Playlist: Up The (Fashion) Punx!

Now, I’m not so hip to the world of fashion but I’ve been observing a new trend that seems to be sweeping across misunderstood fashionistas and taking the young art school girl scene by storm. Punk is in. I haven’t seen so many studs since a Casualties video and there are more Doc Martens kicking around the streets than at a National Front meeting.  The fashion world constantly evolves itself and usually these styles are just clothes and clothes alone but this look is associated with a very specific community: punks. I think it’s only fair that if you take on the look of an underground scene such as punk, it’s important to have at least a basic knowledge of the music that created the style. This playlist is designed to enable all the ripped jean jacket wearing punkanistas out there understand a little bit about where the image comes from.

“Move” – The Plugz

First off, this is a great song when you want to hate on old people. We all know in order to be really involved in the fashion you’ve got to be beautiful, thin and most importantly young. These guys, originally from LA, formed in 1977 and along with The Zeros were one of the first Chicano (Mexican-American) punk bands. They only put out two full-length LPs, the first of which called Electrify Me rips really hard. This track however comes from their 1978 Move 7″.  I suggest listening to this song while you’re ramming your way through all the old farts (anyone over 25) on a crowded sidewalk; or when you just want to let everyone know that you’re young, you’re gorgeous and you just look like you don’t give a fuck.

“Pirate Love” – Johnny Thunders & the Heartbreakers

This is one of my favorite tracks from Johnny Thunders. It’s raw, stripped down, in your face rock n’ roll. And what’s even better is that it’s about pirates and being a total bad-ass. It’s one of those songs that makes you want to throw back three beers at once then grab the drunkest girl in the dank pit you call your favorite bar and swagger your way into the bathroom together. For those who don’t know, The Heartbreakers formed after Johnny and Jerry Nolan (drums) left the New York Dolls and Richard Hell was forced out of Television. They are power trio; creating some of the best New York City punk at the time. They epitomized the sex, drugs & rock n’ roll credo. Now you can too!

“You Hate Me & I Hate You” – GG Allin & the Jabbers

Please, if you want to pull off that “I don’t give a fuck about you or stupid corporate job” listen to this song at least 5 times a day. Maybe it’s the driving pace of the song or the fact that “fuck you” is repeatedly yelled throughout it, but there’s something about this song that can get anyones blood boiling. It’s from the 1980 release Always Was, Is and Always Shall Be which is hands down one of the best punk records to ever be produced. Mind you, this is before Allin’s heroin, shit-tossing and rapping phase. It’s pure punk mixed with a little power pop. Please listen to album with caution, it may cause you to stop caring about anything else.

“I Love Livin’ In the City” – FEAR

This is an ode, as the name suggests, to everyone who lives in cities and perfectly encapsulates all the feelings you have about it. The rats, going out and partying the dirty streets–it’s perfect. FEAR was born in LA in the late ’70s. They played all through the ’80s, ’90s and even did a show last year in New York City (wish I could have gone). They are one of the more famous early American hardcore bands. On an episode of SNL, which they were the musical guests for, punk icons Ian MacKaye (Minor Threat), Harley Flanagan and John Joseph (Cro-Mags) and John Brannon (Negative Approach) started a mosh pit on set while the band was playing live on the air. You might also know one of their former bassists: Flea (yeah that Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers). So next time you’re at a big Japanese fashion magazine launch party in Soho and all your Patron shots get paid for right before you leave,  just scream out: “I love living in the city!”

“Orgasm Addict” – The Buzzcocks

What’s better than a song that is catchy, forceful and punchy throughout and talks about being addicted to sex? Not many things. When I was a teen full of angst and confusion I thought anything to do with sex was the best thing ever. I thought about it pretty much 24/7 and when I heard this song for the first time during the summer between 7th and 8th grade I thought that someone had written a song just for me (sorry maybe that was a little to much info about myself ). It’s the perfect soundtrack to a martini fueled gallery opening or a wicked exclusive party in the basement of a boutique that specializes in studding man-purses. I was lucky enough to see The Buzzcocks in Boston a few years back and it was one of the best shows I’ve ever been too, even though I got kicked out before they finished their set. So listen to this song, and then everything they’ve ever done.

These five songs are meant to inform all the punkanistas (fashion goon + faux punk clothing wearer) about what they represent, at least for me, when they dawn their leather jackets and combat boots. I’ve never been a person to say “punk is dead” because I think that the spirit of the raucous movement lives on. However, I think it takes a big kick in the crotch every time I hear someone ask “OMG, have you ever listened to the Bad Brains?” whilst they dawn a M.D.C t-shirt.