London Calling: Voted Best Punk Album of All Time by Dissident Readers!

London Calling
Originally uploaded by Adriano Comissoli

We have closed the polls and the votes are in. London Calling by The Clash, was voted the best punk album of all time. I can't say that I disagree. There have been so many great punk records over the years, but London Calling was a special record. It was a double LP that blew away any notions of what punk should sound like. Running the gamut from punk to ska to folk and dub, the songwriting was deep and the tunes were classic.
The opening cut was the title track, the plaintive London Calling. This is still a classic. Brand New Cadillac, a psychobilly tune was next. Jimmy Jazz, track 3, was a jazzy little number. Hateful and Rudie Can't Fail are both tuneful tracks to end side 1.
Side 2 featured some nice softer tunes. Spanish Bombs and Lost in the Supermarket are VERY soft from a punk perspective, but are great songs, full of insight. Clampdown is more straight-forward power punk. Then follows the punk classic, Guns of Brixton.
Side 3 boasts rockers Koka Kola, and Death or Glory. Side 4 finishes with my personal theme song of the time I'm Not Down, along with Train in Vain and Revolution Rock. If you don't have this disc, GET IT! I was still in high school when it came out 30 (ugh!) years ago. I graduated in 1981. This was the soundtrack of my youth, alongside other greats such as Black Flag - Damaged. Hope you have enjoyed this tribute to the album Dissident Times fans have voted their favorite all-time punk recording.

Ten Essential Uplifting Punk Songs for these Hard Times!

"Rise above" graffiti, Erie Canal
Originally uploaded by jcolman

Times are tough. Here is a batch of punk songs that will make it easier. In no apparent order, here are some of my favorites:

Rise Above - Black Flag
The be all end all of great punk tunes! "Try to stop us, it's no use!!!" Henry Rollins screaming into the mic, and he means business...

I'm Not Down - The Clash
A very personal and thoughtful account of personal trials and mustering up the strength and courage to overcome them.
"I've been beat up, I've been thrown Out
But I'm not down, Oh I'm not down
I've been shown up, but I've grown up
And I'm not down, Oh I'm not down"

Somewhere Over the Rainbow - Me First and the Gimme Gimmes
If this classic song done up SoCal punk style doesn't bring a smile to your face, then, as Louis Jordan would say, "Jack, you dead!"

I'm OK You're OK - MXPX
In a comforting way, MXPX is like your old pal, reminding you of better times, and that things are gonna be alright...

Do or Die - Dropkick Murphys
Leave it to the Murphs to give you the wakeup call against complacency. Don't let the bastards get you down!
"Your dreams are in danger, and We Must Rise
Our time has come we are under the gun It's Do or Die"

Living - The Circle Jerks
"Everyday is such a test, When this world's such a mess
But I'll try hard- I'll do my best, Won't get bogged down- like all the rest
Got no hamsters in my head- No monkeys on my back
No chains and shackles- to hold me down I wanna fly- I wanna fly"
That was my theme song back in the early 90's. I better find that cd and give it a spin!

New Day Rising - Husker Du
The whole lyric is like, Bob Mould shouting and screaming over and over "New Day Rising", but for some reason I get comfort from this...

Somewhere - Husker Du
Once again, in bittersweet verse, Bob Mould promises us that:
"Somewhere the dirt is washed down with the rain
Somewhere there's happiness instead of pain
Somewhere satisfaction has no name Somewhere I can
be the same". Hopeful lyrics.

I Believe in Miracles - The Ramones
I used to be on an endless run. Believe in miracles cause Im one.
A have been blessed with the power to survive. After all these years Im still alive.
I believe in miracles.
I believe in a better world for me and you.
I have been blessed with the power to survive.
After all these years Im still alive.
The futures here today. Its not too late.
Its not too late, yeah! I believe in miracles.
I believe in a better world for me and you.
Oh, I believe in miracles. I believe in a better world for me and you
Very deep stuff in a Ramones sort of way.

Rise Up - Pennywise
"Well it's up to you what you really want to do - take time - to find a way
Focus on your vision you're on a secret mission
Ignore what the masses say
Well it's up to me what I really want to be
And I'm still searching for the day
We got to fight we got to feel we got to know that this is real
If we're going to win this race
We gotta rise up open our eyes up."

Put these tracks on a playlist and you might find yourself feeling better about the world, the economy, the situation we are currently in. I know you folks out there have some favorite tunes, so PLEASE comment below!
Rise Above!!!

The Dirty Dozen Year End Round Up: The Twelve Most Popular Stories on The Dissident Times for '08

These are the most popular stories voted on by your little mouse-clicking fingers. A little schizo, but so is our blog, our readers and that's okay. Man does not live by punk and politics alone! In a world where Al Franken is a maverick, and John McCain is on Saturday Night Live, anything can happen. What a great year.
Drum Roll please:

1. Henry Rollins Spoken Word Tour of 2008 There seemed to be mucho interest in what Henry has to say, as this was the top article of the year. Henry is a rennaissance man and all-round interesting character. Little did I know during his Black Flag days that he would go on to have a successful career as a talk show host and spoken word artist. I was lucky enough to meet Henry back in '86. He was "intelligent and intense". That is how I always describe him. He has a busy mind, a great sense of humor, and a vitality that is always refreshing.
2. Ten Essential Punk Albums You Should Own. This article was one of my "Ten Essential" series that I like to write to help expose people to new music and artists. I tried to get 30 years of punk and boil it down to the 10 best albums. I could have made it the Top 100, as it was hard to narrow down the list. I tried to pay homage to as many styles of punk from different locales and eras as I could.
3. Anti-Flag Playing a free show at the Republican National Convention. A lot of hits on this came from ground zero itself, Minneapolis. Don't be confused, they were not doing a gig at the RNC, but at a different venue. The concert also featured Rage Against the Machine and others, and was great by many accounts.
4. Story of the Year Releases New Album. This seems like it should be number one, as "story of the year", but it managed a respectable #4 on the list. The St. Louis band turns out tasteful licks with just enough hard edge, good lyrics and hummable melodies to keep you tuning in. The new cd satisfies in several categories. Buy it.
5. New Release of Eva Cassidy material. Who is Eva? She is a jazz/folk/pop singer from DC that died 10 years ago. She had such a powerful voice that it will haunt you. Why else would bloggers like me be talking about her 10 years after her death. She had a purity and natural talent that stands tall even after all these years. Celebrate her life and get some Eva. I know this is a punk blog mostly, but give in to your tender side, bro. I think I love her.
6. Fender's New Joe Strummer Telecaster. Here is an amalgam of everything I love. Punk-The Clash-Fender guitars-Street art. The only way it could be more appealing to me is if it had a picture of my kids on it, got 50 miles per gallon and smelled like pizza.
7. MXPX celebrates 16 years in-yer-face. This article was a nice little howdy do to a punk band that I have always liked. They are straightforward, melodic, classic punk and a nicer bunch of boys you will not find. Happy 16th, MXPX!
8. Live CD: The Clash at Shea Stadium. The Clash at their best in a live concert cd at Shea Stadium. The band sounds tight, vibrant and as important as ever. Buy this disc too or ask Santa to get it for you. I love the Sandinista and London Calling era, and I love this too.
9. Unknown Hinson's Live CD in the works. For the uninitiated, Unknown Hinson is half vampire, half pyschobilly master of the Telecaster. He comes to town a couple of times a year looking for fresh blood. Nice sparse tunes done full-blown rockabilly style, with Unknown's unique delivery. This is priceless stuff!
10. Camper Van Beethoven retrospective Camper Van was there before indie had a name. Their stuff was quirky and different. This article was just a little roundup of a band that I remember fondly from the late 80s and early 90s. I think I accused an old roomy of stealing that CD, but I found it again in a cd folder since the article was written. What is the statute of limitations on libel?
11. Ten Essential Reggae Artists to Know. I never claimed to be a reggae expert, but I do like the music. Here, I just wanted to pay respect to some Reggae artists I felt have had a big influence on the genre over the years. I always loved how bands like Black Uhuru could sound so hopeful and so sad at the same time. There are tons of great reggae bands out there, and this was my list of ones I found worth the listen.
12. The Urges- Psych Ward New cd that merges the atonal and tuneful, the straight ahead with the psychedeilc. It is nice to see newer bands coming out with worthy takes on classic genres, and taking the music to new places in the process.
    
    So that, my friends, is it. Have a great new year, keep your ears open to new music, and contact us with your favorites and opinions on our favorites. May 2009 rock and rock hard!
    
    
    

Dead To Me Releases mp3 off New CD

Dead To Me ©Aaron Kahn/Sixgunphoto
Originally uploaded by thefestfl

The track is entitled "Little Brother", and you can get to it on Fat Wreck Chords' website. There are a lot of great mp3's on there, so stick around and sample a lot of great bands.

Dead to Me's new track is called "Little Brother" and features some Clash-like experimentation with non-punk elements such as reggae. Not as hard edged as their earlier material, but that's not a bad thing. One doesn't have to thrash all the time... I first heard these guys on their 2006 release "Cuban Ballerina" and liked their old school approach to punk. I am looking forward to hearing more of the new as yet unnamed EP.

http://s3.fatwreck.com/sync/audio_track/the_audio_file/234/03_Little_Brother.mp3

New from The Clash - "Live at Shea Stadium"

The Clash - London Calling - Pennie Smith
Originally uploaded by oddsock

1982- The Clash were on the verge of superstardom and on the verge of disintigration. Captured here is a nice document to the band's live show. There is a mixture of early material and stuff from the "Rock the Casbah" era. All of the tracks have a freshness and energy to them that makes me remember again what the buzz was all about. My one gripe is the truncated version of "Magnificent Seven" that they do. It seems like they started in the middle of the song. Other than that, I have no complaints about this one. Unlike other live albums released after the fact, case in point Husker Du "The LIving End", this is not just an attempt to recycle poorly recorded material that otherwise wouldn't see the light of day. Listening to it makes me remember a time when music was important, and not as formulaic. The Clash took punk into a myriad of different styles, and it still sounds fresh today. This cd is a worthy testament to the iconic band's live show. Since the stock market is now back to the values of the early 80's, turn your musical clock back as well! This cd is highly recommended! AOL is offering a live stream of the disc on their site right now. Give it a spin and you will want to own it.

In the Spotlight: Static Thought

Static Thought is a punk band from the East Bay of San Francisco. They say they are here to bring back the integrity and originality that music has long since lost. According to the band's website. Upon listening to their new release on Hellcat Records, "The Motive for Movement" I don't hear anything groundbreaking or earth-shattering. But that is not bad. What I do hear is the DIY work ethic that made me love punk in the first place.  Not too self-absorbed, posing or popish, here is some nice ugly unwashed punk that reminds me of the punk of the early 80's. 

Static Thought believes that ideas are more important than a fashion, and certain integrity is more important than showing off ones wealth. They are here to change things so there might be a future for the next generation of outcasts like ourselves.
They will be touring in support of their new release, but mostly in the west coast and mountains of Uah and Colorado. No plans for the midwest yet.
Static Thought, with their 2nd album "The Motive For Movement" seeks to "separate from the wash of generic punk rock with an original sound that is unlike any band today. By creatively blending different styles of punk and creating skillful songs and great hooks, the band is able to keep the listener interested from beginning to the end." 
“People listen to music because it touches a nerve that nothing else does. Because of that, each style has something to offer."

 I do hear a lot of different influences going on here. Like earlier punks the Clash, and newer bands like their label-mates Rancid, the do prove that punk need not be formulaic or derivative.

Worth a listen!

Fender Joe Strummer Telecaster

Check out this axe. I want one really bad. I need one. Like a rabid NRA member needs another shotgun.

Joe Strummer (of The Clash- but you knew that of course, or you are on the wrong blog) used the Tele, the most utilitarian of guitars. Like Joe, the Tele is a worker. Unpretentious. Battle-scarred. Joe bought his Tele in a London pawn shop back in the seventies. Not much of an artist, he used automotive spray paint and stickers to decorate his axe.
The automotive spraypaint wore off badly, revealing bare wood in some places and the original tobbaco sunburst finish in others. Joe just kept on playing it. Even in the last days with his band The Mescaleros, he still played this shopworn Tele.
Fender has issued a nice tribute to Joe Strummer in the way of a Mexican Tele that has aged parts, decals and the trademark worn black spraypaint, same as Joe's guitar.
I had a 69 Tele reissue a few years back, and got rid of it in a guitar trade for a 76 Les Paul. I need a soulful Tele to replace it in my arsenal. Could You Be The One? (the Husker Du fan asks himself). The Muddy Waters signature Tele is also a guitar worth looking at, but that is a blog for another day. Time will tell.

Ten Essential Punk Albums You Should Own

Here is another of my useless "Ten Essentials" lists. This is my subjective, opinionated, useless list. If you disagree with it, fine. How punk is that?

Black Flag- Damaged

This was the "White Album" for alienated youth in my day. Black Flag and Henry Rollins combined to form a scary amalgam of punk and metal noise not unlike the Hindenberg crash. When Henry shouts "I want to live... I wish I was dead", it was like a rallying cry for us 80's punks.

Dead Kennedys- Frankenchrist

This album was deemed so dangerous that the LAPD had to break some heads... Jello Biafra's satirical lyrics and the band's fast-paced delivery set the tone for Reagan-era punk. This infamous psychedelic edged hardcore album features 10 tracks including the old favs Soup Is Good Food, Jock- O- Rama, Goons Of Hazzard and MTV Get Off The Air!

Descendents- Somery
What more can be said? "All"! These guys wrote the blueprint for SoCal self-effacing punk with a sense of humor. Their "heart on sleeve" tunes were emo before there was emo. Short, interesting uptempo songs rule the day. All-O-Gistics should be a recognmized religion...

Husker Du- Zen Arcade

Recorded in a whirlwind session, this double album set the standard for hardcore and noise punk. The swirl of guitar feedback, and pounding drums set a thousand imitators in motion. Songs like "Broken Home Broken Heart" invented emo, while others like "Standing by the Sea" pushed hardcore into new directions with longer and slower arrangements and new ideas. This is a must have cd.

Minor Threat- Discography

Invented straight-edge punk. Sparse, emotional music that predated emo, before emo was a bad word. Minor Threat was short-lived but long will be remembered. One of the all time classics.

Minutemen- Double Nickels on the Dime

This double album had like a hundred songs on it. All of them good. DIY punk from 'Pedro CA. This was my soundtrack for the 80's. "This Ain't No Picnic" was a great one... The neat lyrics by D. Boone, the pounding bass from Mike Watt and the impeccable druming of George Hearly was a match made in indie punk heaven. The sound was sparse and excitable. As Mike Watt would say in his unique dialogue: "These guys jammed econo".

Rancid- 2000

The Punk Revival record that shows that punk is still alive and kicking. This album is THE punk record of the new millenium. Makes you love punk again. In the 90s, as I got a job and became a member of society, I was searching for some new grooves. Along came great SoCal bands like Rancid, NOFX and the gang. This album rocks, it goes for the throat, and it proves that the younger generation "gets it". Punk lives!

Ramones- Ramones

The first punk record ever. The Ramones invented punk. Do not be misled...

I remember hearing this album and thinking, these guys are nuts. Second playing... these guys are pretty good. Third playing... these guys are gods... Took arena rock and sacraficed it on the alter of rock and roll.

Sex Pistols- Never Mind the Bollocks

The Britpunk esthetic. Snarling, bad attitude, off key. Often imitated, never topped. Johnny Rotten set the standard for impudent, arrogant, hateful band leaders in the early days. Sid Vicious was, well Sid Vicious. And the rest of the band wailed with an urgency and self-destruction that let you know that the Pistols would self destruct but become imortal.

The Clash- London Calling

As a high school kid growing up, this album was my favorite. So many songs. So many styles. The Clash showed that you can be punk and still cover a lot of territory. Here is ska, punk, crooked jazz, street folk, and a plethora of other styles filtered through this amazing band.

Hope you find some good albums on this list. If you have any comments, or other albums I forgot, let me know. Here is a good start for a punk cd collection that will show you a lot of different bands that were important along the way. Happy listening!

Ten Essential Reggae Artists to Know

Like my list of essential Blues artists, here is a list of reggae artists that I feel are "must haves" for any startup reggae collection. If you want to expand your musical knowledge and add a new style to your CD collection, here are a few suggestions in the reggae genre. In no particular order, here are some reggae artists I feel have had much influence in their field.
1. Bob Marley
The most influential reggae artist, known throughout the world. Bob Marley transcended musical influence and was also a social influence in the world.Simple, plaintive tunes that spoke to the masses about oppression, racism, and freedom. "Legend" is a great disc to start with. Dig a little deeper and add "Uprising" and "Rastaman Vibration". There are a lot of interesting books and DVDs about Marley and his influence in reggae and beyond.
2. Black Uhuru
Black Uhuru (Swahili for "Freedom) incorporated modern beats and electronic drums in their sound. They were THE band of the 80s and early 90s. Great songwriting, excellent grooves and an instantly recognizable sound were the trademark of Uhuru. My favorite albums were "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner", "Iron Storm" and "Red". There is an "Ultimate Collection" available as well.
3. Mutabaruka
Dub poet and reggae artist, Muta's words are as great in print as they are to a reggae beat. I recommend "Check It" which was recorded in the early 80s, but still has an urgency for today, as well as his "Greatest Hits" collection that is available. Mutabaruka mixes pain, humor, politics and many other emotions into his raves. Do yourself a favor and check out his stuff.
4. Aswad
My favorite CD is "Hulet" although Aswad has always maintained a great, tight reggae groove filled with excellent musicianship. Aswad has often incorporated smooth R&B influences into their music and have had crossover appeal because of this.
5. Sly and Robbie
Sly and Robbie have appeared on countless reggae recordings over the years. They have also recorded with Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones. Playing together for many years has allowed them to have a remarkably tight Bass and Drums sound that lays down a thick groove. Having Sly and Robbie on the recording is like the reggae "Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval". You know it is quality stuff. Their own CD "Friends" won a Grammy in 1999.
6. Peter Tosh
Peter Tosh cut his teeth with Bob Marley and the Wailers early on. Going out on his own in the 70's, "Legalize It" was a dangerous, subversive thought, and Peter Tosh had it on his album cover, standing in front of a pile o' weed... Other than that, the recording was excellent and thoughful. This CD is a must for an understanding of reggae back in the day. Powerful stuff. His "No Nuclear War" is another great one, and won the 1988 Grammy for Best Reggae Album. His "Captured Live" album is also a good one.
7. Bunny Wailer
Another Bob Marley and the Wailers graduate, Bunny Wailer was the softer of the reggae sound, producing "Roots" reggae that is thoughtful and soulful. "Blackheart Man" is a great example of his sound and soul. Over the years he has won 3 Grammy awards for Best Reggae Album. "Time Will Tell" was one such CD and was a tribute to Marley.
8. Burning Spear
Nominated for 11 Grammy Awards over the years, Burning Spear has produced consistantly excellent music over the years. Burning Spear hails from the same town as Bob Marley and Marcus Garvey, Spear advocates messages of honesty, peace, and love, along with the religious and political messages of Rastafarianism and black unity. "People of the World", "Resistance" and "Rasta Business" are all excellent, although all of Spear's material is of high quality.
9. Toots and the Maytals
Here is another group that goes all the way back to the beginning of time, or at least seems to. They are as influential as Marley musically although not socially or politically. The group appeared on one of reggae's greatest soundtracks, - "The Harder They Come", a 1972 film starring Jimmy Cliff .On Vanity Fair's Top 10 Best Soundtracks of all time. Their material has even been recorded by The Clash.
10. Jimmy Cliff
Cliff's career took off at age 14 with "Hurricane Hattie". "Hard Road to Travel" was another influential early recording. "Wonderful World, Beautiful People" and "Vietnam" were both well received early material as well. He won a Grammy in 1985 with "Cliff Hanger". He has been active in both reggae and pop music and had many hits. His music has been covered by artists such as Bruce Springsteen and Cliff has collaborated with many pop, rock and R&B artists.

Hope this little guide will get you interested in expanding your musical pallate. Reggae is great soulful music and everyone should have some in their library. Happy Listening!