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Top Ten "Punk" AlbumsOct 11 '01 Write an essay on this topic.
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The Bottom Line Punk needs to get over itself, it has become such a self-mocking genre at times, but I still love the music here are ten reasons why
I love the music. But punk is becoming such a dualistic, elitist, pigeon hole , its ridiculous. Who cares what bands really punk and who's not. And, if some of these elitist morons were really punk fundamentalists, they'd realize that under their definition, there would be no more punk bands. But oh well, here is my list of top ten punk albums, and I could care less is anyone thinks any of these are not punk enough for them. Grow up and just enjoy the music. 10. The Decline - NOFX This is easily the best punk song ever written in my opinion. It would be so difficult to pull this off in a genre of two minute spurts, but this is perfection. It mixes up the pacing, and makes inventive music out of already existing elements. The lyrics are brilliant in both their observation and interpretation, and in their flow and wording. You would think an 18 minute punk song would be tedious and annoying, but this record proves you wrong. check it out if you haven't. 9. Rancid - And Out Come the Wolves I defy you to find a bad track on this record. For those of you who would discount this record because it got radio air play, see above message. This record rocks. It keeps the music simple, but at the same time the execution is amazing. Whether its the bass line to "Journey to the End of East Bay" or singing about Billy Bragg in "The War's End", these guys keep it interesting. 8. The Clash - s/t This was the great punk album to come out of England. That other group is interesting as hell, and they're music wasn't bad, but The Clash made an amazing record. This one is much simpler than London Calling (another great album), but they took a simple bunch of songs and made them signature. The way they were played was just slightly left of how other bands played, and the lyrics were represented well by the abrasive singing of Strummer. 7. NOFX - White Trash, Two Heebs, and a Bean I realize this is their second time on the list, but that is for a reason. This album is one of the funnier albums made in the genre. The thing that keeps it going, an not becoming novelty as so many humorous records do, is the music behind the witty lyrics. Musicianship isn't the right word, but its the first word that comes to mind. Between Melvin's guitar, the best drummer in the business, Fat Mike's songwriting and bass lines, and el hefe's multi-instrumentation, this album is a perfect mesh of great music and enjoyable lyrics. 6. Billy Bragg - Back to Basics Call it folk if you want, but this a a punk record without a back up band. I've always maintained that the difference between folk and punk is the noise. This is a great punk album. He talks about issues affecting him and those around him, and he does it with great songwriting and simple but highly effective guitars. 5. Velvet Underground and Nico I am not saying that this record helped spawn punk rock, I am saying it is a punk record. Lou Reed and company explored topics in songs that had never been touched before in such stark detail. And they do it so beautifully. It is such a great sounding, mellow record. And you get the interesting juxtaposition of Nico's voice and Lou Reed's. If you don't have this one, get it now! 4. Social Distortion - s/t Oh, I wish these guys still made records. This one is amazing. I think the middle of the cd: "Story of my Life", "Sick Boy", "Ring of Fire", and "Ball and Chain" could be the most potent progression on songs on any record I've ever heard. These guys may not be as fast as other bands, but they make up for it in quality and obvious dedication. 3. Descendents - Milo Goes to College I think these guys took pages from bands like the Dead Boys, and Ramones, and mixed it up a little. these songs are more complicated in timing and structure than they sound. That is what makes the Descendents one of the great bands of all time. They paved the road for a lot of bands after them, losing a few unfortunately to MTV (be on MTV all you want, but you have to still make good music). And look out for a new album from the boys early next year. Milo Lives!!! 2. Dead Boys - Young, Loud, and Snotty These guys were crass and hilarious, and they were so good at both. They even had the guts to just throw a live track in the middle of the album. Who does that? Well, their ability to do what they want and play how they want paid off well in this record. The most recognizable track on this is probably "Sonic Reducer", but that only gets the record started. It progresses into a punk masterpiece as it unfolds. 1. Ramones - Leave Home It goes without saying these guys rule and they were pioneers. The first record is amazing, but I think they really hone their simple sound to a perfect collection on "Leave Home". Though it may not break new ground from the first record, it does show a sort of progression in their ability to write their style of song. It takes a certain talent to do what the Ramones did and not become too repetitive. This one takes a step up from their first and they achieve greatness. If you don't have it, put it on the top of the list to buy. the re-release even has their first west-coast show tacked onto the end.  |
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