"One Armed Scissor"
The band, At the Drive-in, formed in 1993 and released "One Armed Scissor" seven years later in September 2000. The song has a fast paced, urgency that carries through the entirety of the 3:46. I found out that the song title is actually a name for vodka mixed with Red Bull (which is pretty punk rock naming a song after an alcoholic drink) but is also a term for a knife. Continuing with the theme of knives, the song makes many references to blades, surgical procedures and general cuts. The production is not necessarily polished, but in an interview the band mentioned multiple takes which was unheard of in early punk. The song was popular in the mainstream and charted in both the US and the UK, which is another thing that can be used to argue that it is not punk. The lyrics of the song make many think that it is an Emo song/band. However, I think there is a little bit more to them that makes them fall under the general umbrella term of Punk rather than Emo.
The band, At the Drive-in, formed in 1993 and released "One Armed Scissor" seven years later in September 2000. The song has a fast paced, urgency that carries through the entirety of the 3:46. I found out that the song title is actually a name for vodka mixed with Red Bull (which is pretty punk rock naming a song after an alcoholic drink) but is also a term for a knife. Continuing with the theme of knives, the song makes many references to blades, surgical procedures and general cuts. The production is not necessarily polished, but in an interview the band mentioned multiple takes which was unheard of in early punk. The song was popular in the mainstream and charted in both the US and the UK, which is another thing that can be used to argue that it is not punk. The lyrics of the song make many think that it is an Emo song/band. However, I think there is a little bit more to them that makes them fall under the general umbrella term of Punk rather than Emo.
“Thirsty and Miserable”
Black Flag is one of the bands that pioneered the Hardcore movement so it comes as no surprise that the song “Thirsty and Miserable” released in December of ‘81 comes in at a brisk 2:07. Henry Rollins’ vocals and the bands blistering speed give this fast paced song a manic feel that in a way contributes to the lyrics about drinking’s hopelessness. As we discussed in class, this could also be a metaphor for a thirst for something else that no matter what can be quenched. The production of this song is fairly dirty, the only parts of the drums heard is the crash of the cymbal and hi-hat, with the occasional snare drum rattle. This song is most definitely hardcore, even with the brief guitar solo and the occasional metal-inspired guitar flair, it keeps the song short and to the point and even conveys a common punk/hardcore idea of wanting something more –whether that be alcohol or knowledge or something else, it seems a punk is never satisfied.
Black Flag is one of the bands that pioneered the Hardcore movement so it comes as no surprise that the song “Thirsty and Miserable” released in December of ‘81 comes in at a brisk 2:07. Henry Rollins’ vocals and the bands blistering speed give this fast paced song a manic feel that in a way contributes to the lyrics about drinking’s hopelessness. As we discussed in class, this could also be a metaphor for a thirst for something else that no matter what can be quenched. The production of this song is fairly dirty, the only parts of the drums heard is the crash of the cymbal and hi-hat, with the occasional snare drum rattle. This song is most definitely hardcore, even with the brief guitar solo and the occasional metal-inspired guitar flair, it keeps the song short and to the point and even conveys a common punk/hardcore idea of wanting something more –whether that be alcohol or knowledge or something else, it seems a punk is never satisfied.
“How Low Can a Punk Get?”
Bad Brains is another band that pioneered the Hardcore sound and their 1983 song, “How Low Can a Punk Get?” is a perfect example of their Hardcore musical stylings. The song is 1:50 and is fast paced with an almost frantic rush to it, as evidenced by H.R.’s lyrics being barely finished coming out of his mouth when he begins the next line, which makes me think there is some layering going on to make it possible for H.R. to do this, which would be sort of un-punk of them to do. However, I could be wrong and H.R. could just be a very talented vocalist. The lyrics are about getting caught up in schemes and plans that are usually doomed from the start. This reflects both punk’s nature to live in the now and our reading from Maskell that suggested Bad Brains were both forgetting/remembering the past while looking toward the future. I don’t think it was a necessarily optimistic view of the future but rather an acknowledgement that it’s there. While some of their other songs are reggae or dub, this song is definitely hardcore, not only because of the sound but also because the lyrics describe punk’s desire to live without plans or routines.
Bad Brains is another band that pioneered the Hardcore sound and their 1983 song, “How Low Can a Punk Get?” is a perfect example of their Hardcore musical stylings. The song is 1:50 and is fast paced with an almost frantic rush to it, as evidenced by H.R.’s lyrics being barely finished coming out of his mouth when he begins the next line, which makes me think there is some layering going on to make it possible for H.R. to do this, which would be sort of un-punk of them to do. However, I could be wrong and H.R. could just be a very talented vocalist. The lyrics are about getting caught up in schemes and plans that are usually doomed from the start. This reflects both punk’s nature to live in the now and our reading from Maskell that suggested Bad Brains were both forgetting/remembering the past while looking toward the future. I don’t think it was a necessarily optimistic view of the future but rather an acknowledgement that it’s there. While some of their other songs are reggae or dub, this song is definitely hardcore, not only because of the sound but also because the lyrics describe punk’s desire to live without plans or routines.
Hi Matt,
ReplyDeleteA strong analysis overall. Nicely done. As for HR and overdubs, I would recommend that you listen to a live recording and see what you think. Sadly, I don't know of a non-bootleg live version of "How Low...", but there are good recordings of the BB that would allow you to judge for yourself about HR and overdubs.