If you are reading this article, you are obviously interested in the history of punk music.In my opinion, who wouldn't be? With everything to quick, fast paced licks to smooth, under-toned melodies, I can assure you that the genre of punk has a little something for everyone. Even though this IS an alternative article, alternative is very closely related to punk, it's practically its cousin! So I thought I'd just inform you about the family-just to give you some insights to alternative's roots.

Before the 1970s, punk was basically the lowest of the low. If someone called you a punk in public back then, it would be like calling you a "can't say in this article" word now. However, all that changed come 1975. Dave Marsh was actually the music critic who coined the term "punk-rock" in 1971. In June of 1972, one of the first punk records (published by the fanzine Flash) was released. But in the end, it was places like the NY club CBGB that started giving punk a solid sound.
After a brief managing of the New York Dolls, an English man named Malcom McLaren was hooked. he moved back to his homeland and started a punk themed clothing line. About the same time, he started managing one of the best punk bands ever, The Sex Pistols. After Sex Pistols and their new friends The Clash played a gig with USA band The Ramones (that's alotta "the"s isn't it?)the bridge was made between USA and UK music.
Some of the other great punk bands past include: Rancid,Billy Talent, The Misfits(more "the") and Nirvana.
Enough rambling about the past, time for the present. In new modern rock (mid 90's-present), the bands to know are: Mindless Self Indulgence, Less Than Jake, NOFX, Motion City Soundtrack and more. More melodic songs are entering the punk base. Also, the screaming traits of metal and emo music genres are making their way into EVERY music scene, including punk.A mystery of this new habit is that punk can disguise itself. A band can be so slow and have such heartfelt lyrics, you can't even TELL it's punk! However, there are bands still sporting that classic hoodlum sound that made it famous.
As for new trends, there aren't many. The most I can say is that the Punk Revival is well underway, and the genre is definitely NOT dead.Just about every band has talent, and just about every artist stays true to the genre. My advice to new and experienced listeners is to hold on tight and hang on for the ride!

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