This thing called punk...Where do I start?

[The Booman]

I know a little. Very little. Mostly the obvious, most well known bands. I would love some bands to explore. Starting with the early years. So, hit me with the facts!

[The Batlord]

Ramones first three albums
Sex Pistols - Nevermind the Bollocks
The Clash's first three albums
Iggy Pop & the Stooges' first three albums
Richard Hell & the Voidoids - Blank Generation
Radio Birdman Radios Appear
Wire - Pink Flag
The Modern Lovers' self-titled

[The Booman]

Originally Posted by The Batlord

Ramones first three albums
Sex Pistols - Nevermind the Bollocks
The Clash's first three albums
Iggy Pop & the Stooges' first three albums

These I have

Richard Hell & the Voidoids - Blank Generation
Radio Birdman Radios Appear
Wire - Pink Flag
The Modern Lovers' self-titled

These, not a clue. Thanks.

[Neapolitan]

Some of my favorite albums:

Can't Stand The Rezillos: The [Almost] Complete Rezillos
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...2mbMCmAux7QvCo

Minor Threat - Complete Discography Full Album (1989)


7 SecondsThe Crew

[The Batlord]

Especially agree on that Rezillos album.

[The Booman]

Originally Posted by elphenor

maybe throw on Devo's debut too

Television - Marque Moon

Talking Heads '77

I never considered Devo or Talking heads to be punk.

[The Batlord]

Originally Posted by elphenor

Pink Flag is technically not what is thought of as the OG punk sound either with its Art School minimalism

but it's certainly punk to me and unassailable (goes without saying)

It's the perfect jumping off point for post-punk. It sounds like a "real" punk band taking a flying leap off that diving board with confidence and vision. So yeah it's definitely a ****ing punk album even by the standard definition afaic.

Originally Posted by OccultHawk

If you want two records then add Singles Going Steady by The Buzzcocks

OMG how did I forget about that amazing album? Elph can bitch all he wants about "pop punk" as a term but it describes that album perfectly. A lot of what I associate with pure pop is the exploration of the all-encompassing, maximalistic hook, and Singles Going Steady hits me as hard in that way as Ke$ha, Britney Spears, or Madonna do.

Originally Posted by elphenor

they hella are

but for a more straight sound you might dig The Zeros too

I think I only listened to them once and thought they sounded like a slowed down Ramones (and I love when the Ramones slow down) and really dug them.

[Neapolitan]

I'm not declaring the first two as Punk band. However I think they are important in my book. The Dictators were on of the first bands that had that sound, and being a drummer you might like the cover of California Sun. Simply Saucer were a band that almost fell into total obscurity. They have a style somewhere between Garage and Punk in sound.

The Dictators Go Girl Crazy! (1975)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lkq6...ynPD3I4Z72PJzh

Simply Saucer - Cyborgs Revisited


more hardcore:

Gang Green - Preschool
*collection of early tracks (1981-1983)

SS Decontrol - The Kids Will Have Their Say 1982

Agnostic Front - Victim in Pain (1984)

[The Batlord]

They were definitely part of the movement even if they weren't part of what became the stereotype.

[OccultHawk]

I think you should just go with Pink Flag. It pays great dividends with multiple listenings and it’s interesting from the get-go.

I think it’s what you’re looking for.