5. Misfits – Misfits (also known as “Collection I”) (Plan 9/

Caroline, 1986)

It seems lists of this nature always fail to mention one of the most

influential hardcore punk bands in history. The Misfits have existed

in one form or another for almost 25 years. Hell, by now parents

are probably starting to share these perverse recordings with their

children.

Formed in Lodi, New Jersey by singer Glenn Danzig and bassist

Jerry Only, the Misfits took their name from a Marilyn Monroe movie

expressing Danzig’s combined interest in Hollywood, beauty and

the macabre.

This album is a compilation of their more popular tunes released

after their dissolve in late 1983. Lacking great musicianship, they

relied on Danzig’s strong songwriting abilities and deep baritone

howlings to carry them through their initial existence.

Their songs had the same appeal as a B-grade movie. Seeped in

bloodbaths and murderous killings, these tracks come off with

more of a chuckle than a scare.

Many of their songs were embraced by the underground and the

mainstream. Everyone is familiar with Guns N’ Roses’ cover of

“Attitude” and even more so, Metallica’s rendition of the delightfully

violent “Last Caress.”

But it’s songs like “Skulls,” “Bullet” and “Where Eagles Dare” that

Danzig’s lyrical qualities shine.

After 12 years of silence due to rights over the use of the name the

Misfits, Only and company reemerged sans Danzig with the

release of 1996’s “American Psycho.”

They continue to carry on the name that defines the sound of

horror. Campy at best, no one can argue the appeal of what has

become an institution known as the Misfits.

Featured tracks: “Bullet,” “Skulls,” “I Turned Into A Martian”

4. Black Flag – Damaged (SST Records, 1981)

When it comes to going hard, there are no other contenders when

compared to Black Flag. Their mere existence was marred by

constant lineup changes, lawsuits and a maraud of incidents

when touring.

“Damaged” was Henry Rollins’ debut as singer with Black Flag

after guitarist/ vocalist Dez Cadena turned to strictly axe slinger.

Rollins’ aggression brought a whole new dimension to the already

socially conscious band.

The band’s first full-length, this album displays despair,

self-depreciation and above all, fierce defiance for authority.

In contrast, the album’s lighter side is found within the

underground favorite “T.V. Party.” This song is a sarcastic portrayal

of a lifestyle none of the guys in Black Flag were familiar with.

Sitting around, drinking beer and wasting the night away were

anything but realistic intentions for a group of workaholics.

But the album is highlighted by “Police Story,” a short summation

of the notoriously crooked LAPD. “This fucking city/ Is run by pigs/

They take all your rights away/ From all the kids.” Black Flag was

under constant harassment from authorities due to lyrics like

these.

As musicians, it was only a matter of time before an album of this

magnitude was produced. Just try to listen through the poor

recording quality.

Featured tracks: “Police Story,” T.V. Party,” “Six Pack”

3. The Sex Pistols – Nevermind the Bollocks Here’s . . .”

(Warner Brothers, 1977)

There’s boy bands and then there’s the Sex Pistols. Created as a

concept group by S&M clothing boutique owner Malcolm McLaren,

the Pistols had two things on their agenda: destroy and piss off as

many people as possible while doing it.

These non-conformists had no intention but to make a buck. They

couldn’t even play. They wrote lyrics that were, at the time, so

appalling and callous as to get them banned in areas all over the

United Kingdom.

“Bollocks” managed to do what few albums could – to totally

change the face of music. How could a quartet of lowlifes manage

to swindle not only the music industry, but also their fans? Create

media attention anyway possible. Outlandish behavior was

key.

Their first and only studio album spoke volumes for the many

disillusioned, pessimistic youths living in the UK.

“Anarchy in the UK” and “God Bless The Queen” are two of the

greatest singles in punk’s history. In a country that held royalty in

such a high regard, it was quite an earful for the public to absorb.

“God Bless The Queen,” was banned by the BBC for its vile lyrics.

The lines are famous, “God save the Queen/ The fascist regime/

They made you a moron/ Potential H-bomb.”

After a mere two-year existence, the volatile Sex Pistols imploded

after the departure of Johnny Rotten at a Winterland Ballroom

show in San Francisco on January 14, 1978. A year later, bassist

Sid Vicious died of a drug overdose in New York’s Chelsea

Hotel.

Despite their lack of musicianship, the Sex Pistols could have

offered so much more. But it was their violent nature that limited

them from ever continuing.

“Ever get the feeling you’ve been cheated?”

Featured tracks: “Anarchy in the UK,” God Save The Queen,” “Pretty

Vacant,” “Problems”

2. The Clash – The Clash (CBS, 1977)

The Clash chose to inject their punk with rockabilly, blues, dub and

American roots rock. The strength of the band laid in the strong

talents of Joe Strummer and Mick Jones. Each had their respective

authorings and distinctive voices. Put them at the top with Lennon/

McCartney and Jagger/ Richards. Not bad company. The English

have us there.

They had it all; sales, popularity, artistic freedom. The Clash didn’t

receive the line “the only band that matters” for nothing. Do yourself

a favor, discover them for yourself and keep hoping for a

reunion.

Featured tracks: “White Riot,” “I’m So Bored With The

U.S.A.,”London’s Burning,”

1. Ramones – Ramones (Sire Records, 1976)

The Ramones were the epitome of punk. They were as American

as apple pie and they influenced everyone from the Clash to the

Sex Pistols to Green Day, and every punk band thereafter.

Composed of `60s pop melodies and mindless, inane lyrics, their

songs moved the most apprehensive listener to hum along.

The Ramones reinvented rock and roll for a new generation fed up

with disco, stadium rock and overly sensitive hippie songwriters.

They opened the door to a genre that beckoned to be released for

years.

Three chords, a catchy melody and memorable lyrics set at a

blistering pace was all it took to start gathering a devoted New

York following that soon spread across the country and

overseas.

Writing what they knew about produced what were essentially pop

songs like “Now I Wanna Sniff Some Glue,” “Judy Is A Punk” and

an ode to the Cold War entitled “Havana Affair.” Who has yet to

hear “Blitzkrieg Bop?”

Without being too artsy like their counterparts at the time, Talking

Heads and Television, were, the Ramones managed to leave an

indelible impression upon not only punk, but music in general

forever.

I predict kids will still be playing three-chord punk in leather jackets

and Levis 100 years from now.

R.I.P. Joey.

Featured tracks: This album is only 28:53 in length. Do something

for your country and memorize it.

– Boonie Boone