Compiled by a friend and me, a list of the best punk albums of the '80s, one for each year, annotated accordingly. Your opinion may vary. In fact, we’re quite sure it does.
1980
The Dead Kennedys - Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables
The shock of the Sex Pistols had worn off and the Ramones were too likeable, so this album became the official music to shock my parents with. I really thought mom would get a kick out of Viva Las Vegas.
Viva Las Vegas (mp3)
1981
Adolescents s/t
This was a great album. Raw stupid and dumb. But songs like "I Hate Children" still run in the background of my head today. When you see a little kid in a store just screaming at his mom..."I Hate Children" automatically pops in your head.
1982
MDC s/t
Take about ten hits of speed, mix it with a gallon of anger and a pound of pissed off adrenaline, and then light it all on fire and stand in the flames. That’s how this album feels.
I Remember (mp3)
1983
Minor Threat - Out Of Step
What can you say? The definition of an era. They broke a scene by building it back up. It wasn't so much the music as the lyrics that changed me. Cause aren't we all out of step with the world?
It Follows (mp3)
1984
SNFU - And No One Else Wanted To Play
Driving to a ditch to skate. Hearing "She's Not on the Menu" wondering who the fuck this band is while screwing down your trucks is something that hits you. This album is classic in all ways. Plus Chi Pig brings toys on stage! You can't fucking beat that.
"She's Not on the Menu (mp3)"
1985
Article comments
1 - ron
No Joy Division, no credibility.
2 - Christopher Rose
I'd like to second ron's sentiments and if you don't have Crass, The Poison Girls and Stiff Little Fingers in the list too you might as well change the title of this article to Yankee Mummy's Boys not Punk!
3 - Michele Catalano
There's a lot of debate as to whether or not Joy Division was punk. Personally, I consider them to be more post-punk.
4 - Guppusmaximus
Suicidal Tendencies was just f*cking great!
How come you didn't include The Misfits?
I thought Walk Among Us was brilliant...
And, I do have to agree about Crass,they were true punks.
5 - Michele Catalano
Misfits were defintitely considered. When I go back and do this year by year with a couple of selections from each year, they will get in.