Turn It Around: The Story of East Bay Punk

I grew up in the punk scene of the east Bay Area in the 1990’s (ironically, the coverage of this documentary ends in 1994, which is when I joined the melee), so the topic is near and dear to me. I really enjoyed the movie— it was long; a bit of a completist overview rather than just the essentials. If a director takes that path it’s fair to ask about what was left out of the coverage. It was fun to see the history of some of the most well known and earliest bands—Green Day, Blatz, Crimpshrine, Isocracy, Operation Ivy, Jawbreaker, etc.— covered with three decades removed. But I’m not sure if AFI, Man is the Bastard, the Beat Nuts, or Miranda July we’re as pivotal to the scene’s trajectory as they are made out to be. Also, the doc focuses on the world of 924 Gilman and Lookout! Records rather than other easy bay haunts, labels or the wealth of sounds from East Bay’s underground that were less connected to Gilman. I don’t recall much from Fat Wreck aside from NOFX, and the doc was light on Samiam, J. Church, Tilt, Mr. T Experience or any of the lighter— or much heavier— Bay Area acts. Also, aside from a segment on white power punks invading the scene— in which our plucky heroes fought back and saved Gilman— we don’t see any of the more Ignominious parts of the east bay punk legacy. The fact is there was rampant heavy drug use that felled not a few talents, there was violence against women and others, there was abuse that happened in that scene that was often tolerated by silence, many wast bay punks were in poverty or living on the street, and there were predators out in the open. For all of the scene’s beauty and open minded meritocracy, it wasn’t perfect... like anything else. The difference is that Berkeley, California isn’t anywhere USA. In a Part II is like to see faults addressed. Perhaps that omission is why the east bay punk scene is not what it once was by a long shot. Then again, is any American punk locale? That said, very entertaining and I’m so glad this was made.

This is brilliant and thorough. It is produced in part by Green Day but don't let that sway you (for or against), they play but a bit part in this movie.

Amazing seeing how they all started and came to be

Essential for so many reasons. As a fan and journalist, I've found the film to be both enjoyable and informative. But beyond loving the music and energy of Bay Area punk, the documentary as directed by Corbett Redford and narrated by Iggy Pop does a brilliant job of immersing the viewer in the middle of the action. To paraphrase Dylan, PLAY IT F*CKING LOUD.

One of the best documentaries I’ve ever seen. Really captures the Gilman scene. I’ve watched it many times.