A new documentary entitled “American Hardcore: The History of American Punk Rock 1980 - 1986” was shown at this year’s Toronto Film Festival, and will have a limited theatrical release this fall. The movie is based on the book “American Hardcore: A Tribal History” by Steven Blush (which I’ve been meaning to read for a long time). Both book and film document U.S. hardcore punk scenes during the 1980s and feature lots of famous bands like Black Flag, Minor Threat, Bad Brains, et al. “American Hardcore” looks like a pretty good flick judging from the trailer. I definitely want to see it as soon as possible. Maybe the eventual DVD will join my punk-rock movie collection. (I’m still waiting for “The Decline of Western Civilization” to finally come out.)

The “American Hardcore” website is okay and worth a look. The texts are kind of stupid, but what do you expect from the Sony Corporation? However, I have one serious complaint. An interactive map of the U.S. promises to teach us “about the places, events, and bands that helped shape hardcore.” Clicking on the Northwest region button brings up this ignorant commentary:

There was little reason for Hardcore [sic] outfits to go to the Pacific Northwest. It was way off the beaten track, and there wasn’t much going on.

What the fuck?! Not even a mention of Poison Idea, the fucking kings of punk? (To be fair, they are at least included in the bands section of the site.) There were thriving local punk scenes in Oregon during the 80s, and plenty of touring bands came through as well (especially from California). Later, influential anarchist bands like Deprived helped spawn a massive and still very active Portland punk scene. For a taste, check out the Portland City Hard Punk 2005 LP, or pick up the excellent Blood Spit Nights discography, both on Hardcore Holocaust.

Adding insult to injury, the map shows Portland on the southern Oregon coast, about where Coos Bay is located in reality. What a dumb fuck up, thanks a lot Sony.