Repo Man (1984)

TV party tonight!

Repo Man is one of the strangest movies ever produced while Reagan was president and old women everywhere couldn’t find beef. The first time I watched this picture in college, I wasn’t really a fan, but much like The Big Lebowski or me naked, it gets better with repeat viewings. Now I love this movie! The wacky nonsense that made it a tad confusing the first time around becomes thoroughly fascinating and you notice all the little easter eggs and excellent, classic lines of dialogue such as “Let’s go get sushi and not pay.” and “I don’t want no commies in my car. No Christians either.” and “Goddamn-dipshit-Rodriguez-gypsy-dildo-punks!” It’s a great blend of comedy and weirdness that couldn’t have possibly been made at any other time than the mid-’80s.

But why I’ve gathered you all here today is probably my favorite aspect of the movie: the soundtrack. The raw punk tracks during the film fit it to near Scorsese-level perfection. I may be biased as I’m a punk man, and it may not be everyone’s cup of musical tea, but you have to admit that it enhances the film’s tone, much like the movie Glitter. Repo Man’stitle track, coincidentally also called “Repo Man,” is possibly my favorite Iggy Pop song (including The Stooges) aside from maybe “1970” and “Down in the Street.” “Coup d’Etat” by Circle Jerks is probably their best song ever (they’re hit and miss for me). The soundtrack has three (3) “talky” songs by Circle Jerks, Suicidal Tendencies, and Burning Sensations, which I normally dislike, but they work in this movie. “When the Shit Hits the Fan” isn’t a great song, but it works in a small dose in the movie. And Fear of course delivers like they always do. How can you not love Fear? While “Let’s Start a War” isn’t quite as completely awesome as “I Love Living in the City” from The Warriors, anything vocalized by the guy who played Mr. Boddy in Clue is aces in my book. But my favorite track has to be “TV Party” by Black Flag, which I listen to almost daily because I’ve got nothing better to do.

I could go on and on, but enough of my yakkin’, let’s boogie!