Punk-O-Rama, Vol. 1: The Videos

So punk music, the original and genuine article, died a few decades ago, right? Went out in a blaze of glory (or maybe it was a gob of sputum) pretty much immediately after the Sex Pistols' first album, with everything that followed a derivative afterthought? I tested the theory by choosing a track from this 22-tune (plus extras) compilation totally at random… and lo and behold, Rancid's “Salvation” sounds exactly like a track from Never Mind the Bollocks (minus most of the power and concision). But that doesn't mean it isn't pretty cool, or that the video (b&w, with lots of squares from the early ‘60s doing the twist) isn't amusing. And so it goes throughout this entertaining package. In the absence of real content, political or otherwise (Pennywise's “Fuck Authority” is merely callow and mindless--no “God Save the Queen,” this), punk these days is mostly about snotty, high energy fun. Ultimately, Punk-O-Rama's videos are clever and diverting, and the band names (Dropkick Murphys, Death by Stereo, Division of Laura Lee, the Bouncing Souls) are a riot (as are their album titles: Everything Sucks, Covered With Ants, Recipe for Hate). Add to that a variety of DVD bonus features, including behind-the-scenes video footage and live performances by Bad Religion and the Bouncing Souls, and you've got a mix that's recommended for those looking for a loud and slightly ludicrous good time. Recommended. Aud: P. (S. Graham)