This post is dedicated to the over-30 punks, hardcore "kids," metalheads, and fuck-ups out there. Filth's "The List" is a spiteful rant about an imaginary roster of the many who drop out of punk as soon as they "grow up." It's also a fuckin' great song! But I imagine, nowadays, another list-- one that perhaps you are on. Maybe you're in your 30's or 40's and although you have a 9-to-5 and belong to the PTA, your idea of a good time is drinking beers with a friend while blasting Jerrys Kids. Maybe you still receive the stink-eye from yuppie-types in the grocery store; or you blend in but secretly want to dump Miracle Whip all over their heads. Or maybe you make "plans" to go see your favorite bands when they come to town, but don't, fearing you may be the oldest one in attendance. Whatever your situation, I'd like to believe there's a thousands-strong list of our names, who are still in this...The List
17 comments:
What a great post, both the tune and what you had to say. As 40 is just months away for me, I seem to ask myself often if I've forgotten where I came from. The answer is usually 'no' but I have changed in what I think are necessary ways. Government still sucks, big business still rules the world and most people are still idiots. Having transplanted myself to Nowhere Kansas to escape the evils of big city life (which were really inside of me) I find myself alone as far as having that punk/hardcore/metal backround. Even five years later with a buzzed head and tattoos peeking out from under sleeves, the people around me just don't know where I fit in. No stink eye, just dumb looks. There's no bands to see, no record stores to wander through, so I am left to be one of a seemingly growing population of aging internet punks who count on sites like yours to get our fix. There is still that drive though to give something productive back and not be just another cog in the wheel. Thanx Mr. Batguano.
another great piece of writing Marc! as I'm in my 30's I can relate to what you've written (even whitout living in the middle of nowhere)!
oh, I just realized I'm wearing a JERRY'S KIDS shirt at the moment!
Justin, I appreciate your thoughtful comment and insights soooo much! Your situation may seem specific, but it's similar to many of ours on some fudamental levels. I haven't had friends who are into punk/hardcore since high school and just after, so it's become an individual thing for me too (yeah, I wish it were a community thing, but what can you do?). The meaning of "punk" or "outsider" has changed for me as well, and become more vague and protean with passing years. It's like when you're 17, and you think you've figured out what life is all about. Then each subsequent year you find that you knew and still know less and less. "Punk" is the same way, but as the term becomes more ambiguous with passing time, I feel almost more comfortable with it. Anywho, it's inspiring that against odds, more people are staying with it. (I'd be curious to see how many bands have members in their 30's/40's... besides Geriatric Unit and Seein' Red!).
Steve, it's great to have you aboard... I was really stoked that you left a comment about Stapled Shut! Total rule! I also marvel at your defiance toward your co-workers and former friends! You can't let their petty prejudice sway you, right? Also, thanks for offering to upload Enemy Soil stuff. I love it when people get involved with the blog. I had a CD of theirs years ago. I believe it consisted of a full length and their 7" (I remember the EP tracks had crazed vocals which I loved!). Like a total dumbass, though, I sold it (probably out of necessity?) So, yeah, if you have any out of print stuff from them, I would love to post it (and give you credit, of course). Also, I will most likely be moving to Portland this coming summer... any thoughts/advice?
Papst- what a coincidence about Jerrys Kids! "Is This My World?" is a record I could never again live without! Of all of us here so far, you are probably the least jaded, defeated and/or complacent (he he!). It's great that you still help organize shows or at least still attend shows. Maybe the "scene" in Europe isn't as crappy as Filth made America's out to be...
Batguano,
When you move to Portland bring all of your shit 'cuz you'll never want to leave. It really is a cool city with a great scene and a lot of good bands. It's cool when you're on the bus and Thee Slayer Hippie gets on, sits next to you and shoots the shit about the old days with you.
The ONLY reason I left was because my wife's grandfather died (she's from West Virginia) and she wanted to go home to spend time w/ her grandmother before she passed away. This is gonna sound really harsh but I was thinking that whenever one old person goes the other usually isn't too far behind so I'm thinking we're gonna be there 9 months, a year tops. 3 years later she's still kickin'. I have since grown to love the ol' girl myself...I think she hates Republicans more than me...that's sayin' something. Anyway...
As it's been 3 years I'm not sure if it's still there but check out 2nd Avenue Records in downtown Portland. Lots of awesome punk/hardcore. Also Everyday Music is a good place to find extremely rare stuff for dirt cheap because most of the employees don't know jack about real punk or collectible records in general...but they are fashion plates of indy rock hipsterness so hey. Everyday has 3 locations, I've had the best luck at the one in Beaverton. There's Discourage on Morrison St. run by punks for punks but since they know their shit (they pick through it with a fork) expect to pay close to what it's worth...whatever it is. The other place I used to browse is called Crossroads Music...25 dealers +/- under one roof. The only downside is all of the dealers have their records at their own tables so if you're actually looking for something be prepared to spend a couple of hours looking through everyone's stuff.
The live music venues come and go so I can't really help you there but there's ALWAYS someone playing you'll wanna see.
As for the Enemy Soil stuff I have no idea what's in print and what isn't. I work on the road (I'm in Texas right now) and carry my music round on a 500G external. All I have with me at the moment is a double disc discography with pretty much every note they recorded with a few exceptions. I have the silvers at home with detailed track info but I won't be there until the 20th of October. I'll up the set I have with me and if yer feeling especially detectivey you can research what is and what isn't available...I'll get the detailed track info to you when I go on break. Cool?
yeah! best post! I have been into punk and hardcore long enough to go through phases of being more or less interested in it. But I have always held the songs I loved most close to me and frequently turn to them to this day.
Today everything is so in your face. The internet has made punk and hardcore just another thing, but there are people everywhere who still felt that it did something positive for them.
I feel like all of these people are congregating in this weird internet state because of posts like that. It shows that this music still holds power no matter how much you water it down with fair weather friends and scenester credibility and internet saturation.
Things that matter just continue to matter. And as long as people still feel that this is true than there will be people making impassioned music for us to rally behind.
I will definitely be fondly enjoying this music and what it stands for well into my years.
Batguano,
Check your yahoo box and you'll find links to the Enemy Soil discs.
Steve- Thanks again!
Blend, it seems that a lot of people, and specifically bloggers and blog visitors, suffer from this fatigue of over-saturation. I have tons of new records stacked up and my computer desktop is cluttered with oodles of files... it's hard to really let anything sink in! That's the main motivation for starting the song of the week thing. It allows me to slow down and focus on those meaningful snipets. I'm also going through a phase where my new records are collecting more dust than the old ones. It really helps to remind me of why I love this stuff so much.
Your writing is spot on. I'm 40 and confronted with the same situation. I still go to gigs from time to time and buy new records. I've seen alot of people come and go. And some of them will probably look down at me as someone who didn't evolve. Fuck them.
I would like to go to gigs more often but I always want to be sure that there are some old friends there as I have hardly any contact with the younger generation.
I also have a job now and live a bit outside of town these days, after a life of being workless, poor and living in squats. Great times but not something you can do for the rest of your life I guess. Well some do but the drink and drugs leave their marks.
I don't know much about the scene in the U.S. and I don't know much about the scene here neither cause I don't care about it (never did, never will)!
that's probably the reason why I still love hc!
if you just focus on the things you love and have fun by being a pain in the ass for those responsible for what you despise hc doesn't look so bad after all!
Curious Vincent- Thanks for your kind words and for sharing your views. I get the feeling you did evolve-- probably more so than your "friends" have.
Papst- a sound philosophy indeed! I can see that you live it with integrity, too. Keep on transcending their bullshit, man!
as I've an old-school heart tattoo with a banner that says: hardcore my true love I've no choice! having that tattoo and "growing" out of it would make me look a little bit stupid, wouldn't it?
You must always follow you heart, Papst... (he, he).
1 - portland is a rad place to grow up into punk/hc/metal-played-by-punks. i'm still a few years short of the 30 year mark, but many of my friends are there already, and all 3 of my bands have members over 30. it's been one of the most amazing things about living here - getting to see all the different ways my friends grow up ( & grow into themselves) in the ways that count (taking care of themselves, mostly) while still remembering where they come from and why they're still here. (and... it helps that the music scene is killer here. basement shows galore. activism. awesome book stores. kickass record stores. tons of venues. anything you want, pretty much all the time, being done by people who are way excited about it. yes!!!)
2- also.... if anyone ever comes across a recording by Our Mother of Sorrow - grab it! and give it to me! they were the very short-lived band that jake filth sang for when he moved to new mexico, with folks from logical nonsense. fucking amazing.
Beastie B- Filth put the expiration date at 18 years old, so you're definitely on the "other" list! I can't wait to get my ass up to Portland permanently. Everyone down here talks about the weather up there like it's Antarctica, but the benefits of Portland life seem to consign that to insignificance.
The weather in Portland isn't that bad because there's a warm jet stream that comes in from the west/coast. It might snow once or twice a year, it melts pretty quickly then it over. The east side of the Cascades is where you'll freeze to death in Winter. Don't get me wrong...it gets cold but not bitterly so.
Yeah, San Diegans are just spoiled. I'm actually looking forward to a cooler/wetter clime; I'm a little more concerned actually about the gloom. I'm used to desert skies... but it shouldn't be too hard to cope I don't think.
From Portland you can drive an hour and a half and be in any climate you want. The windy coast, the cool mountains, forests, a almost desert environment...all are a short drive away.
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