THEE HEADCOATS – PUNK ROCK IST NICHT TOT (FRIENDS OF THE BUFF MEDWAY FANCIERS ASSOCIATION)
Seemingly intent and destined to leave ringing in the most militant punk of ears “Punk Rock Ist Nicht Tot” is a stand out Billy Childish number as he leans towards a more Stooges like direction picking away at the lower strings and successes of his instrument. With a gut reaction, this is “I Wanna Be Your Dog” without the sleigh bells and cunnilingus.
As ever sounding scolding Childish snaps out his latest barrage of aggressive tone and instruction as he hardly exhibits any degree of appreciation for this existence of this song and its form. He hasn’t done so bad from punk but he hasn’t done so great either.
If you have not already guessed from the title this is a surface level scathing attack on punk rock, which at this time in history (circa 2000 and since) does feel like something of a soft target for him to be baiting and abusing. Then again punk rock is something that’s mutated into a multi million pound/dollar industry for some while others just have not got their taste. As with life in general there has been a poverty gap born out of this movement being molested and ultimately it has rendered it no good (nicht tot). Perhaps he was just feeling bitter the day that he authored the song, maybe a large bill came through the door.
This is a much better Thee Headcoats single than usually comes down the line. While there is no questioning Childish’s ability as a guitar player there is slight frustration with the manner in which he executes his muse as lo-fi speed garage usually rules the roost and backs his latest niggle and rant. This song is altogether a different beast, slowly paced and played way down the frets. As I said, it’s born to leave ringing in the ears.
One of their best songs ever.
Thesaurus moment: pop.
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