We revisit the beginnings of punk rock, and this time I am comparing what I think are the three best punk songs from both countries, and I will give my humble, and yes flawed opinion as to which version of punk had the best songs.
American Punk
3. No Values - Black Flag
This is a great hardcore tune that I think sets the bar, and has a lot more of the rock from punk rock in it’s design. Great lyrics, and it almost embodies that snotty British attitude.
2. Police Truck - The Dead Kennedys
This is the first Dead Kennedys tune I ever heard. It was on the first Tony Hawk game for Playstation one. It is well written, the music is executed perfectly, and if Jello’s voice doesn’t piss you off it is a great intro to some of the more experimental punk like Flipper, or Husker Du.
1. Blitzkrieg Bop - The Ramones
The song that everyone knows. Probably the most recognizable punk song of all time. Heck it might be one of the most recognizable period. Great tune. Great anthem, and one of the few songs that don’t suck at sporting events.
British Punk
3. Oi, Oi, Oi - Cockney Rejects
This song is what punk is all about. It is an anthem for the Oi scene as far as I am concerned, and it just gets you moving. I twas the first song that really caught my ear from the Cockney Rejects. If you like this track check out Shitter, or The Greatest Cockney Rip-off.
2. Working - Cock Sparrer
What is more punk than ripping of the government for what I would assume is the equivalent to EI here in Canada. It's been covered many times, and most notably the Dropkick Murphys. The entire Shock Troops album is amazing. Check out Argy Bargy, and I Got Your Number if this song is what you like.
1. God Save The Queen - Sex Pistols
I know a lot of people will hate this pick, but it may be the most recognizable punk song ever. It is either this or the Blitzkrieg Bop. I like the story about the way the song was created the most. From what i understand EMI had wanted the boys to write a song for the Queen's bicentennial or something, and this is what they came up with. The song is political, it is fast and it has some great lines "There is no future and England's dreamin'."
I have to give round two to the British side, not so much because the quality of the songs is better, but because it is so hard to choose which songs are really the rockinest from across the pond. I wish I could have got some GBH, Clash, Addicts, Major Accident, and however more I am forgetting about.
See you soon, and comment. I want to know what is rockin people for my radio show the On-Slot 6-7PM Wednesdays on KICK FM.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Friday, October 21, 2011
Two Weeks To The Big Show
There are just over two weeks remaining until I present my first ever punk show. If you were unaware Quagmire, the Pinkslips, and the Afterlife will be performing at the Cavern on Friday November 4 at the Cavern (it is under Toad in the Hole in Osborne Village).
Here is the poster.
Here is the poster.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Nomeansno Puts the Old in Old School
I have had terrible luck when trying to see Nomeansno live, but I finally after three tries in the last fours years made good on the third, and the boys didn’t let me down. They are as sarcastic as heck, and (something I respect maybe most of all) they sound the same as they do on their albums. I find that the really unique, and most technical bands are the ones that can reproduce the work they do in studio.
The lighting in the West End is amazing, and really made a punk show that I had never seen before. This show was all presence, and not a lot of staging. The guys played songs such as I Got A Gun, and Devil or Angel with precision, and had great chatter in between tunes, including a nice crowd flip off from the drums as the encore began.
One criticism I do have is that there wasn’t enough of the fast tracks, which are by far my favourite, but perhaps these three have lasted this long because they are savvy and know how best to present their product.
Either way if you have never seen Nomeansno live, or even hears of them I implore you to get some sort of contact with this trio before they stop touring, although from the looks of things they will be coming through Winnipeg at least once more.
The lighting in the West End is amazing, and really made a punk show that I had never seen before. This show was all presence, and not a lot of staging. The guys played songs such as I Got A Gun, and Devil or Angel with precision, and had great chatter in between tunes, including a nice crowd flip off from the drums as the encore began.
One criticism I do have is that there wasn’t enough of the fast tracks, which are by far my favourite, but perhaps these three have lasted this long because they are savvy and know how best to present their product.
Either way if you have never seen Nomeansno live, or even hears of them I implore you to get some sort of contact with this trio before they stop touring, although from the looks of things they will be coming through Winnipeg at least once more.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Where Have I Been? At War... On Music... Doing Homework.
I keep trying to write more often, but it is tough with all the other things U have to do for this War On Music promotional campaign, not to mention the Queers show I’m am trying to bring to town.
Here is the word on the Queers, they want to come to town, they might bring a couple of bands with them, and if I can put this together it will be happening in the spring at a venue something like the Pyramid, or West End Cultural Centre. My side of things is pretty much in order, so there is a good chance this show will be happening. Tell friends. I need to gauge interest so I know what venue to use.
In other War On Music news I have arranged to have Charlie come in and voice a commercial about War On Music, and the value of cooperatives in the community.
I have already voiced one commercial that stations War On music as an outpost in the war on corporate rock. I just need to get some
Quagmire beats in the background and that baby is ready to air.
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 4 AT THE CAVERN QUAGMIRE, THE PINK SLIPS, AND THE AFTERLIFE. TICKETS $5, IF YOU CAN’T GO TELL YOUR FRIENDS, BECAUSE WE NEED MORE REAL PUNK EVERYWHERE, NOT JUST THE PEG!
One last thought before I close. I like that War On Music lets me do whatever I want and attach their brand to it. That is a prime example of why cooperatives are a great thing in any community. The people running the co-ops need each and the community to prosper, and this helps to create a sustainable, symbiotic relationship. Cooperatives may not be the answer to every economic dilemma, but the spirit behind them is a start.
Here is the word on the Queers, they want to come to town, they might bring a couple of bands with them, and if I can put this together it will be happening in the spring at a venue something like the Pyramid, or West End Cultural Centre. My side of things is pretty much in order, so there is a good chance this show will be happening. Tell friends. I need to gauge interest so I know what venue to use.
In other War On Music news I have arranged to have Charlie come in and voice a commercial about War On Music, and the value of cooperatives in the community.
I have already voiced one commercial that stations War On music as an outpost in the war on corporate rock. I just need to get some
Quagmire beats in the background and that baby is ready to air.
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 4 AT THE CAVERN QUAGMIRE, THE PINK SLIPS, AND THE AFTERLIFE. TICKETS $5, IF YOU CAN’T GO TELL YOUR FRIENDS, BECAUSE WE NEED MORE REAL PUNK EVERYWHERE, NOT JUST THE PEG!
One last thought before I close. I like that War On Music lets me do whatever I want and attach their brand to it. That is a prime example of why cooperatives are a great thing in any community. The people running the co-ops need each and the community to prosper, and this helps to create a sustainable, symbiotic relationship. Cooperatives may not be the answer to every economic dilemma, but the spirit behind them is a start.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
British vs. American Punk Part 1
I was watching SLC Punk for about the fourth time, with a friend who had never seen it before. We decided that until stuff gets serious with Heroin Bob it is one heck of a film with a pretty sweet soundtrack.
What got me thinking during the film is when Matt Lillard’s character asks who invented punk rock first, the British or the Americans, and which is better. He then let’s us know he doesn’t give a stuff, and that he hates the British fashion.
Who Had The Biggest… Bands (Most Influence)
This is probably the weakest argument on which scene is better, because really most people don’t take their music serious enough to find hidden gems from each such as Major Accident, U.S. Bombs, Blitz, or even the Dictators – Shucks.
But anyway here is my list of the three biggest (I would like to say influential but I’m not old enough to know who was actually inspiring all these kickin’ bands) names from each side of the pond. If you care to differ, or know wicked underground bands that didn’t get the credit they deserve shoot me a line.
Let me just say right now I think you could argue that the Pistols, Clash and Ramones are each the most popular ever, but I award number one to…
1. The Clash
I want to put the Sex Pistols up here, but they only had one album (sorta), and they were I believe more about the fashion than the music. The Clash on the other hand released several quality albums, and Joe Strummer was touring with bands almost until the day he died.
The Clash mixed it up with fast pure punk tunes, and dabbled successfully in ska and reggae jams as well. Some criticize the Clash for some of their later music, but you can tell that this was a band that was about the music, not all the hype that can go along with music.
2. The Ramones
The Ramones are just classic. They are such a punk rock cliché that it actually works for them. Three chord punk, fast, with a thick layer of leather. Like the Clash fashion wasn’t what the Ramones were about. Black leather, long hair, some dark shades if you are feeling sassy.
I couldn’t really choose between one and two, but let me tell you after seeing the Queers this summer I can see the influence the Ramones had on them, and I’m sure most American punk bands, but the musical prowess of the Clash gave them the edge.
3. Dead Kennedys
I’m partial, because I think the Kennedys are amazing, so I will just make one point. They may be the most popular political band from the 70s. Politics is huge in punk now so you have got to give them credit. Plus the Kennedys and Jello still tour. Apart, and as enemies, but they both still tour. Actually I had better check on East Bay Ray and the rest of the Dead Kennedys. Who is the drummer now?
4. The Exploited
Oh yeah these guys were political before the Dead Kennedys, but they weren’t quite as unique as Jello n’ the boys musically.
I don’t know who had the first Mohawk (First Nations I guess. It was named after a tribe, and first is in the name) in punk, but these guys are the first I can see that were pictured with them so much, and so colourful. And never has a haircut been so misappropriated by mainstream fashion.
5. Black Flag
Punk got a little tougher when Black Flag formed, and evolved. I’m personally not a fan of the Rollins days, but he is still touring on the spoken word circuit, and is probably one of the more credible characters to come from the punk scene.
Black Flag is like the anti-Pistols. My favourite tunes are from the Chavo, and Morris days, but Dez had his moments. Some of those tunes are the best punk has ever scene Gimme Gimme Gimme, No Values, Wasted. I could go on but I have to get onto the last and probably most controversial selection.
6. The Sex Pistols
Yeah the Sex Pistols are probably overrated, but they were influential, kinda tragic, and embraced all the fashion and pageantry we have gotten used to from punk bands still today (check out Pour Habit – totally awesome and not about fashion – you gotta see the hand stands on stage though). I am anti-Sid Vicious, but I still think Johnny Rotten is the snottiest British punk to date.
I think round one is a draw tune in soon for the next addition
Labels: Punk, Sex Pistols, The Clash
Visit War On Music on the web www.waronmusic.com or on Twitter @waronmusic
What got me thinking during the film is when Matt Lillard’s character asks who invented punk rock first, the British or the Americans, and which is better. He then let’s us know he doesn’t give a stuff, and that he hates the British fashion.
Who Had The Biggest… Bands (Most Influence)
This is probably the weakest argument on which scene is better, because really most people don’t take their music serious enough to find hidden gems from each such as Major Accident, U.S. Bombs, Blitz, or even the Dictators – Shucks.
But anyway here is my list of the three biggest (I would like to say influential but I’m not old enough to know who was actually inspiring all these kickin’ bands) names from each side of the pond. If you care to differ, or know wicked underground bands that didn’t get the credit they deserve shoot me a line.
Let me just say right now I think you could argue that the Pistols, Clash and Ramones are each the most popular ever, but I award number one to…
1. The Clash
I want to put the Sex Pistols up here, but they only had one album (sorta), and they were I believe more about the fashion than the music. The Clash on the other hand released several quality albums, and Joe Strummer was touring with bands almost until the day he died.
The Clash mixed it up with fast pure punk tunes, and dabbled successfully in ska and reggae jams as well. Some criticize the Clash for some of their later music, but you can tell that this was a band that was about the music, not all the hype that can go along with music.
2. The Ramones
The Ramones are just classic. They are such a punk rock cliché that it actually works for them. Three chord punk, fast, with a thick layer of leather. Like the Clash fashion wasn’t what the Ramones were about. Black leather, long hair, some dark shades if you are feeling sassy.
I couldn’t really choose between one and two, but let me tell you after seeing the Queers this summer I can see the influence the Ramones had on them, and I’m sure most American punk bands, but the musical prowess of the Clash gave them the edge.
3. Dead Kennedys
I’m partial, because I think the Kennedys are amazing, so I will just make one point. They may be the most popular political band from the 70s. Politics is huge in punk now so you have got to give them credit. Plus the Kennedys and Jello still tour. Apart, and as enemies, but they both still tour. Actually I had better check on East Bay Ray and the rest of the Dead Kennedys. Who is the drummer now?
4. The Exploited
Oh yeah these guys were political before the Dead Kennedys, but they weren’t quite as unique as Jello n’ the boys musically.
I don’t know who had the first Mohawk (First Nations I guess. It was named after a tribe, and first is in the name) in punk, but these guys are the first I can see that were pictured with them so much, and so colourful. And never has a haircut been so misappropriated by mainstream fashion.
5. Black Flag
Punk got a little tougher when Black Flag formed, and evolved. I’m personally not a fan of the Rollins days, but he is still touring on the spoken word circuit, and is probably one of the more credible characters to come from the punk scene.
Black Flag is like the anti-Pistols. My favourite tunes are from the Chavo, and Morris days, but Dez had his moments. Some of those tunes are the best punk has ever scene Gimme Gimme Gimme, No Values, Wasted. I could go on but I have to get onto the last and probably most controversial selection.
6. The Sex Pistols
Yeah the Sex Pistols are probably overrated, but they were influential, kinda tragic, and embraced all the fashion and pageantry we have gotten used to from punk bands still today (check out Pour Habit – totally awesome and not about fashion – you gotta see the hand stands on stage though). I am anti-Sid Vicious, but I still think Johnny Rotten is the snottiest British punk to date.
I think round one is a draw tune in soon for the next addition
Labels: Punk, Sex Pistols, The Clash
Visit War On Music on the web www.waronmusic.com or on Twitter @waronmusic
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