A new movement in rock and roll in and around 1975 was Punk Rock. Because it stemmed from rock and roll it can be rooted to even earlier forms of african american music such as jazz. This new style of music developed a subculture of people that span around the globe emphasizing political statements and anti-establishment ideals. There are many styles of punk rock but the majority stressed getting away from the mainstream by extremely fast, edgy, and stripped down instrumentaion of songs. Along with punk ideals there was a do-it-yourself attitude and many bands recorded themselves and/or started their own labels. Because of this strong ethic of doing it all yourself, bands with less talent musically (not all punk was talent deprived) were able to express their strong opinions. Promoting sex, violence, and various forms of deviant behavior it was a true outlet to teen angst.Blitzkrieg Bop was the first single released by The Ramones on the album Ramones, April 1976. Fueled by a strong back beat, a simple three-chord pattern, and Joey Ramone belting out “Hey Ho…Let’s Go!!”, it is a song that most people have heard (punk rocker or not). The Ramones formed in Queens, NY in 1974. They played over 2200 concerts and toured nonstop for 22 years. That is true dedication. In 2002, they were rated the second greatest band of all-time by Spin magazine…only to be beaten by the Beatles.The KKK Took My Baby Away, from the Ramones album Pleasant Dreams, 1981. This is a live version performed in Sweden in 1981. This song has been covered by many large rock bands such as Pearl Jam and Marilyn Manson. The Ramones have been a heavy influence on post-modern rock. It is rumored that the lyrics are about the guitar player, Johnny Ramone, stealing the girlfriend away from lead singer, Joey Ramone.NOFX is probably one of my all-time favorite punk bands. Hailing from San Francisco, they formed in Los Angeles in 1983. They are a prime example of how punk is anti-establishment and sometimes government. Songs like Franco UnAmerican from The War On Errorism, 2003 (above) exemplify that aspect of punk. Punk also can be goofy and just plain fun. Another reason why it is one of my favorite types of music. Green Corn live in Germany,1993 (below) displays the band definately having a good time on stage. I believe performing should be fun. NOFX constantly puts out great music and lyrical content that will keep you asking questions on foreign and national policy. Punk rock’s legacy is in self-employment and being active socially and economically. It does not rely on large amounts of money or mass media. It is a true underground art form that does not conform, and relies on being an individual. Through this it refreshed music at a time where music itself was stagnant and boring. The Dead Kennedy’s Holiday in Cambodia, May 1980 has been released on three albums including Give Me Convienence or Give Me Death, 1987. Most of the band’s lyrical content promotes economical and social reform. Lastly, another favorite band of mine is Lagwagon. They are from Goleta, CA. Led by singer/song-writer Joey Cape, their songs range from relationships to promoting self-worth. Joey Cape is also a solo artist with many acoustic singles. Definately a band to check out (or just Joey Cape’s solo stuff) if you haven’t already. This song is called Heartbreaking Music, from the album Resolve, which is largely written about the life and death of their original drummer,Derrick Plourde.
works cited
- http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/theramones/biography
- http://www.essortment.com/all/punkrockhistor_rapl.htm
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punk_rock
- http://www.deadkennedys.com/
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NOFX
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lagwagon
November 18, 2009 at 4:35 am
Awesome work. I really like the theme you chose. I might not be a huge fan of punk music in general, but I do appreciate the influence past bands have had. I find that the Dead Kennedys are the band I enjoy most out of the ones you;ve put together. The Sex Pistols really seem to have an influence, and pretty much sum up the feelings of the growing punk scene. I thought the Dead Kennedys embraced the style of the Sex Pistols in music, but sped it up as most everyone did. It’s weird to think that punk rock was originally meant to make a statement, yet now it seems that people are less inclined to except it as popular music when it does. I guess this might be the point. Punk rock is about changing things and getting a message out, not about being popular. Nice work.