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We Jam Econo: The Story Of The Minutemen
[Plexi Film]
2005; b&w and color
Directed by Tim Irwin
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A very well done documentary about one of the more influential bands of the early '80s, We Jam Econo tells the story of The Minutemen from their pre-band San Pedro, CA roots in the '70s to singer / guitarist D. Boon's tragic death in December 1985. For those who aren't familiar with their history, Boon and childhood friend Mike Watt (bass, vocals) formed the band—actually, they were called The Reactionaries prior to changing their name to The Minutemen—with drummer George Hurley around 1979. Their first 7", the Paranoid Time EP (1980), was the second record released by Greg Ginn's SST label, and was completely different from anything going on in punk rock at the time. Elements of jazz, funk and even folk music made their way into the band's totally unique sound, but their intensity and sincerity were what made them so captivating. Through new interviews with assorted people who were involved in the underground music scene at the time and were friends with and / or worked with the band, intercut with archival interview footage and tons of live performances, the film really does convey a sense of just how much their music meant - and still means - to so many people. Mike Watt serves as narrator to an extent, and talks about everything from meeting D. when they were something like 13 years old to the last time they ever played together. George Hurley (who now looks eerily like Freddie Blassie) also offers insight into the myriad of experiences the trio shared in their brief time together. While the interviews tell one side of the story, it's the often captivating live performances that really bring everything into focus. I was lucky enough to see them once, and it's an experience I'll never forget. The rather large Boon danced around the stage in near perpetual motion, slowing down only to sing (and even then he was still swingin' and shakin'); Watt shook his head, one leg and played some of the craziest bass shit I'd ever seen to that point; and Hurley did stuff on the drums I'd never seen anyone do before - or since. They were almost hypnotic, and everyone in the room knew they were witnessing something special. This "specialness" really comes to the forefront on the second disc, which features over three hours of live performances from three shows: an early gig (1980) at the Starwood in LA, a 1984 show from DC, and the "Acoustic Blowout" from 1985 in Hollywood. We Jam Econo is an essential document of a true DIY band, and absolutely worth checking out.
—the Kommandant
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