The Best of 90s Punk
Earlier this month, Bay Area punk label Lookout Records shut down for good (read the article on Pitchfork.com). They were most notable for fostering bands like Green Day, Rancid, and The Donnas, and gave life to punk rock by infusing it with pop sensibilities. While they were mostly inactive for the last several years, it still marks the end of an era. So we’ve taken a look at some of the greatest bands to come out of the 90’s punk revival scene.
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10. Green Day
Before there was Guyliner and Broadway, Green Day was the most successful punk band to emerge out of the 90’s punk revival. Even though they were considered sell-outs by some for signing to a major record label, it can’t be denied that Dookie is a great punk album. Green Day has also managed to keep their ability to connect with young people who are looking for the alternative.
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9. The Donnas
The Donnas were just barely out of high school when they scored a record deal with Lookout. Their first album is unpolished, raw, and badass. They rejected typical female gender roles and unabashedly sing about wanting to get high, fuck guys, and blow up the school.
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8. Rancid
While most bands were just imitating the Ramones, Rancid was more interested in styling themselves after The Clash and The Specials. They cultivated a crusty, working class image not only in their music but also in their image. They started to gain some mainstream recognition with 1994’s “…And Out Come the Wolves” but earned respect by sticking to their underground roots.
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7. Bad Religion
Make sure you have your dictionary handy when listening to Bad Religion. Lead singer Greg Graffin has a PhD and isn’t ashamed to use the fancy words. Bad Religion’s musical style is also a unique blend of melodic hardcore and rich 3 part harmonies. As the name suggests, religious criticism is the core focus of the band and have no doubt been responsible for opening people’s eyes to the craziness of organized religion.
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6. The Queers
Like Screeching Weasel, The Queers draw heavy inspiration from The Ramones as well as 60’s pop groups like the Beach Boys. Despite their name, The Queers are not actually a gay band. It just fits the juvenile rebellious attitude found in songs like “I can’t stop farting” and “Ursula finally has tits”.
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5. Fugazi
Fugazi is most well known for its relentlessly independence and uncompromising vision. Because they were so adamant about their ethics, they didn’t quite go as far as they could have. They do however have near mythical status amongst the DIY community for their strict adherence to their beliefs.
4. Bikini Kill
Bikini Kill makes no apologies, this is the the flagship group of the riot grrrl movement. They emerged at a time when feminism had dwindled and felt the need for a rebellion against a patriarchal society as well as a male dominated scene. Bikini Kill continued the fight against the marginalization of women and rocked while they did it.
3. Screeching Weasel
If there was a successor to the Ramones crown it would be Screeching Weasel. They carry on the spirit of three chord, basic expression of emotions (I wanna strangle you, I hate Led Zepplin) with a persistent “Fuck You” attitude.
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2. The Muffs
Imagine that a woman shrieking at the top of her lungs would be pleasant to listen to, you’d be thinking of Kim Shattuck from The Muffs. Their style is melodic, minimal, and they never really get political but it’s the passion in Kim’s voice that make The Muffs special.
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1. The Mr T. Experience
The best band that never made it. Other than the cool name, they never really had that punch to break them out of obscurity. What made MTX great was their wry humor and clever lyrics. Maybe punk rock wasn’t the best outlet, but front man Dr. Frank did eventually find success parlaying his keen songwriting abilities into young adult novels.
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