I woke up with Miley Cyrus' Wrecking Ball in my head. So I need to take a wrecking ball to my head. And that, in terms of music, can't get more destructive than some punk rock.
Every genre of rock music has been part of a socio-cultural movement against the status quo. Sometimes the movement stayed within the world of music, and sometimes the movement was just another channel of angst of the frustrated generation. Punk rock was born in the '70s, with bands like the Sex Pistols, the Clash, the Ramones trying to reignite the mad rebellious passion that drove rock music, at a time when lyrical melodic rock was topping charts. Punk rock was loud, over-simplified noise. And it helped deliver the anti-establishment message loud and anything but clear.
Now, cut to present day. And Green Day. The only punk rock band I'd give an arm and a leg to watch live. They have been in the news lately for a) their (well, technically..) debut album Dookie turning 20, and b) their debut album Dookie being dubbed the 2nd most influential album of the 90s (after Nirvana's Nevermind).
Much shit has been written about this album, and the band. Mostly by punk purists, I suppose. But let me objectively (not) speak of my love for some of their songs.
When I come around - One of the songs that I fell in love with, as it hit the charts and got overplayed on MTV. Thankfully, back in school, I wasn't allowed to watch much MTV, so it remains an eternal favourite.
Time of your life - One song that is actually frequently abused on the radio, every mod rock playlist and every farewell note. Simple tune (I should know, I used to be able to play it), and seemingly abstract lyrics ("For what it's worth, it was worth all the while.."), mellow and deep. Not the makings of a great punk song. But a great way to ease into the band.
Jesus of Suburbia - Again, American Idiot. This particular one is a nice fat indulgent slice of the rock opera.
Macy's Day Parade - Another tip of the hat to the pointlessness of life. Mellowed down.
Kill the DJ - It's just so much fun. That's all.
F.O.D - Just a personal favourite expression of rage. Almost childish. But very, very effective.
Every genre of rock music has been part of a socio-cultural movement against the status quo. Sometimes the movement stayed within the world of music, and sometimes the movement was just another channel of angst of the frustrated generation. Punk rock was born in the '70s, with bands like the Sex Pistols, the Clash, the Ramones trying to reignite the mad rebellious passion that drove rock music, at a time when lyrical melodic rock was topping charts. Punk rock was loud, over-simplified noise. And it helped deliver the anti-establishment message loud and anything but clear.
Now, cut to present day. And Green Day. The only punk rock band I'd give an arm and a leg to watch live. They have been in the news lately for a) their (well, technically..) debut album Dookie turning 20, and b) their debut album Dookie being dubbed the 2nd most influential album of the 90s (after Nirvana's Nevermind).
Much shit has been written about this album, and the band. Mostly by punk purists, I suppose. But let me objectively (not) speak of my love for some of their songs.
When I come around - One of the songs that I fell in love with, as it hit the charts and got overplayed on MTV. Thankfully, back in school, I wasn't allowed to watch much MTV, so it remains an eternal favourite.
Time of your life - One song that is actually frequently abused on the radio, every mod rock playlist and every farewell note. Simple tune (I should know, I used to be able to play it), and seemingly abstract lyrics ("For what it's worth, it was worth all the while.."), mellow and deep. Not the makings of a great punk song. But a great way to ease into the band.
Give me novocaine - Ahhh.. American Idiot. I cannot imagine too many albums that can claim to have such a complete experience. Each song hits you like a rock. Enjoy the permanent bruising from this one.
Longview - A life anthem. An ode to the eternal boredom that is life.
Jesus of Suburbia - Again, American Idiot. This particular one is a nice fat indulgent slice of the rock opera.
Macy's Day Parade - Another tip of the hat to the pointlessness of life. Mellowed down.
Redundant - And this one's to recognize exactly what it is that makes life boring. And the video, in case you weren't paying attention.
Kill the DJ - It's just so much fun. That's all.
Amy - A tribute to the angelic disaster that was Amy Winehouse. I'm sure there have been better tributes written for better singers. Maybe there's some kind of symmetry in imperfection.
F.O.D - Just a personal favourite expression of rage. Almost childish. But very, very effective.
