Friday 8 January 2010

in spiked January 8, 2010


Punk music: never mind the cynicism


There was more to the punk scene than sneering, swearing and affected nihilism. There were some decent tunes, too.

3 comments:

  1. Interesting take on what punk was (as opposed to what passes for it today).

    Being of Anglo-Irish stock also I find myself a bit miffed about your generalisations about pessimism and cynicism. Moreover I can't say I've visited anywhere that those traits don't exist in some measure - but I can't say it is an English or Irish thing.

    I think punk was a natural reaction to a very bored and restrained Britain of the mid 1970's...sadly although the same ingredients exist in 2010 I don't believe music holds enough sway with the youth for the same recipe to transpire. I still hope however.

    Tim
    www.theclashblog.com

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  2. Thanks Tim,
    I just thought it interesting to mention the second-generation Irish aspect. I was more trying to raise questions than give answers.
    Regards
    Patrick

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  3. Patrick,

    I think it's really thought provoking. I think there was a fascinating mixture of ingredients at play around 1975/6. Punk needed to happen - and I think it kept music interesting for longer than it was looking like lasting.

    Sadly I can't say as much for 2010, but let's hope for the best!

    Tim

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