“The Gun Club is a Continuation of the Ramones and Wire with an Expansive Ear for the Future”

Somewhere along the lines, some writer in L.A. missed the real beat. He was looking for the “new sound,” which by 1981, might have no longer been punk rock. He was high on Ludes. He was trying to impress that goth girl in the corner who was… high on Ludes. 

But the debut album by Tinseltown’s Gun Club, Fire of Love, which sees 40th anniversary reissue this month via L.A.’s own Blixa Sounds, has the style, force and ecclecticism to wield influence over an entire world of 1980s rock, from punk, to grunge to the Pixies.

And it’s true that we all got brainwashed into thinking it was New York that had the first “punk” scene in America. But around the time you account for Television working with Rolling Stones producer Andy Johns for their debut and Blondie singing “Love is so confusing / There’s no peace of mind”, you realize you’re not exactly dealing with a counterculture here. Without question, the American punk beacon that really held gravity in the style’s early days was Los Angeles, whether it was X and their straight-ahead, physical album titled after their dirty city, The Germs and Pat Smear whom Nirvana would eventually siphon for bass duties, the LA-based label SST administering at the forefront of the movement or ska-punk, to which the city would eventually give enlivened birth in the form of the all-black Fishbone.

The Gun Club dispatch on Fire of Love like a band that’s immersed within a zeitgeist and is trying to construct a document completely commensurate thereof, rather than, say, initiate a “new style,” which might have been more the objective of the music press at this time. Their guitar sound is basically exactly like Pink Flag-era Wire and their groove, when they’re rocking out straight ahead, is a close approximation of the Ramones’ rhythmic DNA. The band is “punk” insofar as they’re loud, they have that Ramones beat and the singer takes a wild, unscrupulous approach to lyricism. This being said, Fire of Love encapsulates an impressive smattering of styles, not least important of which would be the galloping, snare-on-the-upbeat drum pattern of “Preaching the Blues” that was really blatantly ripped off by the U-Men [1] on “Clubs” as well as the Pixies, whom I mention earlier, on “Vamos” [2]. Of course, for all I know, The Gun Club could be ripping it off of somebody before them but I’ve never heard it, suffice it to say. 

Other examples of this music branching out into fresh, ventilating territory, stylistically speaking, would be “Jack on Fire,” which unbelievably, mocks Chicago blues with a jazz rhythm section, and “Cold Drink of Water,” which is approximately the opposite, like Weather Report covering Howlin’ Wolf with a Fender Stratocaster. This puppy is a reissue and this pi**ed me off for a couple reasons, of course, one of which would be that I’d prefer to be “cool” and have initially ingested this mutha on vinyl, in its original, unabridged state, the other of which was that I had a little anxiety about discerning what the original closeur was, which I of course eventually learned by looking at the album’s Wikipedia page. You’ll never believe me, but I actually guessed correctly: “Goodbye Johnny” has the patient, slightly melancholy feel of a classic finale (also the “goodbye” in the title should have been a clue, I suppose), with little pockets of energetic entropy seeming to presage the project’s cessation. Fire of Love is a punk album and it’s an exciting, unruly album, but at its core, it’s a rock and roll album, and this same fabric that precluded it from being the trendy “flavor of the week” pick upon its original spawning will help it be a viable, spinnable snapshot of American music for epochs and epochs to come. 

.

[1] Who in Sam He** are the U-Men? Probably the most important Seattle grunge band before Mudhoney. 

.

[2] And I think Black Francis and the gang might have had a slight affinity for their own song here seeing as they put it on both of their first two albums. 

566 thoughts on ““The Gun Club is a Continuation of the Ramones and Wire with an Expansive Ear for the Future”

  1. First off I want to say wonderful blog! I had
    a quick question in which I’d like to ask if you do not mind.
    I was curious to know how you center yourself and clear your thoughts prior to writing.
    I’ve had a tough time clearing my thoughts in getting my ideas out there.
    I truly do enjoy writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are generally wasted simply just trying to figure
    out how to begin. Any ideas or tips? Thanks!

    Here is my webpage :: cara id test 918kiss 2

  2. What’s Going down i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I have discovered It positively useful and it
    has helped me out loads. I hope to contribute & assist other users like its aided
    me. Good job.

    my web site :: 918kiss 2apk android, 918kiss-m.com,

  3. Dеfinitely believe that whih you saіd.Yօur favorite reason seemed to
    be onn the wweb the simplest thing to be aware of.
    I say to you, I definitely ցet ann᧐yed while pеople think aboᥙt worries thаt they just don’t know about.
    Yoս mаnaged to hіt the nail upon the top and defined out the wһole thing wwithout having side-effects , people can take a signal.
    Wіⅼl probably be back to get morе. Thanks

  4. Its like you read my mind! You seem to know a lot about this, like you wrote
    the book in it or something. I think that you can do with
    some pics to drive the message home a bit, but instead of that, this is wonderful
    blog. A great read. I will definitely be back.

    my web-site joker888 apk download

  5. Link exchange is nothing else but it is simply placing the other person’s
    blog link on your page at appropriate place and other person will also do similar in support of you.

    Feel free to surf to my website sky1388Apk

  6. I simply wished to thank you so much once again. I do not know the things that I could possibly have worked on without the entire thoughts documented by you on such topic.
    It truly was a frustrating dilemma in my circumstances,
    nevertheless noticing this specialised fashion you managed the issue took me to
    weep for happiness. I’m just happier for the assistance and as well ,
    believe you know what an amazing job you’re putting in educating many others using your web page.
    I am sure you have never come across any of us.

    my web page – clubfadoqbedford.ca

  7. An impressive share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a coworker
    who has been conducting a little homework on this.
    And he in fact ordered me dinner because I found it for him…
    lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thanks for the meal!!

    But yeah, thanx for spending the time to talk about this subject
    here on your web site.

    Look into my site http://www.atomy123.com

  8. Woᴡ, amazing bⅼog laуout! Hoԝ long have you bеen blogɡing
    for? you made running a blog ⅼook easy. The total look
    of your web site is wonderful, lеt alone the content material!

  9. You can certainly see your enthusiasm within the paintings you write.

    The world hopes for even more passionate writers like you
    who aren’t afraid to say how they believe. All the time
    follow your heart.

    Feel free to surf to my webpage – Nuubu Detox

  10. Hi! I could have sworn I’ve been to your blog before but after browsing through some of the articles I realized it’s new to
    me. Regardless, I’m definitely happy I discovered it and I’ll
    be book-marking it and checking back often!

    Also visit my web blog – Kodo Detox Patch

  11. I think this is among the most significant info
    for me. And i am glad reading your article. But should remark on few general things, The site style is perfect,
    the articles is really great : D. Good job, cheers

    my web page; Tri-Bol Testo

  12. Hello there! This post couldn’t be written any better!
    Going through this article reminds me of my previous roommate!
    He always kept preaching about this. I’ll send this post
    to him. Pretty sure he’s going to have a good read. I appreciate you for sharing!

    my web-site … clubriders.men

  13. With havin so much content and articles do you ever run into any issues of plagorism
    or copyright infringement? My site has a lot of completely unique content I’ve either written myself or outsourced but it looks like a lot of it is popping it up all over the internet without my agreement.
    Do you know any ways to help reduce content from being stolen? I’d certainly appreciate it.

    my web site :: Mega Arise Max

  14. I’m writing to let you know what a helpful discovery my girl
    found going through your site. She realized too many pieces, which include what it’s like to possess an awesome giving heart to have other individuals
    just know selected complicated matters. You actually exceeded readers’ desires.
    Many thanks for supplying the invaluable, trusted, edifying and unique guidance on the topic to Tanya.

    my blog; Compoise CBD Gummies (Lindsay)

  15. Having read this I believed it was really informative.
    I appreciate you taking the time and energy to put this content together.
    I once again find myself personally spending a lot of time both
    reading and leaving comments. But so what, it was still worth it!

    Here is my website … Quentin

  16. It’s appropriate time to make a few plans for the longer term and
    it’s time to be happy. I have read this submit and if I could I want to recommend you some fascinating
    issues or suggestions. Perhaps you can write subsequent articles relating to this article.
    I desire to read more things approximately it!

  17. Woah! I’m really loving the template/theme of this
    blog. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of
    times it’s challenging to get that “perfect balance” between usability and
    appearance. I must say you’ve done a great job with this.
    In addition, the blog loads super fast for me on Chrome.
    Superb Blog!

  18. I have been surfing online more than 3 hours today, yet I by no means found any fascinating article like yours.

    It’s beautiful price enough for me. In my opinion,
    if all webmasters and bloggers made just right content as you did, the internet
    can be much more helpful than ever before.

  19. It is appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy.
    I have read this post and if I could I wish to suggest you
    some interesting things or suggestions. Perhaps you
    can write next articles referring to this article.

    I want to read more things about it!

  20. It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to
    be happy. I’ve read this submit and if I may just I want to counsel you few fascinating things
    or tips. Maybe you can write next articles regarding this article.
    I wish to read more things about it!

  21. Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems
    as though you relied on the video to make your point. You clearly know what youre talking about, why throw away
    your intelligence on just posting videos to your weblog when you could be giving us something
    informative to read?

    Feel free to surf to my homepage … http://www.mbrdev.com

  22. It is the best time to make some plans for the future and it
    is time to be happy. I’ve read this publish and if I may I
    want to recommend you some attention-grabbing things or advice.
    Perhaps you can write subsequent articles relating to
    this article. I wish to learn even more issues
    approximately it!

  23. Ahaa, its fadtidious discusson concernibg this
    post att thiss placee att this website, I havee
    rad all that, so at this ttime mee aloso commnenting here.

  24. Its like you read my thoughts! You seem to know so much about this, like you wrote the
    e book in it or something. I think that you could do with a
    few percent to drive the message house a little bit, however instead of that,
    this is magnificent blog. A fantastic read. I will definitely
    be back.

  25. Please let me know if you’re looking for a article author for your
    weblog. You have some really good articles and I
    believe I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d absolutely love to write some material for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine.

    Please blast me an e-mail if interested. Thanks!

    My site Renown CBD Reviews

  26. wonderful submit, very informative. I ponder why the opposite experts of this sector do not notice this. You must continue your writing. I’m sure, you’ve a great readers’ base already!

  27. Hey! Someone in my Myspace group shared this website
    with us so I came to take a look. I’m definitely enjoying the information. I’m bookmarking and will be tweeting this to
    my followers! Exceptional blog and terrific style and design.

  28. I truly love your site.. Pleasant colors & theme. Did you create this amazing site yourself?

    Please reply back as I’m looking to create my own website and
    would love to know where you got this from or exactly what the theme is called.
    Thanks!

  29. It is the best time to make a few plans for the long run and it is time to be
    happy. I have learn this post and if I may I want to suggest you few interesting
    things or suggestions. Maybe you could write next articles relating to this article.
    I wish to learn more issues about it!

  30. I just couldn’t go away your web site before suggesting that I really loved the usual information an individual supply in your guests? Is gonna be back steadily to investigate cross-check new posts.

  31. It is perfect time to make some plans for the long run and it is time to be
    happy. I have learn this submit and if I
    may I desire to suggest you some interesting things or suggestions.
    Perhaps you can write next articles relating to this article.
    I desire to learn more issues approximately it!

  32. Woah! I’m really digging the template/theme of this site. It’s simple,
    yet effective. A lot of times it’s very difficult to get that “perfect balance”
    between superb usability and visual appeal.
    I must say that you’ve done a excellent job with this.

    Additionally, the blog loads extremely quick for me on Opera.
    Excellent Blog!

  33. I’ve been browsing online more than 4 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours.
    It’s pretty worth enough for me. In my opinion, if
    all webmasters and bloggers made good content as you did, the net
    will be a lot more useful than ever before.

  34. Woah! I’m really loving the template/theme of this
    blog. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s very difficult to
    get that “perfect balance” between superb usability and appearance.
    I must say you’ve done a amazing job with this. Also, the blog loads super
    fast for me on Opera. Excellent Blog!

  35. I have been surfing on-line more than 3 hours nowadays, but I never discovered any interesting article
    like yours. It’s pretty price enough for me. In my opinion, if all web owners and
    bloggers made excellent content as you probably did,
    the internet will be much more helpful than ever before.

  36. I almost never drop responses, but after reading some of the remarks on this page “The Gun Club is a Continuation of the Ramones
    and Wire with an Expansive Ear for the Future” – Dolby Disaster.

    I do have a few questions for you if it’s allright. Could it be only me or does it appear like
    a few of the remarks look like they are coming from brain dead individuals?
    😛 And, if you are posting at additional places, I’d like to follow anything new you have to post.
    Could you list of all of your shared sites like your linkedin profile, Facebook
    page or twitter feed?

    My site … Tacoma Farms CBD Reviews

  37. I will immediately snatch your rss feed as I can’t in finding your email subscription hyperlink or e-newsletter service.

    Do you’ve any? Please permit me understand in order that
    I may subscribe. Thanks.

  38. I have been surfing online more than 2 hours today, yet I never found any interesting
    article like yours. It is pretty worth enough for me.
    Personally, if all site owners and bloggers made good content as
    you did, the web will be much more useful than ever before.

  39. I’ve been surfing on-line more than 3 hours as of late, yet I never discovered any
    fascinating article like yours. It’s pretty worth sufficient for me.

    In my opinion, if all webmasters and bloggers made just right content
    as you probably did, the net shall be a lot more helpful than ever before.

  40. I’ll immediately clutch your rss as I can not to find your e-mail subscription link or e-newsletter
    service. Do you’ve any? Kindly let me understand so that I may just subscribe.

    Thanks.

  41. I’ll immediately take hold of your rss feed as I can not
    in finding your email subscription link or e-newsletter service.

    Do you’ve any? Please allow me recognise so that I
    may subscribe. Thanks.

  42. I’ll right away seize your rss feed as I can not in finding your e-mail
    subscription hyperlink or e-newsletter service. Do you’ve any?
    Please let me realize in order that I may subscribe.
    Thanks.

  43. Its like you learn my mind! You seem to know so much about this, such as you wrote the e book in it or something.

    I think that you could do with a few p.c. to power the message house a bit, however other than that,
    this is great blog. An excellent read. I will certainly be back.

  44. Hello, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one and i was just wondering
    if you get a lot of spam responses? If so how do you prevent it, any plugin or
    anything you can recommend? I get so much lately it’s
    driving me insane so any help is very much appreciated.

  45. One thing I’d really like to say is that often car insurance cancellations is a terrifying experience and if you’re doing the correct things as a driver you simply won’t get one. Some people do have the notice that they’ve been officially dumped by their own insurance company and many have to scramble to get further insurance after a cancellation. Inexpensive auto insurance rates are generally hard to get after the cancellation. Understanding the main reasons regarding auto insurance canceling can help motorists prevent getting rid of in one of the most essential privileges out there. Thanks for the thoughts shared by your blog.

  46. Unquestionably believe that which you stated. Your favorite
    justification seemed to be on the net the simplest thing to be aware of.
    I say to you, I definitely get irked while people think about worries that they plainly do not know
    about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top as well as defined out the whole thing without having
    side effect , people can take a signal. Will likely
    be back to get more. Thanks

  47. Усик “вынесет” Джошуа. Такой прогноз на поединок чемпиона мира по версиям wba, ibf, wbo и ibo в тяжелом весе и претендента на титул wbo сделал украинский боксер Иван Редкач. По его словам, у британца Энтони Джошуа Александр Усик Рен ТВ «Задача Усика — раздергать Джошуа, заставить промахиваться

  48. Усик – Джошуа: смотреть онлайн-трансляцию боя 25.09.2021. Украинский супертяжеловес Александр Усик (18-0, 13 КО) проведет поединок против британского чемпиона wba, wbo и ibf Энтони Джошуа (24-1, 22 КО). Anthony Joshua vs Oleksandr Usyk “Зупинить за 5-7 раундів”: Зірковий супертяж зробив

  49. Terrific work! That is the type of info that are meant
    to be shared around the net. Disgrace on Google for now not positioning this submit higher!

    Come on over and discuss with my site . Thanks =)

  50. I will right away grasp your rss as I can not to find your email subscription link
    or e-newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Kindly let me recognise
    in order that I could subscribe. Thanks.

  51. I will right away take hold of your rss as I can not find your e-mail subscription hyperlink
    or e-newsletter service. Do you have any? Please allow me recognise in order that I could subscribe.

    Thanks.

  52. I will right away seize your rss as I can’t
    to find your e-mail subscription hyperlink or e-newsletter service.
    Do you have any? Kindly allow me know so that I could subscribe.
    Thanks.

  53. I’ll right away clutch your rss as I can not find your e-mail
    subscription link or newsletter service.
    Do you’ve any? Kindly allow me recognise in order that I could
    subscribe. Thanks.

  54. I have been surfing online greater than 3 hours as of late,
    but I never found any fascinating article like yours.
    It is pretty worth enough for me. Personally, if all site owners and bloggers made excellent content
    as you probably did, the web shall be much more helpful than ever before.

Leave a Comment