The Great Rock 'n' Roll Swindle DVD + Soundtrack CD Who Killed Bambi /Great Rock ‘n’ Roll Swindle

Music Genre

Punk

Title

The Great Rock ‘n’ Roll Swindle

Movie TV Genre

Music & Concerts

Both discs are used, in excellent condition. *The Great Rock 'n' Roll Swindle* is a 1980 mockumentary directed by Julien Temple, which tells a highly stylized and fictionalized account of the rise and fall of the British punk rock band, the Sex Pistols. The film was largely orchestrated by the band’s manager, Malcolm McLaren, and presents him as the mastermind behind the group's success, casting the band members as mere puppets in his grand "swindle" of the music industry. The film's title refers to the idea that the punk rock movement, and the Sex Pistols in particular, were a calculated scam designed to make money off of the establishment they were supposedly rebelling against. This narrative is primarily driven by McLaren’s character, who portrays himself as a Svengali figure, manipulating the band to exploit their fame for profit. The movie uses surreal, disjointed sequences, animation, and interviews to highlight the chaotic nature of the band's brief, yet highly influential, existence. The film’s cast includes: - **The Sex Pistols**: With Johnny Rotten (absent for most of the film due to his falling out with McLaren), Sid Vicious, Steve Jones, and Paul Cook. - **Malcolm McLaren**: Presented as the film’s anti-hero and main narrator. - **Other notable appearances**: Irene Handl, Mary Millington, and The Black Arabs (a band that covered Sex Pistols tracks in a disco style). The film’s tone is deliberately absurd and anarchic, echoing the rebellious nature of the band. It also features several infamous moments, including footage of Sid Vicious’ cover of Frank Sinatra's "My Way," which became iconic in its own right. Temple’s film is more of a satire or parody than a traditional documentary, filled with contradictions and exaggerations, blurring the lines between fact and fiction. Ultimately, *The Great Rock 'n' Roll Swindle* serves as a chaotic postscript to the Sex Pistols' career, encapsulating the DIY ethos and destructive energy of punk rock, while also critiquing the commercialization of the movement. However, many fans and critics see the film as Malcolm McLaren's self-aggrandizing take on the band's history, and Johnny Rotten (John Lydon) famously disavowed the film for its inaccuracies and portrayal of the band as mere pawns in McLaren's hands. *The Great Rock 'n' Roll Swindle* album serves as the soundtrack to the 1980 film of the same name, and it's a sprawling collection of music, blending original Sex Pistols songs with covers, solo tracks, and bizarre interludes that reflect the chaotic and provocative nature of the band and their manager, Malcolm McLaren. The music on the album is a mix of classic Sex Pistols tracks, new material recorded after Johnny Rotten (John Lydon) left the band, and several eclectic contributions that reflect McLaren's eccentric approach to the project. Here are some key aspects of the album: ### Key Tracks: 1. **"Anarchy in the U.K."** and **"God Save the Queen"** – These are two of the Sex Pistols' most famous tracks, representing the height of their rebellious energy and critique of British society. 2. **"No One Is Innocent"** – A track sung by Ronnie Biggs, the infamous Great Train Robber, who was hiding out in Brazil at the time. It’s a quirky addition, emphasizing the outrageous nature of the "swindle." 3. **"My Way"** – A now-iconic cover of Frank Sinatra's classic, performed by Sid Vicious. Sid's snarling, off-key vocals and the menacing, sarcastic delivery turned this song into one of the most memorable punk covers of all time. The accompanying footage of Sid performing this song in the film became legendary. 4. **"Silly Thing"** – Written and performed by drummer Paul Cook, it's a more melodic track and one of the standout songs from the post-Johnny Rotten period. 5. **"C’mon Everybody"** – A cover of the Eddie Cochran rockabilly classic, sung by Sid Vicious. The cover reflects the band's love for early rock 'n' roll, but it's given a raucous, punk edge. 6. **"Friggin' in the Riggin'"** – A bawdy sea shanty-style punk song, which features filthy lyrics set to a traditional tune. It reflects the album’s absurd and playful tone. ### Themes and Approach: - **Diverse Style**: The album is more eclectic than most traditional punk albums. In addition to the Pistols' raw punk sound, you get covers of rock 'n' roll classics, orchestral instrumentals, spoken-word interludes, and even disco versions of their tracks (like the version of "Anarchy in the U.K." performed by the band "The Black Arabs"). - **Malcolm McLaren's Influence**: The album reflects McLaren’s artistic vision and his attempt to shape the Sex Pistols' legacy as a grand con or "swindle" of the music industry. Many of the songs are ironic or exaggerated, underscoring the idea that the band was more of a media spectacle than a traditional rock group. - **Sid Vicious's Legacy**: Sid Vicious's renditions of "My Way" and "C’mon Everybody" became iconic and are often cited as his defini