US Punk Part 1

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Though this site is about UK punk rock we have been featuring bands from around the world (ok mainly USA) that have helped shape it or have been influenced by it. While the roots of punk lay in bands like The Stooges, Dolls, MC5 and late sixties garage bands a whole set of bands (though not all listed here) came into being post 1977 in the USA that added bands like The Sex Pistols and Clash to their influences. Here for your delight are ten of the best in alphabetical order with sound clips. If you like UK punk, you should have these in your collection or explore more.

The Avengers
Car Crash / We Are The One / I Believe  In Me (Dangerhouse 1977)

The Avengers were led by spiky haired chanteuse Penelope Houston and the pick of their limited recording career is this mighty fine piece of punkarama where every track is a cracker..

 Click to hear clip of 'Car Crash' 

   

The Bags
Survive/Babylonian Gorgon (Dangerhouse 1978)

Featuring the mighty Alice Bag and at one time Patricia Morrison later of The Damned, Gun Club and Sisters Of Mercy. This is a superb piece of punk riffing and invective vocals.

 Click to hear clip of 'Baylonian Gorgon' 

Visit www.alicebag.com
for a treasure trove of Alice's past and present work

   

 Click to hear clip of 'Hot Wire My Heart' 

 Hot Wire My Heart/Baby You're So Repulsive (Crime Records 1976)

Punks before it was even invented. This little beauty came out in 1976 and is beyond compare. Ramp this up with the cool San Francisco police uniforms they wore at one time on stage and you have some band!

Crime
   

Dead Kennedys
Holiday In Cambodia / Police Truck (Cherry Red 1980)

The DK's were sadly the start of some dire politicising but they made some quality singles. I can think of no greater compliment than if Apocalypse Now had been filmed in the early eighties Holiday In Cambodia would have been on the soundtrack. Police Truck is just as good.

 Click to hear clip of 'Holiday In Cambodia' 

   

 Click to hear clip of 'First Time Is The Best Time' 

DMZ
 First Time Is The Best Time / Teenage Head (Bomp Records)

Where the Dolls, psychedelia and punk rock collide to prove that American punk could be just as vital, aggressive and goddam enjoyable as that produced by us Brits if not better.

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