- Click Cover art to order
BYO Records – “Let Them Know” (DVD) It’s amazing to think that BYO records, a label started by accident is around today and still thriving. This box set is a packaged walk down memory lane for many. The DVD is one of the best documentaries I’ve ever seen in general. I wouldn’t call myself a historian (I’m not smart enough), but just someone who loves to learn about history. What better to learn about than the very music that helped mold who you’ve become? The Let Them Know DVD starts by explaining how the California punk scene was a combination of the New York & English punk explosions, mixed with the underground surf culture in the late 70’s into the politically turbulent 80’s.
The DVD then chronicles the California punk movement along with the trials and tribulations of Youth Brigade, BYO records and both of their influences on punk rock the beginning through today. The musical autobiography explains how Youth Brigade began, how that lead to the start of BYO records, the demise of Youth Brigade, the in between years, and the once again revival of Youth Brigade. What makes this DVD so great is the candid interviews with the members of Youth Brigade and the many people that were closely involved from the beginning and are still, through today.
There are interviews with; Fat Mike, Kevin Seconds, & Ian Mackaye to name drop a few flop household names, along with a shit load of others. Even with the great interviews of the many members of the BYO family that intertwine throughout the funniest part of the DVD is the reminder of the hilarity that is The Brigade For those that might not have known or have forgotten, The Brigade was Youth Brigade’s new wave-ish alter-ego that has Shawn Sterns rockin’ a Flock Of Seagulls hair style. As much as Youth Brigade was a great punk band, The Brigade was a completely horrendous exploit of anything resembling punk music.
When this DVD was over not only was I entertained by interesting told stories of yesteryear, and an amazing soundtrack, but also I learned a ton about the story of Youth Brigade and the importance of BYO Records to the punk scene as we know it.
One major let down I have from this whole release is coming from BYO records a label founded on the DIY movement along with political views against the big corporation mentality. There are corporate sponsors involved for the tour associated with the release of this box set and Movie Premiere’s such as Nike Sportswear and Hot Topic (As we all know is an exploitation of punk for profit organization). I understand that the funding needs to come from somewhere, but geesh those two alone are enough to make some question the ethics of the project. That being said the project as a whole is by far the best punk rock influences documentary I have seen to date.
