1991: The Year Punk Broke

David Markey's 1992 documentary follows Sonic Youth and Nirvana on their European tour in late 1991. The filming falls immediately before and after the release of Nevermind, which is to say the moment when nobody yet knew that Kurt Cobain would become one of the most recognised musicians in the world within months. That timing is exactly where the film's value lies today. Markey's method is less documentary than home video: backstage jokes, long aimless conversations, seriousness constantly being mocked. The irony Thurston Moore keeps up toward the camera sets the tone. Live performances by Dinosaur Jr, Babes in Toyland, The Ramones and Gumball are included. There is no narration, no context, no voice to interpret what is happening. Who it's for: viewers interested in the history of alternative rock and the independent music scene of the early 1990s. Who it's not for: anyone wanting an orderly music documentary, or who will find home-video image quality and a scattered structure dull.