We Jam Econo: The Story of the Minutemen (2005)

Synopsis: Theatrical release: August 26, 2005 (Limited) When D. Boon fell out of a tree onto Mike Watt in a San Pedro, CA park in the early 1970s, the 13-year-olds began a friendship, resulting in one of the most unique collaborations in American punk music. After graduating high school, the two Blue... Theatrical release: August 26, 2005 (Limited) When D. Boon fell out of a tree onto Mike Watt in a San Pedro, CA park in the early 1970s, the 13-year-olds began a friendship, resulting in one of the most unique collaborations in American punk music. After graduating high school, the two Blue Oyster Cult fans met gifted drummer George Hurley and formed The Minutemen, releasing five LPs in four years--including the highly regarded DOUBLE NICKELS ON THE DIME (named as a response to Sammy Hagar's "I Can't Drive 55"). Too experimental and political for many young punks, they were often spit upon during performances for their jazzy, funky detours. Their growing success was cut short when Boon was killed in an auto accident in December 1985 after completing a tour with R.E.M. WE JAM ECONO, directed by Tim Irwin, is a touching elegy to the trio. Structured around the remembrances of Watt, who recollects while driving his van around San Pedro, the film includes testimonials from Jello Biafra, Flea, John Doe, Richard Hell, and dozens more friends and followers of the band. With many archival performances capturing the considerable power of the band, Irwin allows those who missed them to see their influential and singular take on American hardcore. [More]