Punk-The Early Years or The Decline Of Western Civilization Part 1?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Rikitikitavi
  • Start date Start date
I would have to lean towards Penelope Ann Spheeris' Decline of The Western Civilization Part I. Back in my teenage years (now 40) I used to have the soundtrack on cassette. I thought part I was a good representation of the punk movement just as part II was for metal.
 
I think they both had their strong points. I preferred Decline of Western Civilization. It's been a while since I've actually seen them so I could have changed my opinion of I see it now. I saw both of them about 6 years ago...At the time I was somewhat bored of Punk:The Early Years, but I was interested in Decline of Western Civilization....
I'm gonna have to watch these again and maybe I'll give you a more informed answer haha.
 
I would say "Decline of the Western Civilization" myself also, because while I like Brit bands the more seriously political brit bands came after the time of that documentary. While it is true that golden age of Punk was from 76' to 79' or so, which had great Punk too, but the main beliefs in it was backed up more in the 80's especially with American Hardcore and Brit Anarcho/Political/Hardcore bands which as I mentioned was more in the 80's. It is true that the Clash was around in the 70's, but the Sex Pistols were actually situationalists as opposed to being very political unfortunately. The Clash was more political but you can't say the whole "Punk-the Early Years" film was based on the Clash & while it is true that people were fed up in England. Usually I remember anti Thatcherisms & anti conservative party attitudes didn't flourish in England as in the 70's as much as anti nazi which is as good idea too, but nonetheless it was as activist & political related till as much till as I mentioned the 80's. So I have to go with "Decline of the Western Civilization" because it delved deeper into the psyche of Punks & the music scene in LA for example with even showing the angst of the youth more & no just interviews, plus it was more about the music, beliefs & attitudes as opposed to mainly the look & just being rebellious in general with the music. I know people will disagree on that, but back in the 80's as opposed to the 70's there was events like "Rock Against Reagan", plus bands in the 80's started putting out independent labels to get the music out as opposed to dealing with exploitive corporate labels that a lot of the 70's bands dealt with. The 80's expanded Punk even from it's most seminal, minimalistic to it's rawest & loudest, but definitely purist as well besides having it's most fury. Besides that "Decline of the Western Civilization" brought up fanzines besides showed Darby Crash who intentionally overdosed himself to death, who I have to give more credit than Sid Vicious & the Pistols did start with Glen Matlock after all who was better musicianshipwise, but not wild as Sid. So yes, I'd have to go with "Decline of the Western Civilization Part 1", between those 2 documentaries as better describing the Punk movement.
 
I think they both had their strong points. I preferred Decline of Western Civilization. It's been a while since I've actually seen them so I could have changed my opinion of I see it now. I saw both of them about 6 years ago...At the time I was somewhat bored of Punk:The Early Years, but I was interested in Decline of Western Civilization....
I'm gonna have to watch these again and maybe I'll give you a more informed answer haha.
 
I would say "Decline of the Western Civilization" myself also, because while I like Brit bands the more seriously political brit bands came after the time of that documentary. While it is true that golden age of Punk was from 76' to 79' or so, which had great Punk too, but the main beliefs in it was backed up more in the 80's especially with American Hardcore and Brit Anarcho/Political/Hardcore bands which as I mentioned was more in the 80's. It is true that the Clash was around in the 70's, but the Sex Pistols were actually situationalists as opposed to being very political unfortunately. The Clash was more political but you can't say the whole "Punk-the Early Years" film was based on the Clash & while it is true that people were fed up in England. Usually I remember anti Thatcherisms & anti conservative party attitudes didn't flourish in England as in the 70's as much as anti nazi which is as good idea too, but nonetheless it was as activist & political related till as much till as I mentioned the 80's. So I have to go with "Decline of the Western Civilization" because it delved deeper into the psyche of Punks & the music scene in LA for example with even showing the angst of the youth more & no just interviews, plus it was more about the music, beliefs & attitudes as opposed to mainly the look & just being rebellious in general with the music. I know people will disagree on that, but back in the 80's as opposed to the 70's there was events like "Rock Against Reagan", plus bands in the 80's started putting out independent labels to get the music out as opposed to dealing with exploitive corporate labels that a lot of the 70's bands dealt with. The 80's expanded Punk even from it's most seminal, minimalistic to it's rawest & loudest, but definitely purist as well besides having it's most fury. Besides that "Decline of the Western Civilization" brought up fanzines besides showed Darby Crash who intentionally overdosed himself to death, who I have to give more credit than Sid Vicious & the Pistols did start with Glen Matlock after all who was better musicianshipwise, but not wild as Sid. So yes, I'd have to go with "Decline of the Western Civilization Part 1", between those 2 documentaries as better describing the Punk movement.
 
The decline is ok, but it was directed by a hippie and there are a lot of things wrong with it. The best thing to do to learn about punk rock and its history is to read zine interviews.
 
Back
Top