The thing about D.C. is that for all its ostensible liberalism, it's a very buttoned-up town. It's a place fueled on J.Crew cable knits and happy hours of reasonable length; a city where a second ear piercing will very well jettison your chances at a second interview. And don't even think about doing anything crazy with your mustache, young man.
From this, one of the country's great hardcore scenes was born: Household names like Minor Threat, Fugazi, Bad Brains and Rites of Spring all came from a town whose economy is primarily fueled by politics. It's a small town, too, making its vibrant, subversive music scene all the more special.
Salad Days: A Decade of Punk in Washington, DC (1980-1990) shines a light on that time—and it's currently touring the country. Check it out at IFC Center from April 17th through the 23rd. Here's the trailer:
