Dutch readers should note that the VPRO Joey Ramone documentary from 2002 will be repeated on Sunday March 7 at 11 pm (net 3).

Now and again these days, I need some kinda affirmation that it's worth all the bashing of my head agin the proverbial brick wall in the name of what I consider to be be good music. There is only good and bad after all and the best transcends any genrefication. This dvd contains their patented American (electric folk) music and it will blow your mind. It underscores the bands importance once and for all. As performances go, this is blistering top form and if indeed it is the last ever performance of the real Blasters then they couldn't have gone out any better. Despite his not being there in physical form, I'm sure Lee Allen was in the house that night because it hops and bops as only a place lit with his kinda spirit could be. I wonder if this could be granted some kinda big screen release because it seems like we should be watchin' this in a cinema. Hearing that rhythm section and that piano pounding, those guitar licks and that voice in full sen-surround might be more than the faint hearted could be expected to take but I haven't seen performance footage like this since the MC5 movie. The little touches of interview spread liberally through are great too and all tolled this is an utter gift to anybody who ever saw the band and proof positive of how to "do it" for future generations. All this and plenty of audience shots of Phil Dennison too. Shout Factory have done a great job.

Dave Alvin and those Guilty Men of his acquaintance are heading for the Renfrew Ferry in Glasgow on May 5th. More info as it becomes available.

JERRY (LEE) LEWIS in Glesgae...