Y'know Sometimes ya have a bad sinus... N A couple days just skip under the rug??? That's me N Punk By the time bad let up... Punk'd Just been mixed in... Nothing new...
Don't forget that Punk wasn't just about aggression and primitive musicianship. "Social commentary" is an integral part. (I'm trying not to violate forum rules...) The sound is part of the message, but the primary mover here is that there IS a message.
it is an intrinsically political form... the art of the marginalized always is. that doesn't mean all share the same views or political beliefs, but skinheads to pussyriot, punk is a protest music, whether you agree with any particular protest (as an example, skinheads can take a flying **** off, imo) or not.
I was there. Some of those early punk bands were great. They rehearsed and got real tight. Some were utter ****e. Some did it as a gag. Honestly, there were some very smart funny people in the scene. I knew a lot of them. If you wanted to be in a band, but couldn't play guitar like Glenn Tipton, but still loved it loud and snarly, a few minutes at a Black Flag show would show you IT COULD BE DONE. Stadiums out of reach? Who cares. The real juice is in the basement. Always. That's where I got started, and it was great. I was fortunate enough to already have a solid 70s rock foundation before it all hit in LA, so that was a huge help. Best of both worlds. Going on the road poor and young and having a great time. Now kids spend their 20s in front of computers. You should be out playing, playing loud, chasing skirt, and evading law enforcement.
I find it interesting that Punk was considered a forum for a political message. I agree however in some and only some cases is that most whee making a statement. Most IMhO as I had 2 friends way deep in the original scene and became very familiar with it and it’s music. Quite a few where just making statements about whatever they wanted to gripe about. On the other side rock music,greasers, teddy boys, mods, flower power, grunge etc... the core is always rebellion against ....you name it. It’s the nature of music for the youth. Now that’s out let’s not listen to the man and stay groovy....
Check out the album "Undisputed Attitude" by Slayer, an entire album of punk covers. Really Good. I suggest listening to it right before asking your boss for a raise or talking to your neighbor about their messy yard and barking dog.
Okay, I jumped in here without reading the thread but only the title...I was there! Early punk was new, raw, loud and schitt due to a number of factors, musicianship or lack thereof being in the forefront. Just a progression in the game right? The new sound? What?...I can take all of my guitar skills home and just bring the needed 20% to the gig?
I’ve never been nor will ever be ‘kool’ in any way, shape or form. I was lucky enough to have punk rock reach me and inspire me to get an electric guitar, an amp, a mic, start a band and get onstage. It’s the only way I can truly connect with anybody. I’m still pretty lucky with guitars and women, so no complaints from me.