The mechanics of Punk Rock and it’s familiar formula have been with us for so long. So, why do you listen to punk, and what does it do for you? I suppose that question is very open ended. Meaning, people have many different approaches and explanations. The actual, physical state of a punk record is enough for me to be influenced and inspired. Influenced and inspired by what, though? I suppose the global network of friends and family, the state of our world and how we can be more aware of our surroundings. Smarter ways to live and how to stay coherent amongst so many that are daft to their environment. Although some punk rock has been regurgitated so much, that it doesn’t even interest me anymore. This of course depends on the record. I think we all can agree on the amount of bullet belt layouts with ICBM’s protruding out of a skull has been a bit over done. I love that stuff to some degree, but the ‘assembly line’ approach to this is sometimes disheartening.
Remember that whole “Dis” thing? I think there’s a few remnants of that genre that’s still lingering around, but the sounds still reigns supreme! Don’t get me wrong, I’m not dissing (yea, no pun here) that phase of raging punk. That will definitely go into the history books, but it was a tinge too much at times. I have a pretty nice array of Dis records and D-beat play lists, and I am likely to continue listening to these until my last days. I just find it difficult at times to pick up that particular record and feel the angst that the punk movement and it’s music naturally conveys within us.
This leads me to a partial point. I, along with others have experienced the random populace of people involved that have served their time and dedicated themselves to the cause. Unfortunately some have turned into a negative energy that has detoured their lives and almost contradicts the whole punk ethos, needless to say their personal welfare as well. Becoming jaded, bitter and relying on the elements (excessive consumption, elitism, etc.) that have plagued the punk community and dragged others down due to those treacherous ways. Maybe it’s my interpretation of how punk needs to be communicated. Assigning yourself to one particular musical genre can sometimes lead to a more narrow, and less productive means, which ultimately contradicts how our community operates. Needless to say, purchasing the latest and greatest ‘flavor of the month’ isn’t really what I mean.
I have opinions, you have opinions and that is the diversity of the human race. For far too long some areas have been a little gray and this has led to some divisions in our scene (btw, I really dislike that term). Specific genre’s and tastes of our music has divided communities and this leaves an impression of a superficial and shallow existence. It’s a little confusing, but I’m guessing the reasons for some of these communal divisions greatly rely on the opinion and thoughts of the people who drive it. No matter the sound, I thought it was all one in the same.
It’s a global network. I’ve seen this first hand and it’s awe inspiring. It’s truly an amazing feeling when you can sit in the comforts of your home, apt, squat, venue etc. and have that ‘global’ community in your hand. This is what brings us together, to congregate in damp, crowded basements, share a pint at the local pub/venue or communicate abroad to folks with identical intentions, and never see their face. To separate yourself due to opinions on musical indifference’s contradicts and depletes the work that we all have put into it. I know I spout out quite a bit on “punk” and what the text book definition means to you and blah, blah, blah, but it is something that burns strong within me. It’s important to carry the torch and create a semblance of unity and mutual cooperation among us and our peers. Now….where’s my Discharge record?
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