Various Artists – Peepshow III [DVD]

Music videos DVDs rarely have a lot of content behind them. They are just music videos. Everyone in a while a label will try to spruce it up with some random bonus features to add a little extra to the DVD, which does work out at times. Take a look at Epitaph Records‘ Punk-o-Rama first DVD, that one has some solid bonus features. Here, Fat Wreck Chords have gone half the way to that point with their third edition in their Peepshow video series. Now, I haven’t seen the first two, so I can’t compare it to those. But a fairly good description of the DVD is located on the DVD itself, splattered across the disc is: A compilation of videos, interviews, and idiocy!; and I couldn’t put it any better.

Peepshow III features the creame de la creame of the Fat Wreck Chords roster. From new major label signees Rise Against, to the Fat Mike’s own NOFX, to political punksters Anti-Flag, Joey Cape makes an appearance in both Lagwagon and Bad Astronauts, and ska band Mad Caddies even add to the mix; everyone makes an appearance. Even the lesser known band, Goober Patrol, with their interesting video for 1000th Beer. In total, there are sixteen singles from some of the best punk acts around. It’s good to see that not many of them are live videos, they do all have concepts, which is something that was missing for a while when everyone went the way of the live video. Of course, most of the videos on the DVD are scattered around the internet on sites like Launch, but it’s nice to have a solid copy to rock out with whenever you want.

But now, onto the “bonus features”. They aren’t really bonus features, they are implanted in between the videos. There are a few behind the scenes videos, the biggest one being Nerf Herder making the video for Mr. Spock; along with short interview clips with the bands at times, but for the most part it is just them being idiots or being drunk. This is funny the first time around, although I doubt I’ll watch it over and over again. That’s why it’s good that they give you the option to watch the videos without the extra commentary.

Peepshow III isn’t the best DVD out there, it is a music video DVD, and not much else. If you’re a huge fan of music videos and love to dissect the different concepts, then this DVD will provide you with a lot of material to work with; or if you’re just a rabid Fat Wreck fan who wants to see their top bands in action, then Peepshow III will please you.