This film by Tim Armstrong is basically a bunch of odds and ends of performances by bands that record for his label, Hellcat Records. As such, featuring over a dozen bands shot in various places at various times, there is really no rhyme or reason here, no "plot." A good deal of the footage is black and white, some of it grainy, and there are no "extras" included. But these perceived shortcomings are blown away by an excellent selection of performances, including shots from one of Joe Strummer’s last gigs ("Rudie Can’t Fail") and a sweaty workout of "Gargoyles over Copenhagen" from psychobilly scary-guys Nekromantix.

Armstrong is, of course, also a member of Hellcat band Rancid, and the veteran outfit runs through a dozen songs interspersed throughout the recording. This is the first live footage of Rancid ever released, and while high-energy songs like "Maxwell Murder" sound great, it is a backstage acoustic take with Iggy Pop ("No Fun") that steals the show.

Tiger Army, F-Minus, Nerve Agents, the Slackers, HorrorPops, Roger Miret & the Disaster, Lars Frederiksen & the Bastards and U.S. Bombs also check in with a song apiece. The Transplants’ take on "One Seventeen" is another high point.

Grade: A

Give ’em the Boot (A Film by Tim Armstrong) is currently available.