The Cramps - Live at Napa State Mental Hospital

Target Video/Wienerworld Productions This, right here, is punk as fuck. You don't hear the word 'punk' used in relation to The Cramps that often. I prefer 'Zombie B-Movie Elvis Presley Tribute From Hell' myself. But the very concept of this gig, the way it's shot, the complete lack of professionalism, the bands attitude... it's all punk rock as fuck.

This is arguably the best music DVD ever created. True, the words "Target Video 1984" are a constant on the bottom of the screen. It's also in fuzzy black and white, with only one microphone available for recording which means some serious audio and visual distortion throughout. The brevity of it all - round about 20 minutes or so - is frustrating as well. But you couldn't feel more a part of this, no matter how bad the quality of the medium or how long ago this happened. This is a major landmark in rock and roll and you should feel privileged there's a video of this at all.

Everything about the gig was utter chaos. There are patients dancing away on the stage (the guy in the suit is my favourite) and shouting into the mic while Lux Interior attempts to sing and get in just about everyone's face, taking time out to dance and chat with the female patients. Nick Knox's kick drum has a huge bloody hole in it where The Cramps' logo used to be. Surrounded by the madness, Ivy bashes out the rockabilly looking bored by it all. As for the setlist, it's the best of the early material represented here, delivered with as much grace as a punch in the face. 'Human Fly', 'Domino', 'Love Me' and 'The Way I Walk' are all spat out exactly how you would expect from a band willing to play for a bunch of nutjobs for free.

If anything lets the package down, it's the extras. Sure, the Target Video showcase is interesting enough with the likes of Jello Biafra and Flipper contributing. But the fifteen minutes of 'performance art' that is essentially one guy on stage banging a couple of bins with pots and pans tied to them is tedius as all-out-fuck. The MVD gallery is a real let down, with trailers for the likes of Circle Jerks and Ramones being far too short and too much time spent on GG Allin. If you're not happy that guy's dead after you watch his trailer then you are Satan him/herself.

But really, it's all about The Cramps here. This is a piece of history, and you'll be damned if you don't buy this now.

Live at Napa State Mental Hospital is out now.

[wingwalker]

Either no one has read it, or you simply can't argue with facts like that.

[Kenny]

We'll assume the latter.

[wingwalker]

The thought keeps me warm at night.

[Lowtone]

Joe. I'm waiting on the day you chap on my door trying and sell me pirate DVD's and Fresh Prince quotes.

Anyway. Good review(Y)

[wingwalker]

I can't remember which one your door is, actually.

[Lowtone]

Every door is my door.

[monkey star]

Every rose has a thorn

[Posh]

I concur with this review, except you should have mentioned it's best watched when drunk as all fuckery, preferably surrounded by attractive women and Robbie.

[wingwalker]

Yes, but we're all not as fortunate as...erm, us.