Rocket From the Crypt

Much as they entered, San Diego’s Rocket From The Crypt left this world in a blaze of glory, storming a hometown stage for the last time on Halloween, 2005. Released as a CD/DVD, R.I.P. is a cool keepsake for RFTC fans, with the extended film documenting a great rock’n’roll band’s blistering final show. Decked out in various costumes (Speedo dresses as Screamin’ Jay Hawkins), RFTC rip through spirited versions of "Don’t Darlene” and "I’m Not Invisible” before really throwing down for "Boychucker.” Halfway through "Jumper K. Balls,” Speedo is nailed in the face by a plastic gun, stunning him on-stage. Though he carries on, he suffers fractures that force him to wear a faceplate for weeks after. The intense heat and mood of the room launch "Middle/Born in ‘69” and the band literally kick a stage diver in the ass during "Carne Voodoo,” while Jon Wurster (Superchunk) plays tambourine appreciatively. Recorded with no frills, R.I.P. is as raw, honest and pure as RFTC.