The New York Dolls: “Personality Crisis”
This 1973 performance demonstrates how the New York Dolls provided the foundation for the angst-filled, gritty sound of punk movement in the mid- and late ’70s.
Videos
The New York Dolls: “Trash”
Bridging the glam movement and the punk movement, the New York Dolls simplified the structure, harmonies, lyrics, and attitudes of artists like Alice Cooper and KISS. They set the stage for the Ramones and the Clash.
Patti Smith: “Summer Cannibals”
Though in many ways, the “Mother of Punk”, Smith’s songs push deeper than the prototypical punk song. This video displays the rejection of religious symbolism, as well as Smith’s artistic use of her hands in performing. She once called herself a “person of the hands”, and we see them reinforcing her emotions throughout this song.
The Who: “The Kids Are Alright” Documentary
This 1979 documentary features interviews by The Who and performances of their most iconic songs during the first 15 years of existence.
The Who: “Who Are You” Promo Video
From the band’s film of the same title, this 1978 video, showing the band in the studio, was a promo for the movie.
The Who: “Baba O’Reily”
A classic Who performance in 1979, from windmill power chords on the guitar to the blues ending with harmonica.
Television: “Foxhole”
An early influence on the punk rock movement, Television was an fixture at the CBGB music venue in New York City. The influence of the Velvet Underground, Lou Reed, and Jim Morrison can be heard in their vocals and lyrics.
The Clash: “London Calling”
Though at their heart, The Clash were punk, they flirted with what might be called a pop-punk sound at the end of the era.
The Clash: “Should I Stay or Should I Go?”
Begun in the late ’70s, the British punk band plays Shea Stadium in NYC in 1982.