My First Punk Experience! The Clash's "London Calling" invites me to explore a new genre!

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

Check out all the things I'm working on! thecharismaticvoice.com/

[@arnepietruszewski9255]

Elizabeth you really need to react to Archspire. Oli Peters has a very unique way to deliver his death metal growls you dont wanna miss out on. I personally was completly flabbergasted when I heard them for the first time. Even after 30 years of listening to metal.

[@christophervan9634]

Read the book "Our Band Could be your Life" it is basically a breakdown of how Pre-Nirvana American underground music went from Punk to Grunge/the Mainstream. One of the last chapters is on Mudhoney who were one of the first real Grunge bands.

[@christophervan9634]

Also Strummer is not his real name...

[@Falcon4646]

Do yourself a favor and experience The Clash in chronological order, ending with Sandinista! You'll be glad you did. It's THE best way to 'experience' how they evolved as a band. You're in for one hell of a ride!!

[@christophervan9634]

@@Falcon4646 I agree, they really went from playing straight punk and took it and bent it to their will, keeping the attitude and then playing what ever genre of music they damn well pleased.

[@louismarzullo1190]

I saw Joe Strummer live with his later band, The Mescaleros. A kid rushed the stage & was immediately grabbed by security. Joe instructed them to let the kid go & gestured for him to come over to him. He put his arm around his shoulder, spoke softly to him for about a minute, then they hugged & the kid peacefully went back into the audience with a rapturous smile on his face. That's not a one-off story with Joe. One of the nicest guys in music ever. R.I.P., so missed.

[@TheAyeAye1]

He was legionary for being a true believer and personally nice. You may be interested in the book by the bands former drummer who retired from the stage to be a chiropractor.

[@stephanbaumeister4507]

@@TheAyeAye1 had a beer with him when the mescaleros were on the bizarre festival. A good person of considerable talent

[@larrynelson4909]

Do you mean legendary?​@@TheAyeAye1

[@benshafer5198]

Joe was truly salt of the earth, a beautiful soul and a legend; both musically and culturally. One of my favorite people to ever grace this planet

[@barrydouglas6276]

Please - this reply is NOT to diminish your comment or Joe Strummer's actions. Bruce Dickinson and Michelle Shocked defused angry individuals at concerts I attended. When these performers step into a role they certainly have no obligation to fulfill, we get reminded of what we liked about them initially.

[@e.h.buchmann23]

The Clash were fully punk in attitude, but their catalogue is so diverse musically. Never a dull moment.

[@maximan4363]

Ohhhh so true!!! They started out as Punk, not that it was a ever a really defined genre! I mean Blondie were consided Punk and although I think Blondie are awesome, especially Atomic, Rapture and Union City Blue, but I wouldn't class them as Punk! The Clash were so bloody good at everything they turned their hand too.... amazing talent & I still love listening to them!!

[@e.h.buchmann23]

@@maximan4363 Agreed. Blondie is another band that definitely stood the test of time

[@giordani64]

@@maximan4363 Blondie was aapart of New Ypork Punk movement, which came way before the UK one and what was later referenced as "Punk". Malcom Mclaren didn't invent punk, he just monetized it with the Pistols.

[@maximan4363]

@@giordani64 Ohh I know Blondie came well before Malcome Mclaren decided to get his grubby little fingers in to the pie and gourge as much as he could get! The Remones were fecking incredible, so far ahead of their time they could have been time travellers! Blondie were more of an evolution, they just skipped about 5 stages and just went for it!!! 🤯 I was really in to metal, but the first track I would play on the dukebox was "Night Boat to Cairo" by Madness followed by "Rapture" by Blondie. Then anything I felt like...

[@maximan4363]

Rapture is one of the best mixed tracks of all time! Even thinking about the technical limitations of the time.... this track is mindblowing! Madness just makes me laugh!!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@Salguine]

Although The Clash came out of the UK punk scene, they quickly evolved into something much more. This particular album, "London Calling," has been called a punk album with no punk songs on it. It's extraordinary in its diversity of musical styles from track to track. Now, if you wanna hear The Clash do punk, fire up "White Riot" from their self-titled debut album.

[@bigduginc]

I want a Riot of my own!

[@trevor9917]

If I may, I would like to suggest "Cheat" also.

[@maciejpiotrowski2977]

Or "Complete Control". If you want an idea of Strummer's vocal (and this band's) range though, "Straight To Hell" is the way to go.

[@PsychoticFruitfly]

"white riot", which is just "blitzkreig bop" played backwards.

[@120russell]

"(White Man) In Hammersmith Palais Lyrics" All time favorite lyric line pairing: If Adolf Hitler flew in today. They'd send a limousine anyway

[@Cadinho93]

The phrase "London Calling" is a reference to BBC reports that were broadcast during the darkest periods of World War II. "This is London Calling", a voice would say, before delivering the news to people who worried about their very survival amid the most destructive war in human history. Also, welcome to PUNK! The Clash are one of all time great bands that put a pop friendly sound to punk. "London Calling" is a protest song that talks about fear of nuclear war and environmental crisis. Definitely give a listen to "Rock the Casbah", which is another great song.

[@samtheman1957]

I never realized what a seamless musical statement London Calling, as an ALBUM was. So many styles and influences. I downloaded a copy, and I didn't appreciate how groundbreaking the band and the album were at the time. On the track, I am noticing how Topper Headon goes from the straight four-on-the-floor feel into a sixteenth-note shuffle, especially the hi-hat feel. I think is role in The Clash ihs a bit underrated. The entire album is a musical buffet.

[@yttrxstein4192]

Gen X punk here: "pop friendly sound to punk" still makes me vomit to this day.

[@DoktorDevious]

I would say they put a sophisticated edge to punk rather than pop friendly sound, personally.

[@DoktorDevious]

@@samtheman1957 Topper Headon is a really underrated drummer , he managed to be nuanced but direct and always interesting.

[@andrewgr144]

First, thank you for the information-- I'm pretty sure I knew what you said like 30 years ago, but I had forgotten. Second, I fully endorse your suggestion for "Rock the Casbah". I am by no means a musical historian, nor am I particularly well versed in punk music, but I'm still pretty sure that in addition to just being a great song, that it was a real influence on other bands, which is (I think) one of the reasons that Elizabeth is delving into punk in the first place.

[@74Bat]

I'm laughing as I'm imagining Elizabeth analyzing the vocals of the Dead Milkmen's Bitchin' Camaro or Punk Rock Girl. 😂

[@randywissler9923]

Oh hell yeah, we definitely need some Dead Milkmen!!!

[@TR-cy5fg]

Yes please.

[@kemowery]

And then she can discover Mojo Nixon (RIP).

[@orionsfall8532]

@@kemowerybut he don’t work here!

[@bbb462cid]

DK HOLIDAY IN CAMBODIA

[@surf4tex]

🖤Souixsie & the Banshees🖤, her voice is mesmerising… Spellbound, Hong Kong Garden, Happy House & sooo many more ❤️‍🔥

[@Swisswavey]

Listen again to Kiss Them For Me. It doesn't scream 'punk' to me, it's just beautiful music.

[@Bethany415]

Cities in Dust!

[@eboethrasher]

@@Swisswavey Spellbound isn't even punk, it is post-punk/goth

[@daveo562]

The only real truth that can be distilled from Punk is that it's an attitude more often that a direct musical style. The Clash is a fantastic example, their catalog is full of experimentation and a refusal to be limited. Thank you for starting in on their journey!

[@soundsgoodmanrecords]

Well said! "it's an attitude more often that a direct musical style", I'll have to remember that. Thanks.

[@largeformatlandscape]

One of the most creative bands of that era

[@module79l28]

Attitude? It's much more than that, it's a musical style with a very distinct formula of composition and lyrical style. The fact that many non-Punk bands made some songs that fit in that formula doesn't make them Punk bands, only the bands that stick to the formula in their whole catalog can be called Punk bands, which is not the case with The Clash and many others that are mistakenly labelled as Punk bands. Queen's 'Sheer Heart Attack' has all the elements to be considered a Punk song but does that make Queen a Punk band? Obviously not!

[@orchidwave2574]

@@module79l28 But wouldn't sticking to any formula - even a 'punk' formula - be just the sort of conformity that punk would rail against in the first place?

[@pulleyfm8585]

@@orchidwave2574 Punk and it's fans have a pretty weird relationship. Because commercial success is irrelevant and not compromising the music for anything or anybody is one of the core driving forces behind a lot of bands strange things happen. Black Flag made a record that's half jazz instrumentals and half spoken word poetry for their album and Propagandhi put "pro-gay, anti-fascist, animal-friendly" on their second album cover. Both bands did this because they didn't like parts of their fanbases or being told what type of music to play and things to sing about. There's tons of stories of punk bands getting in fights with their own crowds and there's still a lot of people that hate when punk bands change their sound and hate it when people call them punk still. Frank Turners fully punk rock and he basically plays folk music sonically. Green Day's the easiest example of this type of thing. They were a big part of the indie California punk scene, sold out to a major label when that was a crime and then further pushed it by becoming a mainstream rock band. I don't listen to anything post dookie really but I don't hate them for changing over time either. To be honest they're more punk even now than a lot of punk bands because they've always been really self aware and regularly self deprecate their career.

[@pauld.cullenjr.7934]

Punk: the efforts of some to prove that you didn’t need the backing of the music establishment, the benefit of your parents paying for music lessons, or the ability to afford great equipment to muster the simplicity and power of rock and roll to have a voice - to have a way of giving voice to those without access to power. But admired by many from all parts of society for being honest and a refreshing antidote to complex, inward looking progressive rock of the time.

[@kenneth9160]

Or as Iggy Pop phrased it…… “You can’t sing, I can’t sing…… LETS SING!!!!”

[@randallpetersen9164]

In auto racing, there's a similar thing. The 24 Hours of Lemons. Super cheap cars, made safe to race. "Racing isn't just for rich idiots, it's for all idiots."

[@panamafloyd1469]

@@randallpetersen9164 I've done it. They're at least as safe as the SCCA Improved Touring cars I raced in the '90s. Roll-cage? Check. Best suit/helmet you could afford (or borrow)? Check. Only thing I seriously insisted upon was having a six-point harness instead of a five-point. Learned that one the hard way..😆

[@BWater-yq3jx]

Sounds great, cos we're all familiar with the successful ones who were good at it. But record companies got caught out signing hordes of talentless punk wannabees who hadn't put the effort into learning to sing, play their instruments, or compose a good song. In the end the same principles apply, regardless of whatever philosophy you wanna dress it up with.

[@IRGeamer]

While the band "KISS" used the acronym "Keep it simple stupid" as an excuse to pander to the lowest common denominator, punk used it to inspire them to express what they really felt as clearly and simply as possible, and frequently as cheaply as possible due to complete lack of funding. The DIY (Do it yourself) movement was integral to the underground punk scene.

[@AussieCreeker]

Reggae was a major influence on the punk rock era. They both came up at the same time and you will hear many reggae style bass and guitar riffs in classic punk rock.

[@GroundhogOZ]

I feel like it is more of a ska influence since there was quite some overlap with 2nd wave ska in the UK.

[@Theinternalrewrite]

I'm reminded of The Specials, UB40, The Police, Culture Club, Madness, etc.

[@skabuoy]

@@GroundhogOZ Nah. It is well documented (in Reggae books at least) that it was Reggae. Besides, was around for quite a few (5+) years before Punk got started. The fact that bonded Reggae and Punk was the 'anti-establishment' attitude of both genres and their following. The Clash collaborating with Mikey Dread, Reggae artists like Bob Marley (Punky Reggae Party) and Tony Ellis (Punky Reggae) is evidence the influence was somewhat mutual. The Ska influence was more a punk influence on Ska, than the other way around back then, as Ska borrowed heavily from both the DIY ethos and the energy of punk. Ska peaked when Punk was on the way out. The biggest Ska influence on punk came in the 90s with America's skapunk wave when punk rock bands started to incorporate the after beat (Ska chop) in songs, as well as expand bands with brass sections.

[@deec.3371]

@@skabuoySurely you mean the British and American iterations of Ska? Because the OG Jamaican Ska has been around since the 1950s and was influenced by Mento.

[@trackstick]

I think it's difficult to analyse The Clash on the basis of one song. The band's genius lay above all in their versatility and exuberant creativity. If you were to list the musical styles that went into their music, it would be a complete journey through the history of rock music with a particularly massive influence of West Indian music and sprinklings of Middle Eastern and folk. But everything they did was still punk and always clearly The Clash. In this respect, London Calling, even if it is their most famous hit, would probably not be my first choice either. Almost every other track on the London Calling LP is more exciting. If I had to recommend a song from the better-known part of the complete works for an analysis, then I would perhaps end up with Straight To Hell or one of the reggae-heavy songs like Bankrobber.

[@randywissler9923]

London Calling, the greatest album of all time!!! The Clash were sooooo much more than just a punk band. R.I.P JOE STRUMMER!!!!

[@maximan4363]

Wow, honesly that's a tough one! Combat Rock is absolutely amazing and probably my favourite album, although Give 'Em Enough Rope changed my life at 11 years old!!! Still The Clash are one of the best bands of all time, even if you leave out the beats, the lyrics are so, soooo deep!!! R.I.P. Joe, thank you for changing my life!

[@aTofuJunkie]

I don't know...I like "Sandinista!" as it's a little more experimental.

[@leighcarey7778]

London Calling isn't even the best Punk album of all time.

[@StoneE4]

The "boy band" of punk put out the greatest album of all time? 🤣🤣🤣

[@maximan4363]

@@StoneE4 Ohh come the feck on, The Sex Pistols" were the Boy Band of Punk - Malcolm Mclaren was their pimp! Not saying that they weren't good but they were played the hell out of!! Kinda like 2 Live Crew in the US!

[@MadailinBurnhope]

I'm not the biggest punk fan but I'm in love with The Pogues, who essentially mixed The Clash-style punk with Irish folk for the first time, creating Folk Punk

[@jelliott3604]

@MadailinBurnhope Shane Magowan was the greatest living poet until he, unfortunately, wasn't

[@Whirlbee]

Oh damn I'd love to hear her veer off into folk punk too

[@josh0g]

Joe Strummer filled in with the Pogues during a period when Shane's substance issues were too much for the band... his time with them is part of what influenced the sound he had in mind for his later band The Mescaleros. He wanted something with folk roots and acoustic instruments.

[@balthusT1]

Fairytale of New York - best Christmas song EVER (for those who have never heard it - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oGrNk5edj86Xq5osi=4GfiD79iW7sY3snA). RIP Shane and Kirsty

[@benjaminrettig8094]

Pogues...pogues ...please the pogues

[@jaimelaverc2475]

Thanx Elizabeth for bringing punk to the vocal analysis territory -where it is mostly ignored. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@johnplaysgames3120]

Punk will be an interesting genre for you to dip into because it's pretty large and varied. The main thing to understand about punk is that it's not so much one particular style (though there are certainly sub-genres within it) as much as it was a movement of young people rising up in reaction to arena rock, the gatekeeping of music, the expectations of their parents' generation/societal norms, etc. At a time when it felt like you had to be a virtuoso musician (like a Led Zep, e.g.) or cranking out radio-friendly dance fluff (like disco) to be allowed to get up in front of people and be heard, punk was a movement of kids, disgruntled by the old constraints of polite society, the economic situation (particularly in the UK), etc. who said, "Why can't I stand up and be heard too? What if I have something **I** want to say?" It was, metaphorically, the kids in the audience jumping up onto the stage and taking over the show. In a way, it's very similar to the rise of gangsta rap a decade later in that its ground zero was with young people in depressed economic situations, without access to instruments or lessons, deciding, "You know what? I'm going to make music too. And you may not like the music I make, but you can't stop me from making it." With much of punk, it didn't matter if you could barely play your instrument (Sid Vicious of the Sex Pistols sometimes didn't even have his bass plugged in at live shows), were yelling more than singing, and/or didn't feel like writing "nice" songs (though there were also some very traditionally "good" musicians making punk music as well). Punk was often sloppy music that was about honesty and expression, even if that expression was loud, fast, and ugly. In fact, the more it annoyed or scared the older generation, the better the punks liked it. There were definitely looks and sounds that became associated with punk, but the base idea of punk is that there is no uniform. This is why you have so many different types of bands that ended up falling under the "punk" label. Some were better musicians than others. Some wrote catchier, more radio-friendly songs than others. And some just got up and made loud, fast noise. E.g. just in the early days of punk, you'll notice a striking difference between the ska/rock inspired "punk" of bands like The Clash, the surf punk love songs and humor of the Buzzcocks, the sloppy 1950s rock style "punk" of the Ramones, and the much more abrasive "punk" of bands like The Sex Pistols, The Exploited, etc. Heck, even bands like Siouxsie and the Banshees (who we'd now think of as goth) were originally considered part of the punk genre. And that's before you start getting into all the evolutions of punk, like Glam Punk, Psychobilly, Anarcho-punk, Hardcore, post-Hardcore, etc, etc, etc. And that's long before you get the bubblegum flavored revival via Pop Punk in the '90s. All this is to say: Don't get stuck on the idea that "punk" is one thing or that you can listen to a couple of punk bands and "get" punk. Like rock, punk is a wide array of genres under one umbrella word, and all those genres sound very different from each other. What they share is a focus on honesty, authenticity, etc. Punk is a genre that doesn't suffer poseurs gladly. Two stories that I think illustrate some of that punk attitude: 1) During Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee celebration, the Sex Pistols rented a boat and rode it up and down the Thames, past the Houses of Parliament, VERY loudly playing their song, "God Save The Queen." At a time when speaking ill of the Queen just wasn't done, they were trolling her celebration with their decidedly uncomplimentary song that contained lines like "God save the Queen / The fascist regime / They've made your a moron / Potential H-bomb" and "God save the Queen / Cuz tourists are money / And our figurehead / is not what she seems." The police, ofc, boarded the boat, arrested their manager, etc. 2) Demonstrating his own punk influences, Kurt Cobain tells the story of how disgusted he and his Nirvana bandmates were when they saw Aerosmith at an airport while on tour. Why were they disgusted? Because the members of Aerosmith weren't carrying their own equipment and instead had other people carrying their stuff for them. It was that sort of "I'm better than these other people because I'm famous" attitude that affronted Kurt's punk sensibilities and, to a point, illustrates one of the main vibes of punk: Don't be too full of yourself. Just be a real person.

[@Littlewing1977]

Aerosmith may not have been carrying their stuff but I am sure they were paying someone to carry it.

[@alexa6474]

Well said.

[@An9310_]

I literally couldn't have articulated the sentiment better myself. I was trying, but then I thankfully came across your post and said to myself, thank God someone more capable did it for me.

[@chrisrobinson196]

Every so often music needs someone to tear it down again to get back to its roots.

[@somerotter]

It’s too bad “new wave” got applied only to the poppiest end of the weird music punk inspired, because it was really the perfect name for that broad explosion of self expression and innovation that came out of that first flurry of punk. I think punk and post punk and “classic alternative” overall would get more attention if people dipped into them as a unified or at least deeply interrelated collection of movements; rather than as isolated rabbit holes to go down.

[@HSR107]

They had grown beyond punk by this album. Still, a culturally significant post-punk song and album. Their 1977 self-titled debut and, to a lesser degree, 1978's "Give 'Em Enough Rope" were still "punk". The run from London Calling through Sandinista and into Combat Rock was just "mind = blown" back in the day.

[@Baiko]

Yeah, London Calling is already quite post-punk

[@jawisher]

I agree this is already post-punk. Their first album is actually punk.

[@ZSAZSS09]

Yes, it was not labeled as a punk album, but as new wave-

[@Baiko]

@@ZSAZSS09 I would make the distinction between post-punk and new wave song by song on the album, and drawing the line between them isn't an exact science. But something like Lost in the Supermarket, I would definitely call new wave rather than post punk, for example.

[@ZSAZSS09]

@@Baiko I know, it'snot so obvious as it seems. It is both, punk and new wave- But it's a great album, whatever it's labeled under. We shouldn't be so hung up on labels, but enjoy the music more. I'm so old that i was a grown man when punk came in '76, and split into several categories in '78.

[@johnestes9316]

Joe Strummer was one of the most fascinating vocalists in rock. What he lacked in raw talent, he made up for in emotion and communication. He could make you feel. In my book, that put him above so many others. I enjoyed listening to you break down his vocal technique. Never heard anyone do that before and it was great! Fun fact, Joe often cited Dean Martin as his vocal inspiration. Once you hear it, you’ll never unhear it. The man had generational swagger.

[@j0hnn13K]

For Elizabeth, it seems plenty of people want you to check out Siouxie and the banshees soon, hope you'll add it to the list :D Upvote to show your love for Siouxie ;)

[@ryancampbell2192]

Peekaboo, Cities in Dust & Kiss Them for Me would all be great intros for her. ❤

[@dagfincarp1113]

@@ryancampbell2192 Kiss Them For Me is gorgeous. I think Elizabeth would find it quite interesting.

[@bookbabe001]

Happy House​@@ryancampbell2192

[@deaschofield9394]

Can't WAIT for her to do them! Been thinking that for a while now.

[@petermalik2536]

It's Siouxsie by the way.

[@MrBenfranz]

For a primer, Holiday in Cambodia - Dead Kennedys, Anarchy in the UK - Sex Pistols, Rise Above - Black Flag, Blitzkrieg Bop - Ramones, Search and Destroy - Stooges. That will be enough Punk to get started with. Also the Clash have some classics to look at: Should I stay or Should I go, Train in Vain, I fought the law, and Rock the Casbah. All great stuff.

[@jimgeorge9476]

Even though it came out kind of recent NOFX - Doors and Fours would be a good one.

[@josh0g]

and X-Ray Spex!

[@1norwood1]

Refused would be my pick, The Shape of Punk to Come just sounds so original and unique and the lyrics are absolutely sharp. At The Drive-in are great too, Really hard hitting and high energy but with neat intricate parts as well.

[@peterzukowski]

OMG, Elizabeth examining the singing of Johnny Rotten, Jello Biafra, and Polly Styrene specifically. I can't wait. That should be fun.

[@peterzukowski]

​@@josh0gOh, please let her review Oh Bondage! Up Yours! Polly's voice is so wonderfully raw in that, plus it's always fun to see if people pick up the true meaning of that song.

[@xsonmyeyes11]

You have to give Social Distortion a listen!! Punk meets meets country meets blues. Mike Ness's vocal style is ultra laid back IMHO.

[@seanj3667]

I saw them a couple months ago in Boston and they were great. And I am someone who likes metal to the point where I play a Steve Harris signature bass.

[@ConquerorT117]

I came looking for this comment. I find it hard to pick a singular song to suggest. Another state of mind or telling them for more of the traditional "punk," prison bound or story of my life for the country blues rock feel. Hard to pick just one.

[@xsonmyeyes11]

@@ConquerorT117 I would suggest something like California Hustle and Flow for a vocal listen.

[@robkelley9656]

Rockabilly is a genre I think she'd really enjoy. Especially Mike Ness or Nick13

[@VonBlade]

As a fat old punk (aren't we all by now?) oh boy will this be some fun. Pistols, Damned, Clash, Buzzcocks, Stooges sure. Everyone knows them. But X-Ray Spex, The Slits, the first Adam and the Ants incarnation, there are some mighty punk bands around. Let me dig out my Peter and the Test Tube Babies albums...

[@crashm1]

X, Suicidal Tendencies, Black Flag, Geza X, DOA can't be forgotten.

[@Wendelvendel]

The Raincoats, also I would love to know what she makes of Mark E Smith

[@hisk7263]

Oh, and mdc, gbh, crass, dead kennedys and a whole lot of our local scene 😀

[@BrandtCantWatch1911]

🫡

[@thattowtruckguy436]

Let's not forget Descendents and Circle Jerks. They going on tour soon , and I get to see them on 9/5

[@fjcrod]

The Clash, may have started out as a punk band, but by the time they recorded the album, London Calling, they were so much more. The various musical influences are all over the album. Few albums have stood the test of time the way, London Calling has. It's not surprising that it remains one of the greatest collection of songs put to vinyl.

[@tzeege]

Exactly. I would never chose this for "My First Punk Experience."

[@JeremyLevi]

Not for nothing but UK punk had a lot of cross pollination with dub right from the get go as well, both being youth movements from the streets so to speak.

[@marlew6629]

spot on

[@def1ghi]

They lived up to the Sony marketing label the only band that matters.

[@danshepard5083]

The album that was so good it won Album of the Decade for the 80s even though it came out in the 70s.

[@LaJokanan]

Joe Strummer died in 2002; he was dedicated to planting trees around the world, and a forest has been planted in his memory on the Isle of Skye. It's called Rebel's Wood. Rest in peace, Joe.

[@TheDude3007-dd7fg]

This is The Clash " transitioning " out of Punk into a more all encompassing musical direction . Still very significant by one of the most important bands .. possibly ever . You asked for quotes .. " Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit , wisdom is knowing not to add it to a fruit salad " ( Brian O ' Driscoll )

[@erlaed]

I kept thinking this song is to your garden-variety punk song as Pink Floyd is to Bo Diddley. Not a comment on quality, but more on production add-ins, engineering, and so forth.

[@tomvenner6030]

I think many bands were "punk" at the start because they were not very good musicians, they just got up and played and said what they were feeling at that time. Over the years they get more proficient musically and the music they make changes/evolves. They also become better song writers and if they had some level of sucess record companies gave them better producers and higher budgets. IMHO.

[@TheDude3007-dd7fg]

​​@@tomvenner6030my favourite punk to post punk career move has got to be Adam & The Ants ... going all in on New Wave was for me unexpected but kinda perfect . Also their 2nd album KINGS OF THE WILD FRONTIER is a really really good listen even now .

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

This makes so much sense!

[@KristaHarrisSB]

This seems like the perfect song to analyze if you are interested in the punk to post-punk or new wave transition.

[@blakerbnsn]

The Ramones' first British concert, at London's Roundhouse music venue, was held on July 4, 1976, the United States Bicentennial.[159] The Sex Pistols were playing in Sheffield that evening, supported by the Clash, making their public debut. The next night, members of both bands attended the Ramones' gig at the Dingwall's club. Ramones manager Danny Fields recalls a conversation between Johnny Ramone and Clash bassist Paul Simonon (which he mislocates at the Roundhouse): "Johnny asked him, 'What do you do? Are you in a band?' Paul said, 'Well, we just rehearse. We call ourselves the Clash but we're not good enough.' Johnny said, 'Wait till you see us-we stink, we're lousy, we can't play. Just get out there and do it.'

[@larrynelson4909]

1976 bicentennial 159? "BI" prefix to indicate 2 "CENTENNIAL" as in 100.BICENTENNIAL is 200 not 159 must be a trump supporter

[@wilusa3113]

@@larrynelson4909 that looks like a citation. this was copied from somewhere else...also, there is nothing political about this comment. why do so many make everything political?

[@Ascania]

@@larrynelson4909 Are you feeling okay? That's a lot of bullshit you are projecting into a piece of text copied from The Ramones' Wikipedia page and a footnote reference left in the text.

[@kostaskritsilas2681]

@@larrynelson4909the US became a country in 1776 during/after the Revolutionary War. So yes, 200 years later, it was 1976, and it was the Bicentennial year. I have no idea what the “[159]” refers to. And I am Canadian.

[@stephenporter5076]

🤔looks like a bot

[@cullain3967]

Can't wait for Elizabeth to discover/explore TwoTone and Ska...

[@alghul66]

Specials e.g. with concrete jungle or much too young 👍

[@nf3959]

She needs to go One step beyond...

[@JayWalsh]

As a resident old fart Tucsonan, I was introduced to punk on Christmas day in 1977 (I was 15) when I opened a present from my mom... a package of six record albums. Five of which were albums I wanted and one, as her self-described 'gag gift,' of a blazing pink album. It was Nevermind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols. Which, to date, is the greatest album ever recorded. Thanks, mom! 😊

[@boojiboy2275]

What a cool mum!

[@Roadtrip635]

I have a red vinyl of a Punk compilation called "Let them eat jellybeans" and back in the early 80's had a friend visiting from the east coast. He was a very straight laced guy, literally wore sweater vests and penny loafers and made him a copy on cassette. He visited the next year sporting a mohawk, torn up pair of Chucks, a few piercings and thanked me for that cassette, said it changed his life....... was never sure how to take that 🤣

[@melrupinski88]

@@Roadtrip635I had that album as well…or at least I think I did (if Side A led off with Ha Ha Ha by Flipper, then I did lol). I used to own as many punk compilations a I could get my hands on. Good times!

[@brettsiegel6934]

Punk was so much more of an attitude and movement than it was a musical genre. Not all punk songs are fast and hard, some have melodies and other do not. Music that is considered Punk is probably more diverse than any other genre. Have fun exploring, Elizabeth! One of the greatest written songs (any genre) is the punk classic “Ever Fallen in Love” by The Buzzcocks. Would love to have you react to that!

[@mattcherry1695]

It's a good example of punk because it's a classic 3-minute pop sung, urgently pushed out in 2 minutes 40 seconds.

[@jal492]

Punk took music out of the hands of the high and mighty and returned it to the masses :) The ethos of punk was that absolutely anyone could play music - even if they had no experience or training. A lot of punk musicians didn't even play instruments when they joined bands; they just picked it up as they went along! Self-expression was one of the fundamental points, and all authentic self-expression was valid. The scene was all about DIY - being independent of the increasingly powerful corporate machine and challenging authority-for-authority's-sake. Respect should be earned, not demanded. In the context of the time, Margaret Thatcher was just coming to power in the UK - installing an extremely conservative outlook into British politics, and one that the UK has never really recovered from. Punk was in part a spontaneous political movement by youth against what they saw as an oppressive, greed-driven, neo-liberal capitalist, power-hungry, machine that had ambitions to re-establish the class system that existed in Britain until WWII, by punishing the working class back into their 'place' in the heirarchy. Punk was also about challenging stereotypes and accepted norms - regarding sexuality and gender, race, class, taste, belief, appearance and philosophy. It was about egalitarianism; it was about the role of work in our lives; it was about self-expression and standing up to injustice. And it still is :) The music may not be what would be considered technically accomplished or even all that polished; but it has power and enduring appeal because of its directness and its authenticity. After all, who dictates what is considered music? Everyone has something to say. Long live Punk, and RIP Joe :)

[@martinjackman2943]

Thatcher came in in '79 .Punk was '76-80 . The recession and lack of opportunity was due to a) the oil crisis induced recession and b)a baby boomer increase in numbers of teenage looking for something of their own.

[@tsgeisel]

I agree with your analysis, which is why I find it amusing that Sex Pistols were a boy band. They were the N'Sync of Punk.

[@martinjackman2943]

@@tsgeisel A Boy band is not any band with boys in it... It's a vocal group usually singing pop or soul influenced songs. Punks were a development of rock bands..who wrote their own songs and played instruments. The Sex Pistols were in their mid twenties..young men not adolescents.

[@WolfManR6118]

The Damned, Sex Pistols, Siouxsie and The Banshees are needed for your punk rock journey

[@duikmans]

When it comes to Punk you also have UK Subs, Stiff Little Fingers, Sham 69, Crass, X-Ray Specs,...

[@Bristolcentaurus]

The Buzz Cocks, Toyah, The Stranglers

[@briansmith1953]

I think Elizabeth would fall in love with Siouxsie and the Banshees vocals and use of classical instruments. Dazzle, Swimming Horses, and Last Beat of My Heart would all be great songs for her to analyze.

[@markleitch9932]

@@duikmans i would go deeper than that and have Elizabeth do the progenitors of punk The New York Dolls and Iggy Pop

[@franklinrussell3042]

999 stranglers Buzzcocks Dead Kennedys

[@KellySmithDavis]

From one classically trained vocalist to another, you MUST do an analysis of X-Ray Spex "Oh Bondage! Up Yours!" You'll be blown away by the vocal creativity of their lead singer&song writer Poly Styrene (stage name chosen as a commentary on modern consumer/disposable society). She's a fascinating woman & incredibly talented musician!

[@davegold]

It gets a vote from me. Totally punk but with that wonderful melodic sax as well.

[@astonwards7236]

100%, Poly Styrene is a perfect example of what punk was about, prior to punk no record company would touch her, post punk the same, but for a couple of years, conventional marketability didn’t mean a thing

[@mcwulf25]

Loved X Ray Spex. Warrior in Woolworth and Germ Free Adolescent definitely worth a listen.

[@VEETEEARR]

One of the very best punk vocalists.

[@expatpiskie]

@@mcwulf25 I played Germ Free Adolescent to death, I think partly because my mum really hated it.

[@josephbrowning4220]

"'But I have no fear, Cause London is drowning, and I, I live by the river..."

[@redhotchilifan98]

My favorite band of all time. What made them so special , was the fact that they weren’t afraid to be more than just a “punk” band . They ventured into so many other genres that other punk bands didn’t at the time. They had the look, the musicianship, the whole package. Joe strummer is one of the coolest frontmen.

[@peaked_aussie]

I am so impressed with your analysis of this band. The Clash had such a diverse catalogue. Great reaction!

[@laurieemme1534]

Looking forward to this one! How about the RAMONES "I Wanna Be Sedated" for a future reaction?

[@Tommy-he7dx]

"Sheena Is a Punk Rocker" would be my offering :)

[@whistman4734]

I love the Ramones, but their songs are so short...how about several at once?

[@Tommy-he7dx]

@@whistman4734 They were famous for Rattling through 20+ songs in 30 minutes live :)

[@blakerbnsn]

Was thinking the same thing! My choice has to be "Blizkrieg Bop". HEY HO! LETS GO!!!!

[@agwats85]

I agree! It's short but most punk songs are. A good representation of the genre

[@gavanmitchell9095]

Oh yeaassssss. Now this is a rabbit hole I wanna follow you down!

[@biggerg9450]

If you're delving into punk. Stiff Little Fingers, Suspect Device is a must listen song.

[@louismarzullo1190]

There's a forever debate about whether they're punk or not but you'll want to do a deep dive into The Jam, regardless. Great songwriting, musicianship & Paul Weller's always impassioned, urgent, desperate, thickly-accented vocals! An all-time great band.

[@peterliljeholmen5703]

Yes please, - Private hell, That’s entertainment, and tons of more pure greatness!

[@YoZayTheHedgehog]

My favorite band of all time, looking forward to this one! ❤️

[@Mirrigold]

If you're exploring punk then The Damned's New Rose is generally considered to be the first UK "official" punk single and, as a band, they're absolutely at the heart of the UK punk/Goth movement. I'd also recommend listening to Sisters of Mercy, New Model Army, The Alarm, The Cult, The Undertones, as well as others have mentioned - The Ramones, Sex Pistols, Dead Kennedys, Sham 69, Buzzcocks, New York Dolls, Doll by Doll, The Skids, Siouxsie and the Banshees, early Blondie, Generation X (Billy Idol's former band, listen to him too if you haven't already), The Mekons.

[@nickmccarthy987]

The sound Joe is making is to mirror the cries of seagulls. You find a lot more seagulls by the river than roosters 🙂

[@mattcherry1695]

I came here to say that. London is on the Thames estuary and is overrun with sea gulls. But it's also just a cool sound.

[@mckinnonkatz24]

Open The Flood Gates!!Hopefully it’s only a matter of time before we get a, California Uber Alles analysis!

[@KurtisHord]

Jello’s vibrato is so dreamy

[@Martin-re8ei]

Can't wait to see her reaction to biafra.

[@jroutasula5250]

Dead Kennedys reaction, thank you.

[@stevenmeyer9674]

I wouldn't count on it.

[@rustyshackleford735]

That'd be awesome

[@daz6546]

Elizabeth, in order to widen your punk experience, I can completely recommend The Stranglers. They were hugely influential in the 80's and had loads of chart hits. They are still going today! Please try any of the following: Golden Brown, European Female, Peaches, Strange Little Girl, Duchess, Skin Deep or Always The Sun.

[@danflaherty1861]

One thing that always strikes me about punk is how much singers keep their accents (especially compared to more "classical" styles) I think so much of that is because punk is so much about finding your own personal identity

[@darrellmarcks6304]

This whole album lives up to the "All killer, no filler" ethos. Start to finish banger album.

[@rovert46]

Agreed. Spanish Bombs is a bit ropey but otherwise a classic album.

[@darren6202]

lol

[@lrholland]

Not really. "Clampdown" sums it up-- starts off brilliantly, trails away into disappointment. Apart from Lost in the Supermarket, Mick's songs and the covers are the highlights.

[@StoneE4]

The Clash is bantamweight punk.

[@darren6202]

@@StoneE4 Maybe - but better than the "Kecks Pistols"

[@BrianFilice]

Yes! Can’t wait to see you dive into Punk. This is gonna be fun.

[@Swejin]

One thing that I have always loved about English punk in particular is a lot of times they lean into their accents so much. You can instantly tell. “Yep, this band is from northern England.”

[@wbfaulk]

For what it's worth, none of the members of The Clash were from the north. Joe Strummer spent his very early years overseas and then moved to London. Mick Jones was born and raised in London. Paul Simonon was born in Outer London and raised in London proper. Topper Headon grew up in Kent, further south than London.

[@DerEchteBold]

@@wbfaulk Why would they say Northern in the first place? Does Strummer sound Northern? I wouldn't have guessed and when I look him up there's absolutely nothing pointing to it, except that his mother was Scottish, maybe that gave him a weird mix of an accent?

[@wbfaulk]

@@DerEchteBold I don't want to assume anything about Swejin - he didn't even say that The Clash were northern, just that you might be able to tell that some band were northern from their singing accents - but there's a certain skill level that Americans reach in their understanding of British accents when we start to be able to distinguish some of them, and a lot of the accents of lesser prestige get all lumped together, and so many of those are from the north of England that we might assume all of them are, even when they're not. (That said, was Joe Strummer's cockney even real? Does it make any difference?)

[@DerEchteBold]

@@wbfaulk Oh yeah, right, maybe it was just an example, thanks.

[@Swejin]

Yes not specifically The Clash I was thinking bands like The Damned, Buzzcocks, or Gang of Four.

[@anicolau]

what i love about The Clash is the fact of they are loved not only by punks, but also by a lot of people outside rock'n roll. A friend of mine does not listen to Rock but, when it comes about Clash, it's another story. It's hard to achieve that

[@lesleygraham5927]

Exactly, they were always the best Punk band in my view of the time.😊😊

[@jonnuanez7183]

It's because of their message. It transcends style.

[@richardmadden6395]

I was lucky enough to see SLF in Brixton on St Patricks day in the late 80’s (see you up there tour), and it was a really diverse audience, punks, mods, rockers normies too.

[@jonnuanez7183]

@@richardmadden6395 Who?

[@anicolau]

​@@jonnuanez7183 i always thought that

[@stephenm8725]

Great to see a punk rock band on here! Love The Clash, but to me their most interesting listens are their latter day offerings. I recommend some Bad Religion for you because I think you'll dig the vocals

[@megans1855]

Punk really spoke to young people, who wanted to find their own space in the music world, who felt disenfranchised from society or felt like they didn't have a place in it. There were strong beats and relatable messaging. Discovering punk combined with coming of age was really powerful at the time. As other types of music become the symbol of the youth of other generations. Keep up the exploration of punk music!

[@josh0g]

Where the rebelliousness of metal feels theatrical, with punk it feels real... it feels urgent... it feels crucial.

[@lordleonusa]

100% correct, I was 17 in 1976.

[@tommcdonald1873]

Post-punk bands like The Cure, Joy Division, Siouxsie and the Banshees (Talking Heads, U2, and B52s) also fall into this category and should also be explored further.

[@southofheavy]

Would LOOOOOOVE to see some Siouxsie on this channel.

[@ryancampbell2192]

Love will Tear Us Apart ❤

[@tommcdonald1873]

@@ryancampbell2192 I think highlighting Ian Curtis and his tragic life would serve as a good counterpoint.

[@freethinker--]

And Blondie,Eat to the Beat album is very Punk.

[@freethinker--]

​@@southofheavydefinitely

[@brynthorburn5163]

The clash songs were very bass driven, The were taking sounds from the streets around them and there was a lot of Reggae sound systems playing in the streets off 70s London , their song Guns of Brixton has an amazing bass line, very reggae influenced and sampled by many people especially Norman Cook on Beat's International's Dub be good to me.

[@lrholland]

It's not all about the sound, it's the attitude. But to understand punk, you have to hear "God Save The Queen", "Oh Bondage, Up Yours", and "Boredom". And then Bikini Kill.

[@clairemeehan7250]

Totally agree. Great suggestions too.

[@Cory_Springer]

yes! yes! yes! I can't WAIT to watch you discover/break-down The Clash!

[@dawncapps5172]

The Ramones would be an interesting reaction for you to do. Unapologetically punk and wonderful! Legends. 🖤

[@seanj3667]

So many choices with them! Make it a Christmas pick!

[@z853c7]

looking forward to her first encounter w/ Johnny Rotten

[@pxr0583]

Yes....along with Shelley, Vanian & Weller.

[@christopherhibbs6537]

That’s going to be epic Johnny Rotten one of the most unique voices in rock history

[@bookbabe001]

​@@pxr0583Ooh, yeah, The Jam

[@jelliott3604]

Yeah, but Pretty Vacant, God Save the Queen or Anarchy... ?

[@christopherhibbs6537]

@@jelliott3604 a bit off the wall but his vocals on underworlds track open up is amazing the venom when he sings burn Hollywood burn is very chilling

[@TX_Blake]

With punk unlocked, I would love to see Elizabeth tackle the Misfits. One Last Caress, Where Eagles Dare, something like that.

[@MariaLCirillo]

YES!!!! She'll love Danzig's voice

[@jakemistakeroberts2044]

138

[@jelliott3604]

​@@MariaLCirillothought she had done Danzig.. I must be thinking of someone else 🤔

[@maximan4363]

One Last Caress - OMG!!!! YES, YES, YES!!!!!!

[@TX_Blake]

@@jelliott3604 she did do Mother from Danzig and had cool stuff to say about his vocals, but old gritty Misfits just hits differently. For me anyway.

[@dj-kq4fz]

I can't believe I missed this from a couple weeks ago. The only band that mattered. Still matters. I am embarrassed to say this has been my ringtone since you could get ringtones. Thanks!

[@mrcryptozoic817]

Three people I like to listen to: you, Beato and the Professor of Rock. I learn something every time. Thank you.

[@markwarren3724]

I couldn't agree more!

[@LoriThantos]

Check out 12 tone…may not be your thing, but he breaks down songs by their structure

[@melrupinski88]

Fil on the “Wings Of Pegasus” channel also has some great content worth checking out.

[@AmandaZuke]

The Holy Trinity!

[@imkindofblue9730]

Rock the Casbah, great song.😊🎸💯✌️

[@heychadwick]

The Clash is my favorite band that I continue to go back to through the decades.

[@milesparker557]

Glad you're listening to punk. It's really the natural evolution since you listened to grunge. Btw, be aware that people can get pretty heated about what's considered punk and what's not.

[@george474747]

To get context, she needs the outline of popular music's journey - Elvis, The Beatles, 60s guitar, funk, reggae, punk's reaction against prog... This is a strand of something bigger.

[@george474747]

And why not eventually go back through earlier jazz, blues, gospel and folk roots? The story of the development of popular vocals would make a great story arc.

[@yourarsenaladvisor]

Case in point: Green Day

[@milesparker557]

@@yourarsenaladvisor oh I love Green Day, but let's not get into the can of worms that is pop punk...

[@yourarsenaladvisor]

@@milesparker557 I was just informing of a good test case for everyone's edification for a rainy day.😆

[@seraphicdesigninc]

Fugazi, please! There are two singers, and their voices are very unique and unconventional yet emotional and passionate.

[@justinbloomfield1589]

The Best.

[@KarlGunnarsson]

I'd love to see Fugazi explored on The Charismatic Voice. Or just hardcore and post-hardcore in general.

[@davidwing288]

We will be sitting in the waiting room until she gets to this. (Now picture the Skeletor walking away meme)

[@victorialovatt976]

Love how you describe Joe’s “rooster” vocal…it’s basically a wake up call to the masses❤

[@mrichmon]

The early British punk scene grew out of largely working class areas. The casual vocal delivery has a direct connection to the working class accents and dialects in those areas. London Calling is a very pop-influenced track. For comparison. "God Save the Queen" by the Sex Pistols (1977) and "Down in the Tube Station at Midnight" by The Jam (1978). The Punk scene evolved remarkably fast. It spun off multiple genres (mod, new wave, grunge) and strongly influenced others (rock, pop, ska).

[@smd2169]

Can’t wait! The Clash is one of the most important bands in rock history and this is an anthem.

[@DoktorDevious]

I recommend checking out "Ever fallen in love - The Buzzcocks" one of my favourite original punk era songs. Later punk eras also have a plethora of amazing songs; Black flag - TV Party, Fugazi - Waiting Room, The Offspring - The kids aren't alright and The distillers - Drain the Blood are some stand out examples from progressing eras to me. You could technically think of some of Nirvana's music as purely punk in some ways, songs like Molly's Lips which is a cover of The Vaselines come to mind.

[@TheMikeLyons]

Another interesting thing about the early years of Punk (70s and 80s) is how different the sounds that developed in the UK (The Clash, The Sex Pistols, etc) was versus that of the US East Coast (Ramones, Agnostic Front, etc) versus the US West Coast (Decendents, Bad Religion, etc).

[@DrNothing23]

You MUST do Sex Pistols next, in the punk genre. I'd LOVE to hear you dissect John Lydon's (Johnny Rotten's) vocals!

[@george474747]

Anarchy in the UK is the obvious song to choose. Gotta be the most iconic. And yeah, amazingly distinctive vocals to confront her with - the voice synonymous with punk.

[@ChurchOfTheHolyMho]

Second for Sex Pistols / Johnny Rotten....! Would love to hear her deal with non-pretty singing. :) The "Never Mind the Bollocks" album is what pulled me somewhat into the genre.

[@MattVogt2]

While 'Anarchy in the UK' is almost unavoidable, I would recommend 'Public Image' by PIL as a great candidate to listen to John Lydon.

[@GlenCulbert]

Damned -New Rose Sex Pistols - Anarchy in the UK Dead Kennedys - anything would be fun. Enjoy your episodes, really excited for you to analyze all the great punk of the past..

[@bendancar]

The Clash in 1979 was already through the funnel of Punk and poking thier heads out the other side. As further exploration of this album would reveal, they were already leaving 'true' Punk behind, mixing in Ska, Roots Rock, Reggea, and even (gulp) jazz elements throughout. They were (secretly) really talented musicians with the creativity and social conscience to go beyond we're-pissed-and-not-gonna-take-it of Punk in earlier forms. Great, and super influential band.

[@johnplaysgames3120]

Ngl, Elizabeth, I think a lot of the "deliberate casualness" you're hearing in Joe Strummer's vowels and consonants is less about him deliberately singing with a "punk" sound and more about his accent combined with the fact that he's doing a lot of talk-singing/yelling. He didn't have any vocal training or anything. Joe started busking in college, learning to play "Johnny B. Goode" on a ukulele and "singing" in whatever way he guessed singing was done. My guess is that his "choices" are less about what he's choosing to do and more about whatever he's able to do. Where that intersects with "punk" is that punk is a genre that allowed that level of singing and ultimately embraced it as a part of the casual, honest, unpolished vibe. You hear the same thing with Kurt Cobain. The way Kurt sang was more about natural ability and limitations than choice. In fact, Dave Grohl tells the story of Kurt deciding to try vocal lessons once. After one lesson, he came back with a tape full of vocal exercises. They played the tape, made fun of the exercises, thought they were stupid, pointless, and embarrassing, and threw the tape out. Kurt never went back for another lesson. It's safe to say that there was no point where Kurt was going, "I'm going to keep my mouth closed more than is usual when I sing, color my vowels with an 'r' sound, and blur my consonants a little for effect." He was just doing whatever came naturally to him, right or wrong, and imitating singers he liked to the best of his untrained ability. The important part of all that, though, is that the "punk" vocal sound is more about rawness and honesty than polish and acrobatics. Later, with the rise of Pop Punk in the '90s, you hear singers imitating the "punk" voice, but they're imitating people from decades before who weren't putting on a specific voice or style. They were just yelling along to the music to whatever degree they were able, often with their accents bleeding through and coloring the sound in a way that we now think of as "the style."

[@davidmastro5406]

Aside from drummer Topper Headon who came from a jazz background, the members of The Clash were, like most punks, not polished musicians. However, Joe Strummer made a significant point when he stated, "We were fervent listeners". They loved a wide variety of music, and as they evolved they transcended punk and incorporated other influences, like reggae, ska, and rap. Bassist Paul Simonon grew up in a heavily Jamaican neighborhood and brought in the reggae. Their varied influences made them stand apart from their contemporaries, like the Sex Pistols and The Damned. By the time 'London Calling' was recorded, The Clash were already broadening their sound. If you want to hear some of their material that is more strictly "punk", check out their first two albums. Some early favorites include "Clash City Rockers", "Janie Jones", "Career Opportunities", "Tommy Gun", and "Safe European Home". Another thoughtful reaction, Elizabeth. Keep up the great work.

[@jlajlajlajla]

I'm so glad you made this video. The Clash are my all-time favourite band. When I first heard this this track in my mid teens I always imagined it to be something like a letter that a child was writing to their pen-pal in another country after a declaration of war. When I was growing up punk rock had a very bad press, whereas these days it's almost respectable. I guess mainly that is due to us punks growing up and the kids finding little can shock us as we did our parents. You should look into feature more punk bands; there are many great ones to choose from. Maybe you could feature "Rat Trap" by The Boomtown Rats, which has the honour of being the very first punk single to reach the number one spot in the British charts back in '78.

[@Broccoli_Highkicks]

Can't wait to hear your thoughts on Jello Biafra's (Dead Kennedys) unique vocal style, if you want to move into punk. Although a lot of the lyrics will probably be too politically charged... Then again, you did RATM... For more vocally interesting punk, you might want to look at the subgenre of horrorpunk - a style that mixes punkrock with doowop and rockabilly - and to some extent psychobilly, though. Misfits, Samhain, Blitzkid, The Rosedales, The Matadors, Nekromantix, The Coffinshakers, The Meteors, Nim Vind, Astro Zombies, The Cramps, of course... There's quite a list...

[@714mattman]

I would vote for her listening to the Cramps out of that list.

[@Bristolcentaurus]

can you imagine an analysis of Holiday in Cambodia ?

[@blackbeansmatter1280]

Demented Are Go 😆

[@mcbeech]

Omg so excited you are exploring punk. Please check out The Ramones. If you really want to know about the origins of grunge you cannot pass on Pixies.

[@sherrijohnson6198]

The Pixies are a must!

[@1234tori]

london calling is a fantastic album full of different musical genres - is a masterpiece

[@SmashHistory]

I think a few bands you’ve covered are within the punk-sphere, iirc. Funnily enough, idk if I’d even consider London Calling a full on punk record, what I liked about The Clash is that they made their definitive punk statement with their first album and decided to incorporate *tons* of different influences after that, and they did it far better than a lot of their peers imo.

[@NiqScott]

I saw The Clash back around 1977 at Sheffield Top Rank, supported by The Slits. I was at the front, leaning on the stage, and Ari Up kicked me in the arm with her winkle pickers when she was duck walking up and down the stage.

[@billholder1330]

winkle pickers!! hehe

[@mikeytone9314]

I was smuggled into the Top Rank to see The Damned and Richard Hell and the Voidoids at the age of 14. Start of a lifelong journey.

[@NiqScott]

I saw them in 1980 (when I was 18), but I think that must've been a different tour. Can't remember the support. Saw some great bands there. The Stranglers, supported by Human League (their first gig), Buzzcocks, The Only Ones, Bad Manners. Great days.

[@boomerooni21]

I strongly suggest watching early Soundgarden videos, the London Marquee 1990 and some of the 89-90 Seattle area videos to fully understand the integration of punk and metal. As they became more commercial, some of those elements became lost as they became more mainstream. The band’s, and crowd intensity is a reflection of that

[@MetalPersonJ]

Classic song. Punk's greatest vocalist IMO is Eric Reed Boucher, a.k.a. Jello Biafra of the Dead Kennedys. They were actually criticized by some critics as being too "musical theater" for punk. Suggestions from me would be California Uber Alles, Kill The Poor, Holiday in Cambodia or their awesome cover of Elvis' Viva Las Vegas.

[@hisk7263]

A.k.a. Jello Biafra 😀 yes, my favorite punkband. I still put them on when I feel/need that energy. Especially Riot

[@Ryan713]

I second Holiday in Cambodia and would add Police Truck and maybe Stealing People's Mail. Police Truck represents early punk's attitude and battles with the cops.

[@emilianosintarias7337]

how can you call that guy the greatest punk vocalist, i have never head anyone say that

[@Ryan713]

@@emilianosintarias7337 I've never heard anyone refer to Jello Biafra as "that guy"

[@emilianosintarias7337]

@@Ryan713 well i have and sadly i am an expert on punk

[@joelronningen9930]

Oooooh yeah! So many amazing Clash songs await

[@wekkankq6704]

I am looking forward to your delve into a musical genre I am intensely fond of. As someone else mentioned in the comments already, Punk is more about attitude than a musical style, and as such, many sub-genres, eras of music, bands, and personalities have been produced from this attitude. Accompanying the attitude, passion, and spirit also went along with it. So many bands and musicians went about it with a truly pioneering and DIY mindset. They may not have all been the best musicians, singers, or songwriters, but they felt the desire to say something, to create something, and when a song from any one of them hits you, you feel it, and it speaks truth. May you enjoy them all as you travel along this path. Be well.

[@richardprescott6322]

I was born in London in 1966 - I love this song - it's my ringtone.❤ The Clash, The Damned, Adam and the Ants - you would love - Stand and Deliver ❤

[@burke615]

Yes, and being a D&D type nerd, she would probably love the music video for Stand and Deliver, too!

[@anthonydomingues4419]

Awesome video! Welcome to punk. You can hear a lot of variety in this genre. Early Punk - Ramones, Sex Pistols, Clash. Hardcore - Minor Threat, Black Flag, Bad Religion. Skate Punk - NOFX, Pennywise, etc. All very different bands with a different sounds. Hope you get to explore the different eras of this genre since each era has its tropes.

[@cixelsyd40]

I love Bad Religion, but I don't think she will ever do Bad Religion as she has said she wants to keep her channel neutral and not feature songs that are political and that is pretty much what Bad Religion does.

[@RobONeill-b5e]

I think it's the Sex Pistols tune God Save the Queen which brought the shock value of punk to the perception of the public. Johnny Rotten's voice is definitely worth experiencing

[@Nowhereman123]

The punkers understood a lot more than were and have been credited for.

[@jon-paulfilkins7820]

As a kid when this came out, London Calling cut through the air waves. The news was full of warnings of London Floods, and they were a factor, the soon to be completed Thames Barrier was also in the news. The riverside was yet to be developed, a lot of poor areas of terraced housing and derelict warehouses between them and the river. The prevailing attitude was that pollution was going to cause a global freeze, not a warning. Hence "The Ice Age is Coming". This dropped just after the 3 mile Island nuclear disaster in the USA which was a big news. That could have been coincidental as the song was recorded before that happened.

[@ww7883]

The staccato chord strumming and the straight 4/4 drums feel like a military march. The bass sliding up on the fretboard builds tension. Yes, the vocals are delivered in a direct manner, and the lyrics are a mournful warning of what is to come--juxtaposing "London Calling" (history of the meaning) against the present day condition of humans basically waging war on ourselves by not heeding the impending global warming crisis. This band was incredibly influential.

[@gogmorgoaway]

Exploring the sound of punk is a journey. So much difference in musical styles and range, punk is more the attitude than the actual music itself. The only real rule is that you're making your music the way you want and with whatever instruments and skill level you have, regardless of what society tells you it should sound like, and regardless of what could sell commercially. And if you can't get someone to record it for you, you just go do it yourself. Each town has its own punk scene and each scene inspires different sounds, and there's different sub-genres of each sound in every scene. Which is why so many artists take inspiration from it and how it bred so many other genres because it's such a hugely diverse musical genre on its own.

[@John_Locke_108]

Everything I know about London I learned from this song. This song and Werewolves Of London.

[@Tommy-he7dx]

"The Streets of London" by Ralph McTell might expand your knowledge :)

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

What about "London Bridge Is Falling Down"?

[@Tommy-he7dx]

@@TheCharismaticVoice Well, "My Fair Lady" what can i say :)

[@John_Locke_108]

@@TheCharismaticVoice Scared me as child.

[@blakerbnsn]

RIP Warren Zevon

[@geotherapy]

Other great Clash songs to take a look at, both stylistically and lyrically: * Lost in the Supermarket - one of my favorites and a kind of ode to loneliness. * Clampdown - my personal favorite Clash song and a great, high-energy protest to the way society forces you to sell the only things you really have to survive. * Train in Vain - lyrically, a straight up song about the emotional turmoil of getting dumped, but with a high-energy, almost pop aesthetic. Fantastic song, the dissonance is striking. There are dozens of great Clash songs, they're one of my favorite bands, but those are the three I'd love to see your thoughts on. Braindump of some other good ones to do for background: Safe European Home, Radio Clash, Rudie Can't Fail, Should I Stay or Should I Go, Straight to Hell, Death or Glory, Janie Jones, Guns of Brixton, White Man in Hammersmith Palais, Complete Control, The Magnificent Seven. The Clash are one of the most "musical" of the first wave Punk bands, for lack of a better term. They have such a variety of song styles, from reggae to pop to country to disco to direct hardcore punk. You can never get bored listening to the Clash.

[@StevenTyree-sl2nx]

Love your choices, although Death or Glory might not get past moderators, you know the line. Straight to Hell and Know your Rights are my favorites from Combat Rock, but London Calling is easily one of my top 5 albums all time, so so many great songs. Saw them twice at Red Rocks. Outstanding shows.

[@e.h.buchmann23]

Those are excellent choices

[@garretthenderson5738]

Lost in the Supermarket is a top ren song for me. But yeah, great choices (I'd echo the add of Death or Glory)... I never got into the Clash early on because Should I Stay or Should I Go and I Fought the Law didnt do anything for me, and I actively dislike Rock the Casbah. Glad I gave them another shot because just about every other song is gold.

[@dlenajohnson9015]

Agree! Also, “Brand New Cadillac” and “Armageddon Time”

[@lynnmickelson3295]

Guns of Brixton is awesome!

[@kenabi]

this one is, hands down, my favorite of their catalog.

[@fuzzydunlop7928]

Yessssss punk! Black Flag's My War would be a good one. Anything by Bad Brains. FEAR, I love Livin in the City or Beef Bologna maybe. But MOST IMPORTANTLY the dulcet vocal stylings of one Jello Biafra! "We've Got a Bigger Problem Now" might be a good one to look at. Jello doesn't get enough credit because he often comes off as shrill, but if you really listen you'll realize that he's a very deliberate singer - he's hitting all the notes he intends to hit. Punk adjacent - Nirvana's Negative Creep, Convenient Parking by Modest Mouse (interesting backing vocals going on here), ANYTHING by Big Black, Take Warning by Operation Ivy is a good song to look at, the vocalist of that band had the PERFECT mix of roughness and sweetness to his voice. Punk will always be near and dear to my heart. I was one of two punks in my entire town growing up and I have the shitty Black Flag tattoo to prove it.

[@kevla57]

For you x ray spex will be the one to check out Polly was amazing what a voice and a sax playing the lead guitar parts

[@baxdesign]

X Ray Spex totally - proto Riot Girrl.

[@kent570253]

The think with punk is THERE IS SOOOOOO MANY great bands. I started listening to 70's-80's punk in 2005, and I'm still discovering bands to this day.

[@jpkk0]

Punk is a very good genre, I'd say you would have some fun with: God Save the Queen - Sex Pistols Blitzkrieg Bop - Ramones Back Up Against the Wall - Rancid Old Friend - Rancid Dinosaurs Will Die - NOFX Josie - blink-182 Stockholm Syndrome - blink-182 The Hell Song - Sum 41 Fat Lip - Sum 41 American Idiot - Green Day Basket Case - Green Day Joy Ride - Snot Snot - Snot All in All, Punk is an awesome genre! It surely is a fun journey.

[@mattp6953]

I'd go for. Avenues and Alleyways by Rancid... And Know Your Enemy by Green Day. Let's not forget.anything by operation ivy.

[@jpkk0]

@@mattp6953 that's true! How could I forget those? Just goes to show how many great songs are out there

[@davegold]

Holiday in the Sun for the Sex Pistols.

[@marcm.]

0:24 what made punk so special, is the same as what made the original blues so special. There was a particular dynamism and life to it that transcended its edginess at the time. To this day, I surprise family members, mostly of the younger generation but some of the older also, with a song here and there from many of the bands that have been mentioned in this whole thread below the video. But also some very little known bands like the violent Femmes, psychedelic furs, did some very special work that was very powerful even in the early '90s... Which is many years after the genre that came from had had its heyday

[@Nightrelic]

Violent Femmes and Psych Furs, little known? Hardly.

[@comvoice]

You have no idea how influential this album was to me as a college student when this was first released. It was almost spiritual. I get goosebumps still listening to this song in particular... so political in nature and attitude, and yes "forward" the bass line is along with the rest of the LP.

[@skaughtmc6591]

Haha, digging out every synonym possible without saying they’re just not good at singing. I tried introducing an old girlfriend to Rancid, and her reaction was “they can’t sing.” Exactly. Crank it up, shout out the lyrics, and know that you sound just as good as anyone else singing that song. Recommend Rancid’s “Ruby SoHo” and “Timebomb”.

[@georgeconradie4854]

I don't think she can handle Tim 🤣

[@djmc452010]

Love the cover of Ruby SoHo by Jimmy Cliff too

[@leighannenight]

Ooh! Punk is the core genre of my formative years. The Clash is so iconic, I love that you're starting with them. I think you would absolutely LOVE Joey Ramones voice from The RAMONES, another iconic punk bands from the 70's. Also, now that you're going down this path I gotta throw in Brody Dalle from The Distillers (a female led punk band from the early 2000's). I think you would also find her voice fascinating.

[@gregmag66]

How wonderful that you’ve taken another vector. Punk was a reaction to the glam, formula rock, and even somewhat prog of the 70s. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a prog guy too but think of the musicianship of Yes and then those struggling to have an expressive voice who damned it all and just went for it, that was the brashness of punk that you see in Joe and the gang. I grew up in Chicago in the early 80s and was lucky to have a record store that was more than a shop, it was a scene. Yes, those in the know, I’m speaking of Wax Trax. There is where you could gather, hang for hours and hone your punk chops. I like to think that the spirit of Wax Trax inspired the film High Fidelity, same vibe. Anyway, I digress. I think Punk’s reaction to the 70s informed Grunge’s birth that was a reaction to the awful, formulaic, overproduced hair metal of the 80s. Nirvana, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, they all came out of a scene, driven by disaffected folks tired of being told what they should listen to, that gave them an unshackled form of music that they controlled. This is what ties punk to grunge - making the music that allows you to say what you want and not what others want you to say. We sadly need another revolution to push back on today’s corporate music.