Punk and Subculture+

Important People, Groups

I. The Carpenters

  • A. Introduction

  • B. Musical Style and Genre

  • C. Notable Hits and Achievements

II. Elton John and Billy Joel

  • A. Individual Contributions

  • B. Musical Styles and Influences

  • C. Career Highlights and Popular Songs

III. Carole King

  • A. Overview of Musical Career

  • B. Notable Albums and Achievements

  • C. Contribution to the Singer-Songwriter Genre

IV. The Eagles and "Hotel California"

  • A. Overview of "Hotel California"

  • B. Significance and Impact (11 million copies sold)

  • C. Notable Characteristics of the Song

V. Hebdidge and the Question of Style

  • A. Introduction to Hebdidge

  • B. Transforming Symbols of Everyday Life into New Concepts

  • C. Application of Hebdidge's Ideas in Music

Elements of Punk

  • A. Introduction to Punk Music

  • B. Contrast to Led Zeppelin (Harder Rock)

  • C. Contrast to Disco (Sensual, Smooth)

  • D. Chaotic Nature of Punk

  • E. Mosh Pit and the Pogo Dance

    • The pogo = flailing arms meaningless of life (nihilism)(rejection of principles) not precise moves

  • F. Reaction to Complacency

  • G. Attachment to Political Ideologies (Politics of Refusal)

  • H. Deconstructing Rock 'n' Roll

  • I. Incorporating Brutal Facts from Urban Culture

  • J. Progressive Urges Versus Nazi Imagery

  • K. Going Against the Popular Trend

General Characteristics of Punk Movement

  • Use of everyday life elements in music

  • DIY ethos and rejection of mainstream norms

  • Social and political commentary embedded in punk culture

Punk Movement

  • A. Diversity Among Punk Groups

  • B. Lack of Unified Sound

  • C. Decline by the Mid-1970s and Emergence of "New Wave" (by 1977, it is dead)

DIY Culture

  • A. Introduction to DIY Ethos in Punk

  • B. Inclusivity and Accessibility for Everyone

  • C. Empowering Anyone to Pick Up an Instrument and Start Playing

Punk Movement: The Main Venues

I. New York Punk Scene

  1. CBGB (Country Blue Grass and Blues)

    • Operational Period: 1973-1974

    • Transformation from a country bar to an underground music hub

    • Significant venue for the formation of various punk identities

    • Notable figures associated, such as Richard Lloyd of Television

    • Considered the heart of the New York rock underground

  2. Max's Kansas City

    • Patty Smith's Androgynous Look, Blondie's Breathy Pop, and Ramones' Biker Look

    • Inclusion of Talking Heads

    • Diverse artistic expressions within the punk scene

II. UK Punk Scene

  1. Sex Pistols

    • Rise of Punk in 1978

    • Addressing societal issues like unemployment, recession, and lack of food in their music

    • Initially not popular in the US but gained success over time

    • 1976: Formation and gaining a small following

    • Release of "Anarchy" and thematic focus on youth violence and sex

    • Role of the manager as a manipulator, leveraging industry power against itself (huge role)

    • Establishment of the store "Sex" and its storytelling element

    • Music addressing racism and the decline of western civilization notion reflected in their behavior, challenging social norms

Ramones punk group

  • biker look

  • queens new york

  • all take Ramone as last name

  • only played original music (couldnt figure out how to play others music)

  • strip down rock n roll (naked)

  • rapid fire guitar bursts

  • repetitive lyrics

  • Setlist of first gig = really showed political ideologies (politics of refusal)

Ramones – CBGB, NYC (September 15th, 1974)

  • musical chaos

  • DIY (welcoming to everyone) anyone can pick up instrument and start playing

  • Showing Niilism (looseness dance, drug or alcohol fuelled)

  • London spread 1975 — they were the featured artist (became a huge influence)

  • 2nd punk act to secure contract

  • signed with Sire record label

  • debut album 1976 - bombed in US, but top of London

The Clash: Evolution and Impact

Overview of The Clash

  • A. Formation and Background

  • B. Emergence as a British Punk Band

“White Riot" (1977)

  • A. Significance of the Song

  • B. Political Overtones and Chant

  • C. Evolution of the Song's Meaning Over Time

Involvement with Concert Festivals

  • A. "Rock Against Racism" (1978)

  • B. Response to Eric Clapton's Racist Comments

  • C. Promotion of Diversity through Music Genres

Comparison with the Sex Pistols

  • A. British Punk Scene Dynamics

  • B. Message Clarity in The Clash

  • C. Outlasting the Sex Pistols

The Clash's Message and Impact

  • A. Grounded Realism in Their Music

  • B. Addressing Real Middle-Class Life Problems

  • C. Connection with the Working Class

X ray specs “Oh Bondage Up Yours”

  • speaking back to gender constraints

  • confront gender norms of women