We Re Never Going Home

I think it's funny when people complain about Against Me! "selling out." Signing to Fat Wreck Chords when Universal and Epic are flying you to New York and buying you drinks is far from selling out. Besides that, where a band's loyalties lie is their decision. Personally, I think they're growing, not getting worse simply because they're gaining notoriety. That in no way makes a band bad, and I think that's the problem with punk rock these days. "What the fu*k is this? Rhythm guitar? Fu*cking sellouts." Musicians, just like any artists, want to grow, so I say let them grow. You may not agree with the direction that they choose to go in, but you should appreciate the fact that they'r trying new things, and if you are or ever were a fan of theirs, you should support them. Nobody's forcing you to like it. If they jump to a major label and become regulars on MTV, then you can complain.

Now, that being said, the DVD is awesome. It's not so much a collection of live performances, but the instances in-between. The road stories, the antics, the parties, the drinking, and the numerous times lables tried to sweet talk them with liquor, but only succeeded in getting them drunk. This is one of the few punk bands who've come along in recent years with an original sound, and who aspire for musical longevity, not overnight success and a short-lived craze. So embrace them, cuz the future of punk rock is looking grim, and bands like these are a dying breed.

When it comes to music dvd's I am often left with the feeling of disappointment when they're through. They're often pointless and offer little more than a background on the band and a couple of music videos. Very little replay value. Live DVD's are ok, but often for the same price or less you could go out and see a band play. Pretty shabby indeed. Against Me! however, have relased an enjoyable film by mixing live performance with documentary type footage to create something, for lack of a better word, fun.

The film documents a months worth of touring for the band, alongside Planes Mistaken For Stars (who get virtually no footage) and seasoned punk group No Choice (apparent long timefriends of Against Me!). The film features an abundance of road antics and a host of great performances. All the while, the band having to decide whether to stick with Fat Wreck Chords or sign to a major label.

Some highlight performances include: 'Baby, I'm An Anarchist', 'We Laugh At Danger (And break all the Rules)', 'Sink, Florida, Sink', 'Cliche Guevara' and 'Walking Is Still Honest'. The tracks are obviously pre-recorded as the bands locations during the playing of the songs are switched repetitively. This is an effective method, although occasionally the timing is a bit off.

Some DVD special features include more songs, deleted scenes, interviews with bands and fans around the country (often hilarious), a drinking game invloving a roadie, a tour of Fat Wreck Chords, "Raw Dog" & more.

Overall this DVD is very good, though it could've been a bit lengthier. It is a nice representation of one of the more quintessential bands around today. If more groups had as much energy and spirit as this, then punk music may not be what it is today. I missed out on seeing Against Me! last year in September and after viewing this film, i highly regret it.

this dvd is such a treasure, particularly if like me, you've seen the band live and just can't get enough of them. it's a lot of fun to watch these live performances and also get to meet the band, and catch them in their tired, drunken, rockin, kiddin around, states. the dvd also deals with the issue of am! being asked by universal to sign a record deal with them, but am! has stayed loyal to Fat Wreck and aint going to be a part of the corporate machine. much respect to them for that decision.

(if you go to a show of theirs, say hi to the band, they're so friendly and you can probably get to talk to them there =)

the energy of this band is captured on this dvd and i am so greatful to them for making this dvd and all their many albums.

im not sure exactly what else i should write for this review! against me! is one of the most rockin bands and i am so thankful that they put their political views out there unabashedly! right on! few bands have such great politics and spirited, passionate, thoughtful, loud and rockin music. thank you, am!

the only downside with this DVD is that it makes you miss them.

so support the independent music out there, that is a part of the revolution !