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MoMa Shines Light on NYC's Punk Revolution

Materials by Patti Smith, Ramones showcase cultural shift

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 19, 2009 3:35 PM CDT

(Newser) – New York’s Museum of Modern Art is showcasing the gritty glamour of the city’s 1970s and early ’80s music scene, where punk, New Wave, DIY, and noise rock ruled, Rolling Stone reports. New Yorkers were feeling alienated—the city was bankrupt in 1975; President Ford told it to “drop dead"—but that helped inspire “completely honest” art, says one rocker.

The exhibit includes a recording of the Patti Smith rap-poem Piss Factory, which describes a fierce independence and lust for fame; original LPs from the Talking Heads and the Ramones, among others; and “reckless and raw” music videos by the likes of Sonic Youth, writes Alex Vadukul. At the close of the exhibit is a collection of photos, articles, ads, and posters proving the scene’s national impact.

The cover of an important record of the period, Sonic Youth's Confusion Is Sex.
The cover of an important record of the period, Sonic Youth's "Confusion Is Sex."   (Amazon.com)
Members of the the Ramones in 1986.
Members of the the Ramones in 1986.   (AP Photo/George DuBose)
The cover of a key record of the period, Richard Hell and the Voidoids' Blank Generation.
The cover of a key record of the period, Richard Hell and the Voidoids' "Blank Generation."   (Amazon.com)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 6 comments
thudson
Sep 11, 2009 5:28 AM CDT
punk rock was born in detroit in the mid-'60's. but solipsistic cities like London and NYC don't like acknowledging it. MC5 - formed in 1965 - Detroit. Not NYC, Not London.
pwnage
Aug 20, 2009 12:19 PM CDT
But also by the Pistols: "An imitation from New York, You're made in japan from cheese and chalk" But I say there was so much talent in both the London and New York punks.
emptycalm
Aug 20, 2009 1:03 AM CDT
Correct. Some things are better left out of the mainstream eye.
 

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