1976
The Ramones and the Sex Pistols are widely considered the creators of Punk, and if the genre was around before them under a different name, then the least that can be said for the two groups from opposite sides of the Atlantic is that they kick started a movement. What’s obvious even from first listen is how different they are, it’s hard to imagine any genre that would include them both. But The Ramones were doggedly persistent in their pop structure musically, and the Sex Pistols molded themselves into the image of a pop group, albeit a kind of pop group that had never been seen before. I’m not particularly a huge fan of either group – the Sex Pistols have survived because of image and three great songs, and if you’ve heard one Ramones song you’ve heard them all – but both bands have an undeniable appeal in style and presentation that has influenced hundreds, if not thousands, of groups since. Sitting next to an average Bowie single and some strong if not exciting rock ‘n’ roll on this mix, it’s easy to see why punk seemed so relevant in the late 70s.
Elsewhere, 1976 was a great year for reggae, and I included three great songs: Max Romeo’s “War In a Babylon,” Culture’s “Two Sevens Clash,” and one of the greatest reggae singles ever, Junior Murvin’s “Police and Thieves.”
This also marks the first appearance of Stevie Wonder, from his last great record, Songs in the Key of Life. There will obviously be much more from him as we go back into the soul era.
And of course, there’s some cowbell.
Enjoy, and comment below.
Download the mix.
1. Blitzkrieg Bop - The Ramones
2. Police And Thieves - Junior Murvin
3. Roadrunner - The Modern Lovers
4. X Offender - Blondie
5. (I'm) Stranded - The Saints
6. Don't Fear The Reaper - Blue Oyster Cult
7. Fly Like An Eagle - Steve Miller Band
8. Wild Is The Wind - David Bowie
9. Young Hearts Run Free - Candi Staton
10. I Wish - Stevie Wonder
11. The Bottle - Gill Scott Heron
12. Legalize It - Peter Tosh
13. Love Hangover - Diana Ross
14. Two Sevens Clash - Culture
15. New Rose - The Damned
16. Anarchy In The UK - Sex Pistols
17. American Girl - Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
18. War In A Babylon (w/Lee Scratch Perry) - Max Romeo W
19. Love and Affection - Joan Armatrading
20. Tom Traubert's Blues - Tom Waits
posted by bza @ 4/10/2006
4 Comments:
Looks like this was blocked by YouSendIt
it will work now.
Wild is the Wind over Golden Years? Actually, fuck Bowie in 76. Wild is the Wind over Shake Some Action?
I really love your writing on this year. I too find myself torn between the immense importance and influence of the Pistols and the Ramones and my own lack of interest in ever really listening to either. I definitely don't mind hearing them one bit, but yea. What you said.
Any chance to reload the 1976 zip? I missed the posting (year of my birth, go figure). The link expired. Thanks, I am enjoying the project.
Post a Comment
<< Home