Tag Archives: punk rock

Music, Pop Culture

Happy Birthday, Jello Biafra!

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Jello Biafra
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Dead Kennedys’ vocalist, chief instigator and former candidate for Mayor of San Francisco, Jello Biafra (born Eric Reed Boucher) turns 51 years old today, have been born on June 17th in 1958. Jello was a lot of fun to interview, especially when he and the psycho bitch photographer I brought along to the assignment got in a fight. Good times. Sadly, this interview has been largely lost to the ages, being no longer archived on line. I can assure you, however, that it was a keeper. Happy Birthday, Jello!

Thanks to The P5 Blogspot: This Day in 80s Music for the tip!

Music, Pop Culture

Classic Punk Single of the Day: Dead Kennedys "Holiday In Cambodia"

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On this date in 1981: Dead Kennedys released their second single, “Holiday In Cambodia,” backed by “Police Truck.” The A side appeared on their debut album, Fresh Fruit For Rotting Vegetables, though it was different than the single version. This album is still the largest selling punk album in California history; followed closely by the debut from OC punk band, The Adolescents. Coincidently, I’m going to the Bowery Ballroom tonight to see former Adolescents’ bassist Steve Soto’s new band open for X. What goes around comes around.

Thanks to The P5 Blogspot: This Day in 80s Music, for the Tip!

Music, Pop Culture

Vintage Punk Rock Single of The Day: The Vibrators, “Baby Baby”

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“And the Clothes You Wear, They’re So Fine…”

On this date in 1977: The Vibrators released their third single, “Baby Baby,” backed by “Into The Future.” Both songs appeared on the band’s debut fantastic album, Pure Mania, which remains one of my favorite albums of all time, to this day. The album also included the track, “Stiff Little Fingers” – the song from which Stiff Little Fingers took its name. The London punk band has gone through numerous lineup changes but is still active, with lead singer Knox and drummer, Eddie, still present from the original band.

Thanks to The P5 Blogspot: This Day in 80s Music, for the Tip!

Books and Periodicals, Pop Culture

Must Read Rock Book: Poisoned Heart By Vera Ramone King

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Despite the fact that it has possibly the longest title of any book ever written, I was able to read Poisoned Heart: I Married Dee Dee Ramone (The Ramones Years). A Punk Love Story – the gritty new biography by Dee Dee Ramone’s long-suffering ex-wife Vera Ramone King – in the 3 hours it took me to fly from Chicago to Newark. Let me tell you, I loved this book!
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Music, Pop Culture

The Buzzcocks Release Spiral Scratch EP

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“Yeah, well, I say what I mean
I say what comes to my mind
Because I never get around to things
I live in a straight – straight line

You know me – I’m acting dumb
you know the scene – very humdrum
boredom – boredom

B’dum b’dum”

Backstory:
On January 29, 1977, Buzzcocks released their first record, the 7-inch Spiral Scratch – a four song EP containing “Breakdown,” “Times Up,” “Boredom” and “Friends Of Mine.” None of the tracks would appear on an album. Lead singer Howard Devoto left the band shortly after its release. Pete Shelley moved to the front and, after a brief time with Garth Davies, brought in Steve Garvey on bass to form the classic lineup which lasted until 1981. The Manchester, England punk band re-formed in 1989. Pete Shelley and Steve Diggle remain from the original lineup. Howard Devoto went on to form Magazine and Luxuria.