Who Released the First Punk Record?

Who Released the First Punk Record?

The question of who released the first ever punk record is complex and opens a vast discussion on the roots of punk rock. Early artists like The Fabulous Wailers and The Sonics laid the groundwork, and later came bands like The Ramones and New York Dolls. Let's explore the key players in this debate.

The Early Pioneers

The Fabulous Wailers were one of the first bands to write and perform all their own songs. Released in 1960, their album is considered a precursor to punk. The Wailers, a group of high school kids, released their music on an independent label, a characteristic that is inherently punk.

The Sonics followed in 1964 with a single and full-length album. Similarly, a group of high school students, they released their album on an independent label, also founded by the aforementioned Wailers. Their music was a mix of clunky and punk, fitting the punk ethos perfectly.

The Emergence of Punk Rock

As the years progressed, more bands emerged, each contributing to the punk sound. The Savages in 1966 released the album 'Live 'n' Wild,' which included some of the most aggressive songs of the decade. However, this was still on an independent label, adopting a DIY approach.

By the late 1960s and early 1970s, bands like The Velvet Underground, MC5, and The Stooges started gaining attention. Their music, while evolving, started to include elements of the punk rock scene. The Velvet Underground’s 'White Light/White Heat' in January 1968, MC5’s 'Kick Out the Jams' in February 1969, and The Stooges first album in August 1969, might not be considered full-fledged punk, but they walked the line and are considered proto-punk.

The Ramones: The Defining Influence

By the mid-1970s, The Ramones emerged as the definitive punk band. Their 1976 debut album, 'Ramones,' is often cited as the first 'full-length' punk album. It set the tone for the punk rock movement, blending raw energy with a DIY ethos. While 'Roses Are Red My Love' might not seem particularly punk, punk isn't always loud and aggressive. Sometimes it can be sweet and rebellious.

Exploring the Controversy

Some argue that Chrome released the first full-length punk album in 1976 with 'The Visitation.' While The Ramones' album was on a larger independent label, Chrome was entirely DIY, releasing their music on their own label. Their music was more punk in sound, emphasizing the DIY aspect that is central to punk rock.

Conclusion

The debate over the first punk record is multifaceted. It depends on one's definition of punk: the independent/DIY aspect, the sonic characteristics, or the time period when the term 'punk' was formalized. Regardless, the early pioneers and early albums mentioned paved the way for what we now know as punk rock. Support physical media and engage with the rich history of punk music through compilations like Rhino Records' 'Loud Fast and Out of Control.'