The Religion: Hardcore
Hardcore is an offshoot of punk music that rose into prominence in the 1980's. The music was made for the misfit, angry lot that its audience included a plethora of societal outcasts from leftist punkers to neo-Nazi skinheads and every tattooed, pierced freak in between. Much of the music is loud, hard, and fast but some songs infused sludgy rock and experimental music. Due to lack of access to production studios, many of the early hardcore bands would get their names out through word-of-mouth, pasting posters and advertisements to shows on telephone poles and walls, and recording and dubbing their own albums with little to no financial support from corporate labels. After its hey-day, hardcore influence can be felt in the metal genre, especially thrash/speed metal bands like Anthrax and Slayer and grunge bands such as Nirvana. While not currently in a cultural spotlight, hardcore still reverberates with people listening to old albums and artists recommended by current popular bands and many albums, posters, and t-shirts being sold at stores like Hot Topic. Much like current hippies listen to old records of Grateful Dead, current rebels listen to hardcore punk.
The God: Greg Ginn
Greg Ginn was the guitarist/songwriter and founder of the band, Black Flag. Ginn and Black Flag's music torched the L.A. club scene and his approach of pasting their names everywhere they toured while distributing their own albums brought recognition and set a pathway for other hardcore scenes to start throughout the U.S. and elsewhere.
The Messiah: Ian MacKaye
MacKaye was the frontman for one of the "godfathers" of hardcore, Minor Threat. He founded Dischord Records in the Washington D.C. area which is still going strong and is responsible for the funding and careers of bands like Fugazi, keeping the genre growing, learning, and breathing while supporting other musical styles through the label.
The Twelve:
Black Flag- Founded in 1976 and one of the three "godfathers" of hardcore, Black Flag was considered to the prototype of the hardcore genre.
Bad Brains- Founded in 1977, a "godfather" of the genre and infused elements of both metal and reggae into their music.
Minor Threat- Founded in 1980, a "godfather," fast and hard music, and launched the straight edge movement (Straight edge means abstaining from tobacco, alcohol, and recreational drugs).
The Damned- A goth inspired, cabaret influenced band that was embraced into the hardcore scene.
The Dead Kennedys- A punk band formed in the late seventies that delved into the hardcore scene with influences of UK punk and leftist satire.
The Circle Jerks- A hardcore band lead by former Black Flag lead singer, Keith Morris, that after going through a few hiatuses is still playing together and going strong.
Husker Du- A post-punk/New Wave band that turned into a hard, fast, blazing hardcore force. Are cited as influences on alternative rock lords such as the Foo Fighters and Green Day.
Bad Religion- Inspired by Black Flag among other forms of punk, their album "How Could Hell Be Any Worse" is considered a staple in the hardcore library.
The Exploited- A U.K. punk band that morphed into a faster, hardcore band.
Anti-Nowhere League- Another U.K. punk band that helped lead the European hardcore movement during the 1980's.
TSOL- Standing for "True Sounds of Liberty," this band has dabbled in various musical styles since its inception but is frequently described as a hardcore band.
Social Distortion- Fast, angry, infused with energy, this band helped fan the flames of the O.C. hardcore scene. Still writing and making music today. Also is a personal favorite of mine.
The Thirteenth
The Necros- On this list because they were one of the earliest hardcore punk bands being formed in 1979 and because they hailed from my hometown of Maumee, Ohio!
The Anti-Christ: Suburban Life
Many fans of hardcore and band members themselves either move on to different genres or get a "straight job," have kids, and live in a house in the suburbs. It's not a bad existence but it's hard to sing such songs and listen to such music when there are little kids around and when you are more concerned about how your lawn is doing.
The Satan: Ronald Reagan
With the exception of a few bands like The Undead, who are conservative, the majority of hardcore bands during its hey-day were vocal against the Reagan administration, often using Reagan's policies as fuel for their songwriting.
The Bible: Damaged (1981) by Black Flag
While specifying which hardcore album would be considered the best or the benchmark, it can be quite a toss up at times. The Damaged album is considered to be one of Black Flag's best and since the band initially toured the early '80's promoting this album and kickstarting the genre with it, and with tracks like "T.V. Party" and "Police Story," it makes sense to me to consider this album to be at least a translation of the Bible to the hardcores.
The Christmas: None known.
The Churches: Shows in stuffy clubs, college radio, various websites and fansites.
Devotions:
"Get in the Van" by Henry Rollins
"Going Underground: American Punk 1978-1992" by George Hurchalla
"American Hardcore" directed by Paul Rachman
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Today's Faith: American Professional Wrestling
The Religion: American Professional Wrestling
Existing since late 1800's in the United States, professional wrestling is a predetermined athletic event in which the purpose of the competitors is to pin the opposition's shoulders to the mat inside a ring to the count of three. Over time, wrestling has developed into a red-headed subculture with colorful characters, dramatic and cheesy storylines, and intriguing action. Many consider it to be a colorful soap opera performed by stunt men. While depicting an athletic contest with fixed outcomes, pro wrestling's main purpose is to entertain the audience and encourage them to cheer the hero and boo the villain, making it one of the few forms of live theater that encourages the audience to participate in the drama.
The God: Ric Flair
Touted by the majority as the best in-ring performer of all time, “The Nature Boy” is considered the ultimate standard from a combination of multiple heavyweight title reigns, quality of matches with opponents of various skill levels, bringing fans into the building using his rhetoric and charisma, and having the ability to be a convincing conquering hero or vile villain effortlessly. Most fellow wrestlers say that he is peerless and having a storybook career lasting over 30 years makes him the true litmus test.
The Messiah: Vince McMahon, Jr. The father of modern pro wrestling that has engulfed the U.S. and made pro wrestling a solidified aspect of Americana. McMahon was the one of the first to utilize pay-per-view for events, buying and taking over territories throughout the country, along with creating and nurturing future stars. While many promoters had clenched too close to tradition, McMahon let the cat out of the bag that pro wrestling was predetermined. Many people and wrestling fans scoff at the term “sports entertainment” to classify wrestling, but like or not McMahon changed the face of the industry and is it’s Walt Disney.
The Twelve:
Hulk Hogan- 1980’s superstar and household name that took pro wrestling into the mainstream. He’s probably the first image that pops into a person’s head when the word “wrestling” is uttered.
Bret “Hitman” Hart- Self-proclaimed “best there is, best there was, and best there ever will be,” Hart is considered to be a Mozart of the mat when it comes to having great matches with anyone and is an icon in his native Canada.
Shawn Michaels- A veteran of over 20 years and is dubbed as“the icon who can still go.” He has captivated audiences with both his interviews and ability to have great matches with men who have no business having a good match.
Stone Cold Steve Austin- Responsible for the second wrestling popularity boom in the late 1990’s due to his beer swilling, anti-authority character. Drew more money into the arenas and sold more merchandise than any wrestler ever in the U.S.
The Rock- Now going by his real name Dwayne Johnson, The Rock is arguably the most charismatic wrestler produced in the country and also has the most success transferring into mainstream entertainment.
Lou Thesz- A legit shooter (a wrestler who can take a man down and cripple them if necessary) known to a generation simply as “The Champ” that assisted the National Wrestling Alliance in becoming a legitimate body in pro wrestling and has passed down knowledge to future wrestlers in the United States and assisted pro wrestling developing in foreign countries, especially Japan.
Terry Funk- Debuting in the 1960’s and still performing, Funk is an excellent brawler, passionate, willing to work with anyone and make new stars. A former world champion, Funk was able to reinvent himself as a hardcore wrestler (a wrestler that takes huge risks such as falling through tables, getting hit with chairs, and using fire among other things) at an age when most wrestlers retire.
Andre the Giant- A universally respected man in the business. Andre drew crowds due to his size, but kept them in their chairs due to his quiet charisma. Andre’s size and stories regarding his strength and drinking prowess have turned him into a legend in and out of the ring.
Ed “Strangler” Lewis- Pioneer in wrestling that drew crowds during a time in which wrestling was a carnival act. Able to cripple a man if necessary and entertain if asked. Lewis was able to have wrestling matches lasting up to 6 hours. Trainer of many great wrestlers, including Lou Thesz.
Verne Gagne- Champion wrestler and promoter of one of the most powerful wrestling territories through his American Wrestling Alliance. Trainer of many great wrestlers, including Ric Flair. Gave Hulk Hogan, the Iron Sheik, Shawn Michaels, and many others their first big breaks in wrestling.
Bruno Sammartino- One of the biggest draws in Madison Square Garden and an icon to many Italian Americans during a time in which most ethnicities were absent from television’s spotlight. Da Brune had only two title reigns, but they lasted a combined 11 years. Top that.
Buddy Rogers- The first “Nature Boy” in wrestling, was one of the first wrestlers to draw crowds due to charisma and looks along with in-ring ability. Rogers was a long time rival to Lou Thesz and was the first WWWF champion.
The Anti-Christ: The Parents Television Council
A media watchdog group that criticizes “harmful television” that includes professional wrestling. The groups’ leader, L. Brent Bozell III, has claimed that pro wrestling messes with children’s psyches and even provokes homicidal behavior…right.
The Satan: Media Portrayal
The media typically depicts wrestlers as mostly dumb, steroid addicted muscleheads or overweight clowns along with insulting wrestling fans by portraying them as rednecks that believe the in-ring action is real.
The Bible: The Wrestling Observer Newsletter
A weekly document covering insider news and show results from wrestling shows and mixed martial arts events throughout the world. Created, authored, and edited by Dave Meltzer for over 20 years.
The Christmas: Wrestlemania
Professional wrestling’s annual equivalent to the Superbowl. A big money draw to every town it has been hosted.
Churches: WWE RAW, ECW, TNA Impact, WWE Friday Night Smackdown!, your local independent shows.
Devotions:
“Hooker: An Authentic Wrestler’s Adventures Inside the Bizarre World of Professional Wrestling” by Lou Thesz
“Have a Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks” by Mick Foley
“A Lion’s Tale” by Chris Jericho
“Death of WCW” by Bryan Alvarez and R.D. Reynolds
Existing since late 1800's in the United States, professional wrestling is a predetermined athletic event in which the purpose of the competitors is to pin the opposition's shoulders to the mat inside a ring to the count of three. Over time, wrestling has developed into a red-headed subculture with colorful characters, dramatic and cheesy storylines, and intriguing action. Many consider it to be a colorful soap opera performed by stunt men. While depicting an athletic contest with fixed outcomes, pro wrestling's main purpose is to entertain the audience and encourage them to cheer the hero and boo the villain, making it one of the few forms of live theater that encourages the audience to participate in the drama.
The God: Ric Flair
Touted by the majority as the best in-ring performer of all time, “The Nature Boy” is considered the ultimate standard from a combination of multiple heavyweight title reigns, quality of matches with opponents of various skill levels, bringing fans into the building using his rhetoric and charisma, and having the ability to be a convincing conquering hero or vile villain effortlessly. Most fellow wrestlers say that he is peerless and having a storybook career lasting over 30 years makes him the true litmus test.
The Messiah: Vince McMahon, Jr. The father of modern pro wrestling that has engulfed the U.S. and made pro wrestling a solidified aspect of Americana. McMahon was the one of the first to utilize pay-per-view for events, buying and taking over territories throughout the country, along with creating and nurturing future stars. While many promoters had clenched too close to tradition, McMahon let the cat out of the bag that pro wrestling was predetermined. Many people and wrestling fans scoff at the term “sports entertainment” to classify wrestling, but like or not McMahon changed the face of the industry and is it’s Walt Disney.
The Twelve:
Hulk Hogan- 1980’s superstar and household name that took pro wrestling into the mainstream. He’s probably the first image that pops into a person’s head when the word “wrestling” is uttered.
Bret “Hitman” Hart- Self-proclaimed “best there is, best there was, and best there ever will be,” Hart is considered to be a Mozart of the mat when it comes to having great matches with anyone and is an icon in his native Canada.
Shawn Michaels- A veteran of over 20 years and is dubbed as“the icon who can still go.” He has captivated audiences with both his interviews and ability to have great matches with men who have no business having a good match.
Stone Cold Steve Austin- Responsible for the second wrestling popularity boom in the late 1990’s due to his beer swilling, anti-authority character. Drew more money into the arenas and sold more merchandise than any wrestler ever in the U.S.
The Rock- Now going by his real name Dwayne Johnson, The Rock is arguably the most charismatic wrestler produced in the country and also has the most success transferring into mainstream entertainment.
Lou Thesz- A legit shooter (a wrestler who can take a man down and cripple them if necessary) known to a generation simply as “The Champ” that assisted the National Wrestling Alliance in becoming a legitimate body in pro wrestling and has passed down knowledge to future wrestlers in the United States and assisted pro wrestling developing in foreign countries, especially Japan.
Terry Funk- Debuting in the 1960’s and still performing, Funk is an excellent brawler, passionate, willing to work with anyone and make new stars. A former world champion, Funk was able to reinvent himself as a hardcore wrestler (a wrestler that takes huge risks such as falling through tables, getting hit with chairs, and using fire among other things) at an age when most wrestlers retire.
Andre the Giant- A universally respected man in the business. Andre drew crowds due to his size, but kept them in their chairs due to his quiet charisma. Andre’s size and stories regarding his strength and drinking prowess have turned him into a legend in and out of the ring.
Ed “Strangler” Lewis- Pioneer in wrestling that drew crowds during a time in which wrestling was a carnival act. Able to cripple a man if necessary and entertain if asked. Lewis was able to have wrestling matches lasting up to 6 hours. Trainer of many great wrestlers, including Lou Thesz.
Verne Gagne- Champion wrestler and promoter of one of the most powerful wrestling territories through his American Wrestling Alliance. Trainer of many great wrestlers, including Ric Flair. Gave Hulk Hogan, the Iron Sheik, Shawn Michaels, and many others their first big breaks in wrestling.
Bruno Sammartino- One of the biggest draws in Madison Square Garden and an icon to many Italian Americans during a time in which most ethnicities were absent from television’s spotlight. Da Brune had only two title reigns, but they lasted a combined 11 years. Top that.
Buddy Rogers- The first “Nature Boy” in wrestling, was one of the first wrestlers to draw crowds due to charisma and looks along with in-ring ability. Rogers was a long time rival to Lou Thesz and was the first WWWF champion.
The Anti-Christ: The Parents Television Council
A media watchdog group that criticizes “harmful television” that includes professional wrestling. The groups’ leader, L. Brent Bozell III, has claimed that pro wrestling messes with children’s psyches and even provokes homicidal behavior…right.
The Satan: Media Portrayal
The media typically depicts wrestlers as mostly dumb, steroid addicted muscleheads or overweight clowns along with insulting wrestling fans by portraying them as rednecks that believe the in-ring action is real.
The Bible: The Wrestling Observer Newsletter
A weekly document covering insider news and show results from wrestling shows and mixed martial arts events throughout the world. Created, authored, and edited by Dave Meltzer for over 20 years.
The Christmas: Wrestlemania
Professional wrestling’s annual equivalent to the Superbowl. A big money draw to every town it has been hosted.
Churches: WWE RAW, ECW, TNA Impact, WWE Friday Night Smackdown!, your local independent shows.
Devotions:
“Hooker: An Authentic Wrestler’s Adventures Inside the Bizarre World of Professional Wrestling” by Lou Thesz
“Have a Nice Day: A Tale of Blood and Sweatsocks” by Mick Foley
“A Lion’s Tale” by Chris Jericho
“Death of WCW” by Bryan Alvarez and R.D. Reynolds
Pop Culture Religion Debut: A How-To/What-The-Hell-Is-This? Guide
Welcome to Pop Culture Religion a blog/column that looks at various interests in popular culture in literature, film, television, music, etc.
Have you ever had a friend introduce you to one of their interests? Perhaps I should say obsession? Chances are they are willing to give you a taste of what they like and try to make a fellow convert. Kind of like evangelism. As the uninitiated party you either a) like and want to learn more about the interest or b) don't get it and need some background before you decide if this is another interest that would suit you. That or you don't care for the interest, but want to educate yourself in case you are at a social event filled with people who love it.
That's where I come in. I intend on looking into a pop culture interest in the world of television, music, film, and whatnot in order to inform the lost of what each obsession is all about along with giving some good starting points in order to get lost in the potential new pastime.
Here's the format:
Religion: Here's the label of the interest we will be looking into today (Punk Rock, Film Noir, etc.)
The God: While still subjective in some areas, this will be the person or persons who are either responsible for the creation of the pop subculture or have the vocal majority state that he/she/they are the best representative of the "religion."
The Messiah: A person(s) who has changed the landscape of the topic for good or ill, creating a new vein in the "religion."
The Twelve: Twelve persons who are the innovators, statesmen, and best ambassadors of the "religion" being discussed.
The Anti-Christ: A person/group/concept that may lead to the potential downfall to the "religion" in regards to popularity and tries to lead the masses away from the "religion."
The Satan: The nearly lifelong antagonist/opposition to the topic.
The Bible: The book, film, album, etc. that is considered by the majority to be the best representation of the medium ("You can't consider yourself a metal fan unless you've heard insert album here")
The Christmas: The major event that followers of the "religion" gather and practice their "faith."
The Churches: Supplementary weekly/monthly TV shows, newsletters, DVD's, magazines, and whatnot the faithful participate in regarding the "religion." (i.e. One of hip-hop's churches would be "Yo! MTV Raps!")
Devotions: Books dedicated to the history or insight into the "religion."
Hope this intrigues you enough to come back and hopefully find some new cool stuff to expose yourself to. Once again, this is purely subjective so feel free to comment about your disagreements, agreements, or anything I might have overlooked. I am also taking requests as to what topics to dissect in this blog. Later.
Have you ever had a friend introduce you to one of their interests? Perhaps I should say obsession? Chances are they are willing to give you a taste of what they like and try to make a fellow convert. Kind of like evangelism. As the uninitiated party you either a) like and want to learn more about the interest or b) don't get it and need some background before you decide if this is another interest that would suit you. That or you don't care for the interest, but want to educate yourself in case you are at a social event filled with people who love it.
That's where I come in. I intend on looking into a pop culture interest in the world of television, music, film, and whatnot in order to inform the lost of what each obsession is all about along with giving some good starting points in order to get lost in the potential new pastime.
Here's the format:
Religion: Here's the label of the interest we will be looking into today (Punk Rock, Film Noir, etc.)
The God: While still subjective in some areas, this will be the person or persons who are either responsible for the creation of the pop subculture or have the vocal majority state that he/she/they are the best representative of the "religion."
The Messiah: A person(s) who has changed the landscape of the topic for good or ill, creating a new vein in the "religion."
The Twelve: Twelve persons who are the innovators, statesmen, and best ambassadors of the "religion" being discussed.
The Anti-Christ: A person/group/concept that may lead to the potential downfall to the "religion" in regards to popularity and tries to lead the masses away from the "religion."
The Satan: The nearly lifelong antagonist/opposition to the topic.
The Bible: The book, film, album, etc. that is considered by the majority to be the best representation of the medium ("You can't consider yourself a metal fan unless you've heard insert album here")
The Christmas: The major event that followers of the "religion" gather and practice their "faith."
The Churches: Supplementary weekly/monthly TV shows, newsletters, DVD's, magazines, and whatnot the faithful participate in regarding the "religion." (i.e. One of hip-hop's churches would be "Yo! MTV Raps!")
Devotions: Books dedicated to the history or insight into the "religion."
Hope this intrigues you enough to come back and hopefully find some new cool stuff to expose yourself to. Once again, this is purely subjective so feel free to comment about your disagreements, agreements, or anything I might have overlooked. I am also taking requests as to what topics to dissect in this blog. Later.
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