Thursday, January 8, 2015

Throwback Thursday: Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's The Sex Pistols, by The Sex Pistols

 
Though they weren't the first band to brandish such a rough and honest sound and image, The Sex Pistols back in the 1970's were the band to really define and create the template for punk bands in the years to come. Crashing guitar chords combined with thundering drums and rude cockney vocals made for a blend that at the time was shocking, unheard of, and most certainly unique. Before The Sex Pistols most rock n' roll bands were getting more and more artistic and a bit pretentious for many people's taste and they wanted something more honest and down to Earth. When bands like The Sex Pistols and The Ramones burst on the scene in the mid-70's everything was changed and many prayers were answered.

Though many other tracks of various natures have been leaked over the years, The Sex Pistols only ever recorded one full studio album, titled Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's The Sex Pistols. Seems it was enough to leave a lasting legacy, though. Many of the lyrics are politically charged, aimed at the current state of British politics, though some lyrics were more sexual or related to the human condition. When sung by vocalist Johnny Rotten in his form that is almost like anti-singing they develop more of an awakening impact upon the ears of the listener.

If you haven't heard the main single Anarchy in the U.K., you most certainly have been living under a rock. Its thunderous based intro is iconic. The chords on the guitar played by Steve Jones just ring out and Paul Cook is an absolute monster on the drum kit. Naturally the lyrical content is of a pro-anarchy nature; something which many other punk bands have been inspired by and tried to emulate themselves. Surprisingly despite Rotten's lack of traditional singing prowess, his style adds to the flavor of this tune quite well and amazingly has a recognizable and memorable melody to it.

Problems though a less well known tune from the band's repertoire has many merits of its own and is a fan favorite. It takes a rather loud and defensive tone about how so many people criticize others for being different despite the fact that at least the people they criticize at least know who they want to be and aren't fake. It also takes a stab at the fact that the people who do the criticizing are in a way just sheeple who go to their 9-5 jobs and conform to every convention of modern human society. Musically it isn't quite as engaging as some of the other songs on the album but its brutal honesty more than compensates for it.

Every track of Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols has something to say and does so in the most audacious, rambunctious, and rock n' roll way possible. It isn't for everyone due to the graphic nature of the lyrics and the loud ruckus of the instruments. However, for those with an open mind and wanting to listen to something more honest than most popular music this album is a MUST have. You're cheating yourself if you don't listen to it. It's also a great way to hear where punk music as we know it came from.

Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols, by The Sex Pistols receives 5 out of 5 stars.

Track List:

1. Holidays in the Sun
2. Bodies
3. No Feelings
4. Liar
5. Problems
6. God Save the Queen
7. Seventeen
8. Anarchy in the U.K.
9. Submission
10. Pretty Vacant
11. New York.
12. E.M.I.

Buy the Album on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Never-Mind-Bollocks-Heres-Pistols/dp/B000002KIE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420781619&sr=8-1&keywords=Never+Mind+the+Bollocks

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