Propagandhi: Skate Punk's Brainiest Band

History lesson on the Canadian punk greats: Propagandhi!
Along with the usual commentary and thoughts from yours truly.
Spotify Playlist:
open.spotify.com/playlist/7AV...
Skate Punk Video:
• Crass Course: Skate Punk
Background music (all songs by Propagandhi):
“Hate, Myth, Muscle, Etiquette”
• Hate, Myth, Muscle, Et...
“Less Talk, More Rock”
• Less Talk, More Rock
“Back to the Motor League”
• Back to the Motor League
“Potemkin City Limits”
• Potemkin City Limits

[@jansmith8909]

Killer no filler band. Super influential in my life. Peace, equality, animal rights/veganism, etc. so true to their core for 30 years.. Massive respect and thanks for this video 🤲🏻🤲🏻🤲🏻🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼

[@citizenbrain8065]

These guys have been my favorite band for 25 years. They sparked an unquenchable thirst for knowledge in a young me that shaped my musical tastes and personal politics. Exactly what good punk is designed to do.

[@codymarsh6871]

I heard “Empires” fresh off the presses when I was 15 and was permanently radicalized.

[@edwardrichard2561]

@@codymarsh6871 I hope you don’t mean your a Democrat, socialist and or commie. That would be a oxymoron.

[@codymarsh6871]

@@edwardrichard2561 I’m just wondering how you found your way to a Propagandhi video.

[@edwardrichard2561]

@@codymarsh6871 random. But Punk was my first love. If you want Big Brother, more government, more taxes less rights vote for those beliefs. More people died in the 20th century from the Philosophy of the “left” than any other philosophy. Roughy over 100 million. That the opposite of punk

[@codymarsh6871]

@@edwardrichard2561 I thought you were trolling me. No, sir, not a Democrat. Libertarian socialist, I suppose, if it needs a label.

[@icu5362]

You should make a video on Snfu... I think it would be very cool. Snfu did so much for Canadian punk and was a huge influence on Propagandi. RIP Mr Chi.Pig

[@davidtuccaro7510]

I’ve seen SNFU live 16 times and they only got better as time went on. I remember going to Vancouver (my old home town no in SoCal) to catch THE SMALLS well chi was outside saying I need to get inside I’m singing with them. But because he looked “homeless” security wouldn’t let him in thinking it was BS. a stampede of people came running outside to tell the security guards and they finally let him in. The song they played. I’ve put a link below R.I.P. Chi. m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6q5fpljrb6pebM

[@fasterdays]

I second that. Honestly, I haven't got into SNFU and don't really know much about their history, I think I need some guidance.

[@reidellis1988]

One of the best live bands in the 80's. They were fuckin incredible. RIP Ken Chin.

[@jeff7764]

@@fasterdays check out their album “and no one else wanted to play”

[@RockyRMR]

RIP CHI PIG

[@generaldisarayhk]

I would say they are one of the most important and influential punk bands ever. Their lyrics are so important to bringing to light all different types of issues around the world and makes you want to do more reading to learn more about these issues. They are very talented musicians and blow alot of bands away live. They are very important to who I am today and I love everything they do. ( this is just my opinion )

[@punkrocker1377]

I’m 30. I only found out about Propagandhi like 2 years ago and they’ve easily jumped into my top 5

[@charlesschwaboverhere5582]

They were meant for you at 17

[@jxcobaniki6709]

@@charlesschwaboverhere5582 undoubtably, glad he found them.

[@danevertt3210]

@@charlesschwaboverhere5582was that sarcastic or meant to be snide

[@blesner1983]

Not only my fav punk or thrash band but my favorite band of all time. PCL and SC is where they hit their peak. Masterpieces, both albums.

[@yaboyreege7158]

Today’s empires, tomorrow’s ashes, and Less talk, more rock were two of the most important albums of my youth. I remember buying TETA the day it came out and it really opened my mind up to new types of music, and the lyrics made me think about what they were actually talking about. Propagandhi is one of those bands that always held true to their objective, and they’ve done a lot of great things to help others. Their newer albums are really great too. Long live Propagandhi

[@xp8969]

How To Clean is Propagandhi at their best

[@street-zombie]

I realize this is a very popular opinion but How to Clean Everything is one of my favorite albums.

[@thepunkhistorian6397]

Same

[@fragglinali4499]

Totally agree, love that album

[@xp8969]

@@thepunkhistorian6397 discovered your channel today and been binge watchin all day, you're very knowledgeable and have a great delivery style, since you have connections to the PDX scene I'd love to see you do a video on The Taxpayers

[@ivanremillard499]

Heard it in 93 when I was 13. Been my favourite band ever since.

[@nickstrickland8478]

It's one of those "If you were stuck on a desert island" records for sure.

[@siin1876]

I found Propagandi as a teenager and they have been one of my all time favorite bands ever. How to clean everything was on repeat for years and still is to this day. And even their more modern melodic shit is amazing. Definitely a very tight band with a huge message

[@stefannafets7828]

Great Vid, Bud. Be careful - if I might ever see you on any show you will get a phat hug for this humble and kind opinion on these guys!

[@broadwaynicky]

Propagandhi hits differently. My favorite record of theirs is Less Talk More Rock.

[@jamesashley9127]

Best band of all time. Just keep getting better.

[@n.h.moreno]

Yes, dude. I watched Propagandhi at The Black Sheep in 2016 (Co Springs, Co) and they were amazing. I had been jamming them since I was 17 years old and was 34 at the time. Todd and Sulynn signed my FAILED STATES poster and it was awesome that they are so nice and talented Their lyricism got me into Noam Chomsky, Howard Zinn, Emma Goldman and more. My favorite album is Supporting Caste---but, EVERY album has incredible energy, invective and power. Brainy and brawny, too!!!

[@higler.]

dude that must have been a killer show! Love The Black Sheep, super chill venue.

[@danevertt3210]

Chomsky and Zinn is the way to go

[@AllTheseWastedNuts]

Propagandhi saved skate punk

[@dronesaur4328]

I used to see Sulynn at DIY shows and stuff in Tampa back in the day. Was never really a close friend, but she was always super-nice and positive.

[@harpr5]

I bought Less talk in a Record store in London as 15-year-old language student and boy did that record blow my mind. Not long after I read Bakunin and Kropotkin :D

[@frakismaximus3052]

Lol

[@wayfarer13]

A couple fun facts. The guys at Protest the Hero who run Sheet Happens got Chris to help them on the first tab books, I believe, and once Chris learned to do it, just started doing it himself for subsequent releases. I don’t know the state now, but the Beave was still a writing member, and added guitars on Victory Lap.

[@higler.]

I know of Propagandhi thanks to Protest The Hero. Those guys never shut up about them and for good reason haha

[@jeremyrafuse5330]

The Beave does help out with writing still. He just doesn't perform with them anymore.

[@simitchell]

One of the best bands ever!

[@witchdoctorteepo]

Underrated channel! Thanks for taking the time to educate us man! Appreciate it man!

[@ThePubliusValerius]

I was into everything skate culture in the early 90s and skipping school to skate every chance I got. Listening to Bad Religion, Descendents, NOFX and some heavier stuff - and then along comes How to Clean Everything. As a young idealist skater trying to find his way in the world, this album hit me right at the right time with an actual message I could get behind. As I've grown up, my politics have as well - but this album is still heavy on my rotation. Propagandhi's songcrafting is among the best there is in punk rock.

[@danevertt3210]

Totally agreed

[@hannahkozlovic1715]

Funny, I finally figured I'd check Propaghandi out just a couple minutes before I saw that you uploaded this video! Liking them a lot so far, thanks for another interesting video!

[@dard4642]

Supporting Caste and Failed States are their two best records but Potemkin City Limits is my favorite. Fun fact/trivia/correction: Todd Kowalski actually recorded with them before TETA. He played bass on their cover Concrete Blonde's song, "True" that was on Where Quantity is Job #1.

[@dpassen1]

Now you've done Strung Out and Propagandhi - my favorite two bands. Supporting Caste is my favorite Propagandhi album

[@propagandhipod8797]

NICE

[@dpassen1]

@@propagandhipod8797 I also subscribe to the pod. :-)

[@misfitramone]

Not the most popular album but less talk more rock is my favorite at this point. But I love them all. Just a great band.

[@Void7.4.14]

Love em! Have for years! I can't always get behind their more pacifist stuff fully, but I get it and really appreciate that they bring more than the "we're all doomed" and "look at all these problems" lines to the table. But I would just make one slight correction, it's not huge but it is important. They definitely promote the power and potential that lays within individuals, but they're well read anarchists at their core and don't rely on Liberal idealist Individualism, it's very much an anarchist perspective on the individual. They're two very different things. At the end of the day their position is one of a systemic critique and they're under no illusions about the limits of individual behaviors when it comes to systemic issues. Obviously we should all do what we can, but individual changes (or lifestyleism) are very limited in their scope which is why a united movement is of such importance. In many ways that's why anarchism is the marriage of radical individualism and democratic collectivism. Individual powers have their place but also have their limits, united collectives have their place but have their limits, it's just about knowing which is appropriate where and to what degree 🏴

[@Puckrocker]

Great vid bud! Just found your channel, and it’s exactly what I’ve been looking for. There’s plenty of documentation of the early years of punk and the hardcore scene of the 80s, but not nearly enough on the era of bands I grew up with. Would love to see you make a dedicated video on Dillinger Four. They could never get enough credit in my eyes.

[@hadoukenishy]

Nailed it as always dude! Keep 'em coming!

[@punkhippe]

the lead singer is truly the greatest type of guy ever. ride motorcycles, play hockey, be nice to animals, and if you end up in a room full of homophobes incite a violent riot.

[@_b_u_l_l_s_h_a_r_k_]

The best kind of guy.

[@jasonbisdead]

“Room full of homophobes”. Ohhhhhkay dude.

[@roobysoho]

FUCK YEAH.... I've been in one of those exact riots.... What a time.

[@roobysoho]

@@jasonbisdead Barwon Club, Geelong, Australia cant remember the year.. Half the pub full of dick head homophobes, heckling the shit out of the gay rights activist who was part of the show.... Lead singer didn't want to take that shit.... Played the angriest set ever... Singled out the homophobes in the crowd and spat his lyrics right at them, full of venom... Incited a riot... Then there was a massive fight out the front... Gay friendly peeps dominated the mosh and the fight afterwards... best show ever.

[@toddpacker4683]

@@jasonbisdead???????

[@PowercellZeke]

Excellent video mate, love Propagandhi. Today's Empires is probably my favourite, but I've only listened to the first 3 albums so far

[@stevebanning902]

supporting caste and potemkin are literal punk classics legitimately two of the greatest modern punk records ever made, and that will ever be made.

[@jamesashley9127]

Been my favorite band for twenty years. I live in Colorado, the site of the infamous "oversold" show that ended up with Denver riot police fucking everything up by tear gasing myself and everyone else there to see the show.. it was devastating for my hometown to make such an ass of it's self. And even worse Propagandhi said they would never come back! Fortunately they eventually did return, noting it was for us the fans and not letting the Fascist police win. Fuck yeah. Everytime I see them live it's spiritual. Face melting magic always.

[@mattday2656]

one of the first bands I got really into while living in Edmonton in the 90's

[@jxcobaniki6709]

Super stoked that these guys are Canadian as well! Awesome band representing an awesome country!

[@edzz666]

Best punk rock band ever and one of the greatest rock bands of all times

[@jansmith8909]

Less Talk More Rock is still one of, if not, my favourite punk album OAT

[@kschiltroth9918]

Going to see them tomorrow night! Home town show for them. like your video

[@FoxRiverTaxi]

I just subscribed long time Prop Fan! Taxi GraveYard Band is my current punk rock project DIY Band inspired by this and other bands in the scenes.

[@russelljazzbeck]

Fantastic video, thanks!

[@_b_u_l_l_s_h_a_r_k_]

I’m so impressed w your channel. Subbed. Thank you.

[@mwright3471]

Another great video!!

[@lizzythecutie7648]

While I personally think Bad Religion would be the brainiest band in Skate Punk, Propagandhi is definitely one of my all time favorite bands and they're extremely talented and technical. Propagandhi is such a great band and they've done so much in terms of activism and such, and I absolutely love and respect them. Great video!

[@davidlucas5402]

Sorry, but not a chance. Bad Religion was broad-strokes/teenager-friendly political (I say as a fan). They never came close to Props' lyrical depths and nuanced activism.

[@wantutosigh1117]

@@davidlucas5402 Get real dude. They're not overtly political but they are "brainy" as hell man.

[@xp8969]

@@wantutosigh1117 Greg uses a lot of big words but never said anything even close to the level of thought that Propagandhi put into their lyrics

[@wantutosigh1117]

@@xp8969 You're sleeping on BR's lyrics. That's all I'll say.

[@JordanPeacock]

Honestly Victory Lap is my favorite, but none of their records are bad. Seeing them live was a delight.

[@mynameisgay100]

Victory Lap is a goddamn masterpiece

[@nickdekort000]

Fuckin cool that i found yer channel thru the Loc vidy and now im a weekly watcher ::) 💚 happy to see the progression

[@scottroe1087]

This made me feel so old lol I remember seeing How to clean everything brand new being put out on the shelves at my local underground record store and picked it up that day instantly falling in love with the band

[@inconnector]

Two things: it's called WHERE - QUANTITY - IS - NO.1. You're reading it wrong. Second of all, good writeup, and thanks for introducing me to Belvedere, Pour habit and A Wilhelm scream :)

[@fromulus]

I was just making an argument yesterday for Propagandhi being one of the pioneers of prog punk, though inadvertently. Pretty much my all-time favorite punk band, I fucking love them to this day. The Rush of punk, if you ask me. How to Clean and Less Talk, will always be my faves because that's just how I remember them the most, but their entire catalogue is worthy of my time.

[@jayjaygriffin8964]

I saw them in Houston and Austin in 96 on there less talk more rock. They played a small old hall that wasn't even a club. It was good so packed at both shows

[@chano1283]

Was that at the APV field in Houston ?

[@fromulus]

Oh and PS, I'm from the same place Nuno, Trevor, and Nick from A Wilhelm Scream are from. My bands used to play shows with their band(Adam's Crack to Koen to Smackin Isaiah to A Wilhelm Scream) back in the late 1990's in New Bedford, MA. I'm so proud of those dudes, I can't believe they're still making music, it was a lifetime ago.

[@SeaToSkyImages]

Great channel. Love me some Propagandhi . Subbed.

[@kaylaalisongreet]

I interviewed Chris Hannah in 2017 and it was one of the interviews I was most nervous/intimidated by.

[@propagandhipod8797]

he's the nicest dude, isn't he?

[@davidtuccaro7510]

I saw PROPAGHANDI for the first time on the LESSS TALK MORE ROCK in August 1996 in Calgary Alberta. The told us about the previous night in Edmonton and that a group of neo nazis busted into the show. They surrendered the crowd and waiting for anything to explode. It seemed insanely volatile but nothing happened in the end which is the best possible outcome. Also they’re fucking hilarious live. I’ve now seen them live 5 times. I’ve seen them down here in Orange County California. They kick ass live!

[@longliveavalon]

I'm 46 and Propagandhi is my favorite band of all times other than Iron Maiden. Just saw Props play with La Armada ( loved those guys too). Thanks for this video and channel brother! 👍🏻

[@igorbrunaldi5421]

amazing video!!

[@AnarchistCatGrrl]

I love Propagandhi! they're among my favorite bands! I am also a HUGE ska fan and have been in two ska bands. I love the song Ska Sucks which not only led me to be an even bigger ska fan, but also giving me the chance to enjoy Propagandhi. If you all don't know what "Ska Sucks" is about, I suggest reading the short chapter on the song in Aaron Carnes' book In Defense Of Ska. Ska Sucks is more about nazi skinheads ruining the scene (like they always do) than it does with ska itself. ^.^

[@drose84]

Great video bro thanks! Chris is definitely one of my guitar heroes and Oka Everywhere was always one of my favorite songs but today more so since i actually sat down to check out what was the crisis all about (atrocious...) I wish i could write like him/them cheers from Tel Aviv =]

[@gantybop]

Nice video! It's a shame you didn't touch on the Chris Vs. Mike diss tracks (Rock for Sustainable Capatilism and One Celled Creature) which is such an interesting view into the feud with their label. The fact that hris wrote and released that track whilst stil signed and Fat Mike actually released it still makes me smile.

[@deadmoviestars]

Got to mention Strung Out when discussing tech skate punk. This is still an awesome video, thought. Thanks!

[@killme4148]

Just found your channel, love your vids! :D

[@hasfunboy]

one of the only skate punk bands i listen to, these guys are for sure in my top 10

[@derekbaker8791]

Hearing the Dead Kennedy's the first time got me into punk. Hearing Propagandhi the first time turned me into a punk!

[@monashmofo314]

You are very qualified when describing them as very important. Technically head and shoulders above anything else. Lyrically you have a band that write what they know and care about. And in my opinion Supporting Caste is a work of art. Great subject mate. Keep up the good work

[@Cash24432]

Got to meet Todd at one of their shows a few years ago, great guy and great band

[@crayoncer]

Thank you for this video.

[@clickindex523]

Propagandhi played a fantastic show in Winnipeg this past evening.

[@mattday2656]

Being a Canadian kid that grew up on army bases and in rural areas, they are the most relatable band to me, menzingers are second because of the catholic kid references. I met them while I was pumping gas after a show I missed for work, they were super nice to me, I love them and the weakerthans so much.

[@Anaki_Rob]

Just found your channel today. You are so much better than The Punk Rock MBA. Not that he's bad, just that you're that good.

[@artehorton586]

Good shit bro!

[@isaacjamesbaker]

Such an epic band. Smart as hell and I love their thrashier parts, which sound better to me than most thrash bands!

[@andrewbaiocco304]

love the shirt ❤️‍🔥🔥💯

[@ErronBrianMader]

They are one the best sounding punk bands ive seen live

[@gypsydildopunks7083]

I went to see Propagandi September 11th, 2001 in Lawrence, KANSAS at the Bottleneck. They did not do the show. I did see Ispy in a basement and they were probably the best basement show of all time. I bought the 10" split there. Good memories

[@atreacherouspath]

The funny thing that wasn’t even mentioned is that these dudes grew up as thrash and death metal kids and those qualities and influences are the special sauce in this so called “tech” aspect mentioned. In their own way, they’re a crossover band more than skate

[@longliveavalon]

Yup... 💯. Not only that but Rush and of course; Voivod! I remember both Todd and Chris commenting on my thrash and death metal posts on Facebook ( bands like Sodom, etc) and Todd was obsessed with Death's Scream Bloody Gore! LOL

[@caffeinatedinsanity2324]

Propagandhi, Strung Out and Good Riddance seem to be the 3 bands that shaped the 2000s technical bands. I know Good Riddance isn't a "technical band" but I hear them come up from A Wilhelm Scream and No Trigger, for example.

[@thepunkhistorian6397]

Agreed. Plus they’re consistent as fuck too.

[@paulheywood2116]

These cats are slick as hell I love ‘em brilliantly written failed states and victory lap

[@mikemroczkowski783]

I have been a major fan since HTCE, Victory Lap is one of their best in my opinion. The title track and Failed Imagineer are amazing.

[@jeffsims8270]

Love that split 7" with F.Y.P.! Even though it's only Samson performing as PROPAGANDHI, the same song can be heard later by his band THE WEAKERTHANS. The F.Y.P. songs are dope as well....especially 'Glamourettes'!

[@hankgege2199]

Love that 7"! My FYP fave on that is Dinky Bosetti❤

[@jeffsims8270]

@@hankgege2199 Yea, 'Dinky Bosetti' is def a good track! "... and I won't write a song about you when you break my heart...painting those white walls black...".

[@beercultureusa3171]

good job!

[@BenjiBanks98]

Chris Hannah is truly one of the most talented punk artists ive ever seen. My Uncle is a lead guitarist and my Dad plays guitar. Both love Propagandhi! But the fact Chris is able to play guitar that good and sing even better is truly mind blowing!!!

[@ronjames4151]

He is amazing

[@aaronscrewface]

6:05 I was at the filming for that

[@aaronscrewface]

That was filmed in 2003 though, just not released until 2007

[@DevastationMediaGRP]

yo this video was awesome, i'd say you're definitely qualified to be a punk historian!

[@patswayze7359]

crass would be a good one,i love your videos i been binge watching

[@jeff7764]

“Albright monument Baghdad” and Potemkin city limits are my favorite Prop songs

[@skeletontoes7692]

Hell's yeah!

[@ratta_tat]

Love their music...I was put off by the live preaching. I mean, they weren't wrong but ....play, already!

[@ratta_tat]

@SpatulaCitySpatulaCity tapes?? Fucks sake...what year is it? Haha. Of course, I went anyway.

[@JoshuaMutant]

Love this band so much

[@calholden9040]

Great vid

[@MegaGreg71]

keep it up, i agree , i agree, and i agree

[@that_diggity_d880]

Potemkin City Limits Is easily one of the most beautiful records ever recorded. This band is in my top 5 bands of all time! I've also had the pleasure of meeting Chris Hannah after a show in Denver and is the nicest guy out there! Took photos with fans and gave hugs! Best show I've probably ever been to

[@jovantherrien8061]

propag is my fav punk rock band see them 5 time ma fav album is supporting cast very good !!

[@Dolesan]

Potemkin CL and everything before are rad. Since then I haven’t gotten sucked in….need to put some time into those rec’s

[@XpappaedgeX]

That Fest show was the last time I saw them!!!! So good. My favorite album is ALWAYS Less Talk... Will you be at Fest 20 this year????

[@ApeAlchemist]

Here in Canada i used to play Ultima Online with a friend in Los Angeles that was my age 18, in 1998. He told me about his favorite band that was canadian and i thought that was pretty hilarious. One day i login to play and its not him playing, its his older brother, and he tells me his brother was just arrested for stealing cars.. So im like, i gotta check out this Propagandhi lol and the rest is history >_< \m/

[@SabiaCDO]

How to clean everything. It is its own genre. It is as badass as punk rock can get. The rest is history.

[@samuelblinne6040]

Awesome

[@wayfarer13]

Great video man. Propagandhi are by far the best Canadian punk band there is.

[@joeltourjee7805]

take the words "canadian punk" out of that sentence and it's still accurate

[@wayfarer13]

@@joeltourjee7805 You know what!? You're right.

[@krissymarklewis1793]

Good video, subscribed:)

[@lasalbay]

I saw them in Portage in Bruce Little's garage. They were a little raw, Seneca Ave was a hotspot for Metal / Punk bands back in Portage in the day. The Ditch Pigs were pretty fantastic too.

[@jefftennis1275]

Best band ever! Just ask Bill Stevenson

[@propagandhipod8797]

NICE

[@peteonretreat2023]

I’d love to see a video about F.Y.P.!