Throwback Tracks -- September 14, 2017
David R. Smith
Continuing on our journey through punk rock this week, we're moving up in time. Last week we went with more old-school punk, where as this week we're going with late 80s through to the end of the millennium.
When I was a younger lad, nearly 20 years ago now (yikes) and my friend introduced me to punk music, I was hooked. At the time, it's not like I was rebelling against anything, but I liked the speed and the intensity. I liked the anger, even though I wasn't really angry. I liked the attitude, even though I didn't really have an attitude. And somehow, I found the music calming.
Years later, I still love me some punk music. Not to the same extent as I did when I was a 17 year-old in high school, but I still listen to the songs and they remind me of a simpler time.
These are some of those songs.
The Guys From do not hold the rights to any of these songs, it is more our hope to expose our readers to new (*cough*) and different retro music, or re-expose them to things they may have forgotten about.
At the top of each section, will be the song name, followed by the artists' name linked to their website (if possible...which is totally hit and miss with oldies), so you can fall down the rabbit hole, finding and supporting what you dig.
Sidekick - Rancid
One of the most iconic bands of the punk genre, we have Rancid who are part members of one of the other iconic bands of the 80s; Operation Ivy.
Rancid are familiar because of Tim Armstrong's raspy, almost congested sound. Listening to this song, I can barely make out half the lyrics because he's got such a strange sound to his voice. But the song is fast, fun, has a great chorus and that bassline is amazing.
There's not much to write about these punk songs because they go by so fast. But they're damn good music.
We Threw Gasoline on the Fire... - NOFX
This song's full title is actually We Threw Gasoline On The Fire and Now We Have Stumps for Arms and Legs and No Eyebrows. But that was hard to fit in the title section. So now you know it.
This may be my favourite song to come out of the punk genre. I don't know what it is about this one, but I love it. The opening - almost acoustic - riff to the song sets it up to be a less punky song than you might thing. Even when the rest of the band kicks in, it's fairly innocuous. And then.. around the 35 second mark, it shifts and all of a sudden it's pedal down. We get a couple verses of punk, the bridge which is also weirdly chill and then the final verse with just a kick ass drum roll in it. It's a very well crafted song and one that I can listen to several times on repeat before I move on.
The Fighting 69th - Dropkick Murphys
A newer punk band; Dropkick Murphys came around in the late 90s. As they're from Boston, it makes sense that they're very Irish. As such, it makes sense that they would garner some fame by covering Irish folk songs, but giving them a punk twist.
Their cover of Rocky Road to Dublin is something you should check out. It's heavy, it's hard, and it kicks some major ass.
This song is the same. This is the sort of song that when you hear it, you can't help but getting amped up. I mean, when they start a song with "GO!" and then you get a heavy bass and guitar riff kick right in, it's a wonderful song and it makes me feel like I can rip trees out of the ground.
Story of my Life - Social Distortion
The movie Orange County has been on my mind a bit in the last little while. I'm not sure the reasoning for it, but it has. So it seemed only fitting that the Social D song I used for punk month was Story of my Life. They use this song at the beginning of the movie and it's so perfect. (It also helps that Social D is from Orange County.)
I was lucky enough to see Social Distortion when I was younger. My brother and I endured all the less than awesome opening acts to ensure we got rail for Social D. It was worth it. If you like this song, I would recommend tracking down Live at the Roxy. They play many of their best songs on that album and it's a hell of a live recording. Definitely worth the listen!
Pennywise - Pennywise
I just saw IT this weekend. (Incidentally, it's a spectacular movie.) The book, written by Stephen King, is the namesake for this band. And the basis of this song. Listen to those lyrics. Evil is in his eyes. The clown they call Pennywise. Anybody who knows that book or has seen either movie definitely gets the references.
I love when bands get inspiration from books. Led Zeppelin did it with Lord of the Rings, why can't Pennywise do it because of Stephen King? Makes sense to me! It's a super short song, but man oh man, is it ever terrific!
There's our five for this week, friends! I've been enjoying these punk songs so much. I'm glad I can pick some themes per month, as I've been doing. Join me again next week for more punky goodness!
If you're looking for something less punk and more standard TBT, the August Throwback Track playlists for both Apple Music and Spotify are now available for you to listen to. So go do that!
2017
July 2017 TBT Playlist (and the July Spotify List), June 2017 TBT Playlist (and the June Spotify List), May 2017 TBT Playlist, April 2017 TBT Playlist, March 2017 TBT Playlist , February 2017 TBT Playlist
2016
Throwback Playlist for Dec 16/Jan 17, October 2016 Throwback Playlist, September 2016 Throwback Playlist, August 2016 Throwback Playlist, July 2016 Throwback Playlist, June 2016 Throwback Playlist, May 2016 Throwback Playlist, April 2016 Throwback Playlist
-D (@davidronn)