guys listen to it, kinda enjoy it but.... ditch it so u can look like idiots
its fine with me do wut u have to do, say wut u have to say.
pennywise will still punk for many years to come."

--you're not instant messaging one of your gay boyfriends, so stop typing like a retard. unless, of course, you are one. oh yeah just because i'm on this site in no way means that i should like pennywise, even if pennywise "will still punk for years to come" whatever the fuck that means, you dolt.

Anonymous (January 10, 2005)

Truth is, pennywises last few albums were ok at best....and they dont even tour anymore. I cant even get excited about the new album

Anonymous (January 10, 2005)

Once again, if i call popular bands out on their shittyness i automatically listen to whatever top-40 crap your mom does. Right.

Its great that you kids have discovered something other than Limp Bizkit, but ya gotta realize that there are tons of better bands out there that make these old dudes look just whack.
The next thing you'll want is a list...so here.

If you like:............................Try This:

Pennywise..........................Petrograd, Hell or Highwater, AAA
Epitaph.................................No Idea, Dirtnap, Smog Veil, Recess
Guttermouth.........................Suicide

Anonymous (January 9, 2005)

"punk-o-rama sucks" u make me sick
punk-o-rama is such a good album to find new bands.
ok one thing, u guys hate pennywise sooo much, so y r u even here?
i think i guys listen to it, kinda enjoy it but.... ditch it so u can look like idiots
its fine with me do wut u have to do, say wut u have to say.
pennywise will still punk for many years to come.

Anonymous (January 9, 2005)

For all of you's bashing Pennywise, NOFX, Misfits, etc,

why don't you stick to your destiny's child and xtina websites instead of coming here to bash punk?

Anonymous (January 9, 2005)

"just because pennywise has a song on punk o rama doesnt mean it sucks because everyone knows it.
if u knew any better, i would think thats good"
punk-o-rama does indeed suck my friend

Anonymous (January 9, 2005)

"This just reafirms my faith in Pennywise
No other band can kick so much fucking ass and produce so much energy
All you elitist puks can go kiss my fucking ass"

Amen brotha. Pennywise puts so much energy into their songs... you'd know if you actaully listened to them.

Anonymous (January 9, 2005)

ok for a dude that doesnt like PW, nofx, misfits, SEX PISTOLS, the clash and all those elders, seriously theres sumthing wrong with that.
oh oh i forgot NFG, fall out boy and all those great bands are taking over punk rock.... i feel relieved NOT!! new punk bands SUCK!!! they re not even "punk" talking about girls 24-7 gets kinda tiring

Anonymous (January 9, 2005)

This just reafirms my faith in Pennywise
No other band can kick so much fucking ass and produce so much energy
All you elitist puks can go kiss my fucking ass

Anonymous (January 8, 2005)

What's wrong with art rock?

Anonymous (January 8, 2005)

dude, Pennywise have more passion than any other band out there! They've got lots left to offer, so if you don't like it, fuck off and don't listen, all the true and loyal PW fans will love it and continue to love it, which is what matters anyway!

Anonymous (January 8, 2005)

This band has stretched the same 4 chords out over the span of 10 years. Its time to give it a rest. I mean, they have a fucking wheaties box for the cover of their dvd! Does that not just scream "God, we so don't fucking care that we'll use a lame cereal reference for our cover...pass the caviar fletcher..."

Seriously. Pennywise, Nofx, Queers, Misfits, Dead Kennedys, Sex Pistols, Marky Ramone, Ian Mckaye and Ben Weasel all need to head to the retirement home. Its time for a new generation of kids to play A, D, E over a fast beat and scream about how they hate stuff. You old dudes don't have the passion anymore...g'night!

Anonymous (January 7, 2005)

Amen!! i agree with the guy below me. if u got something to say about it, go get fucked or something.
another thing for the idiot that thinks he knows a lot about music
just because pennywise has a song on punk o rama doesnt mean it sucks because everyone knows it.
if u knew any better, i would think thats good but wut do i know ur the science rocket genius around here. u dont know as much as u think but good try indeed.

Anonymous (January 7, 2005)

"Why does it seem that when a band has more than 3 albums everyone on here calls them "washed up" ? This website is full of fucking crybabies that just seem to like bashing music instead of pumping it up. WHY DO YOU EVEN LISTEN TO MUSIC AT ALL YOU FUCKING RETARDS? Pennywise may not be your type of band, but Pennywise isn't "washed up". There's no loyalty anymore, today's fans turn don't know what they like. Just because a band has had a great album doesn't mean the rest of their material is crap. Pennywise has 7 studio albums, a couple of old EP's & a live album, that's longevity you crybabies, and you don't have longevity without loyal fans to support you. Go away!"

Today's "punk rockers" are fucking pathetic. Respect, unity, too fucking stupid for that.

Anonymous (January 7, 2005)

HAHA ur punk rock??? good for u man good for u

Anonymous (January 7, 2005)

Why does it seem that when a band has more than 3 albums everyone on here calls them "washed up" ? This website is full of fucking crybabies that just seem to like bashing music instead of pumping it up. WHY DO YOU EVEN LISTEN TO MUSIC AT ALL YOU FUCKING RETARDS? Pennywise may not be your type of band, but Pennywise isn't "washed up". There's no loyalty anymore, today's fans turn don't know what they like. Just because a band has had a great album doesn't mean the rest of their material is crap. Pennywise has 7 studio albums, a couple of old EP's & a live album, that's longevity you crybabies, and you don't have longevity without loyal fans to support you. Go away!

Anonymous (January 7, 2005)

whats funny half of you etards are not puck rock like i am.

Anonymous (January 6, 2005)

why doesnt everyone just let people have their own fucking opinion, i think pennywise fuckin kicks and i dont care what anyone else has to say about it im still going to like them just as i have for the past ten years

501 (January 6, 2005)

republican?!?! WHERE?!AH!

Anonymous (January 6, 2005)

"No, I kinda liked it at "Its doing whatever the fuck you want while giving the finger to whoever tells you you're wrong."

That in itself is good enough for me. "

You must be republican.

******************

My God, I'm spooked!

A Republican in our midst! Bring the torches and pitchforks!

Phil Angelides
State Treasurer
State of California

Anonymous (January 6, 2005)

I'm kind of confused. Did you have this great idea to write the review as Gray davis, but realized part way through the review that nobody really cares about gray davis outside of california, or did you just forget about the first half of your review when you got to the actual review?

If you're gonna use a gimmick in your review, you should stick to it until the end. Another better way of doing it is to not use a stupid gimmick in the first place. If you cut the whole gray davis thing in the first half the review would have been acceptable.

Also, pennywise sucks ass. Writing the same album over and over again for 20 years is what the eagles do. They should try for something new if they ever record again.

Also, calling anybody who disagrees with your shallow definition of punk a faggot doesn't make you punk. It makes you a dumbshit.

Faggot.

Not-To-Regret (January 6, 2005)

"No, I kinda liked it at "Its doing whatever the fuck you want while giving the finger to whoever tells you you're wrong."

That in itself is good enough for me. "

You must be republican.

Anonymous (January 6, 2005)

=="punk rock isn't supposed to be some faggot, indie, art-==rock movement. Its doing whatever the fuck you want ==while giving the finger to whoever tells you you're wrong"

==You forgot to add, "while keeping an open mind and ==standing up for what is just, progressive and moral in the ==world". If anyone disagrees with those last principals get ==the fuck off this website and put on a G-Unit CD.

==- Not-To-Regret "

*****************

No, I kinda liked it at "Its doing whatever the fuck you want while giving the finger to whoever tells you you're wrong."

That in itself is good enough for me.

Tom McClintock
California State Senator
19th District

Anonymous (January 6, 2005)

"punk rock isn't supposed to be some faggot, indie, art-rock movement. Its doing whatever the fuck you want while giving the finger to whoever tells you you're wrong"

You forgot to add, "while keeping an open mind and standing up for what is just, progressive and moral in the world". If anyone disagrees with those last principals get the fuck off this website and put on a G-Unit CD.

- Not-To-Regret

Anonymous (January 6, 2005)

Just as i thought!

This is exactlyllike every other video they ever made.

oh jees pennywise.

Anonymous (January 6, 2005)

i hope scott dies in a fire. the human race will have enough bacon for a decade.
twat

Anonymous (January 6, 2005)

This has nothing to do with this review, but I hope BSD dies in a fire. He's a fucking cocksucker and no one gives a shit about his worthless opinions.

Anonymous (January 6, 2005)

"2nd of all its from "about time" u dumb shit if u know anything about punk that was one of the great punk albums from pennywise even won gold"
ahahahaaa!!!! wow you suck. no shit its from about time but that song was on a punk-o-rama comp so its one those two or three pw songs EVERYBODY knows. oh yeah they didn't "win" gold. about time WENT gold. nice try though you mental midget.

Anonymous (January 6, 2005)

yousa bitch

Anonymous (January 5, 2005)

heres another dumbass that doesnt know wut hes talking about

Anonymous (January 5, 2005)

"pennywise is old and have push punk rock to a different level and meaning"

Yeah, they pushed it down the drain.

Anonymous (January 5, 2005)

Pennywise are and always will be my favourite band and this dvd is fucking amazing, definitely classic PW!

Anonymous (January 5, 2005)

It's funny (sad, actually) the amount of little bitch ass kids talking shit about Pennywise. These fuckers are old and still rock. I suppose they could care less what you whining pieces of useless shit think anyway.

"Towards the end of the video, as the credits are rolling, you get to see singer Jim Lindberg violently shove to the floor some white-power skinhead making the Hitler salute while standing on stage with the band."

Sweet.

Anonymous (January 5, 2005)

go listen to some THE CLASH nothing can be that
no bow with respect for the elders
pennywise is old and have push punk rock to a different level and meaning, so if u guys are here just to say shit about pennywise go suck horse dick.... its big enough to shut u up

Anonymous (January 5, 2005)

One of the best videos that I have seen, very amusing.

Cos (January 5, 2005)

"The fact that this is just a re-release of an old VHS tape without any extra material makes it sound really bad. That said, however, why all this hatred of Pennywise? Yeah they aren't the most complex band in the world, but punk rock isn't supposed to be some faggot, indie, art-rock movement. Its doing whatever the fuck you want while giving the finger to whoever tells you you're wrong and having fun and being loud while doing it. Anyone who doesn't like Pennywise is just a faggot scenester who liked them until some ivy league college student told them Blood for Blood was cooler. Fuck all you bitches."

Dude, you could have just said "I totally don't understand punk, but I love Pennywise" and be done with it. The rest is just over-exposure for your already-viewable ass.

I love how we've come full-circle: it used to be that the jocks and cops called the punks "faggots." Now we've got punks calling other kids faggots. Go listen to some Black Flag.

--Cos

Anonymous (January 5, 2005)

Pennywise reached their peak in the mid-90's, now they're just becoming a bit tiresome now. They're just not diverse enough for my liking. Still "Full Circle" and "About Time" are still great albums.

Joe

Anonymous (January 5, 2005)

Seriously, If you want to hear good pop-punk with something intelligent to say, you could pick something up by I-Farm, Dillinger 4, Propagandhi, the GC5, Against All Authority etc.
Actually, you could probably cruise to your local record store and find a bunch of local bands way better than this epitaph cookie-cutter shit and maybe supprt some people who actually care.

If Pennywise cared at all, they would call out their ignorant fans for such blatant homophobia and sexism (as clearly evidenced by the idiots on this thread) and maybe help make these people understand how unpunk that really is. This would of course kill off a good portion of their sales and hence hasn't happened. "bro"

Anonymous (January 5, 2005)

counting down, this is for the dude on the 9th review with the three things.
first of all my quote was insulting ur kind of ppl that pretend to know a lot about punk
2nd of all its from "about time" u dumb shit if u know anything about punk that was one of the great punk albums from pennywise even won gold, but i guess i dont know that cause ur to busy playing with peanutbutter and ur dog.
3rd hmmm.... ur just a dumbass who thinks he knows a lot, so just do ur self a favor and save sum air... kill ur self
BOOYA

Anonymous (January 5, 2005)

as big a fan i am of pennywise... i agree, its time to throw in the towel. im not sure there are many sounds left for them to explore without drastically changing their style which im sure they are not considering as an option.

TheOneTrueBill (January 5, 2005)

Woah, that person who said LotF? was better than the About Time is way off. I've never, ever met a PW fan that thinks that way.

dazed (January 5, 2005)

I agree with the guy who said Pennywise sounds more like Insted (or for that matter Token Entry) than Bad Religion. Their earlier more motivational less political lyrics are even a lot like Insted minus the straightedge aspects. They're a good band, although nothing after "Full Circle" has been essential and "Land of the Free?" was really weak.

Anchors (January 5, 2005)

Score's for Wheaties.

Golden Grahams represent!

Anonymous (January 5, 2005)

pennywise has been a band longer than some of you have been alive. If you don't like it don't listen to it and don't read the reviews and put negative shit on the posts. It makes you look ignorant. Punks aren't ignorant, we accept what others don't. Stop giving punk a bad name.
Southpaw954

Anonymous (January 5, 2005)

"Pennywise sucks donkey dick becuase they are jock-metal retards playing fast pop-punk and getting rich off of it. Your brilliant comment proves my point. Fuck Pennywise, and fuck their shit politics."
and
"Pennywise is like NOFX and Anti-Flag, they're a start up band. Then you graduate and move onto better shit."

I am intrigued to find out which bands are worthy of your ears? Enlighten me?