(October 2017) I have completed episode 144 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to a band’s full discography. This edition: 7 SECONDS. Straight edge! I saw them in concert in 1986. Also, proof that a hardcore punk band can have a long recording career after the initial burst of 97 second-long thrash-tastic recordings.
Favorite album: The Crew
Favorite song: Aggro
Compared to expectations: same
(September 2017) I have completed episode 139 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to a band’s full discography. This edition: THE GITS. Great punk aesthetic.
Favorite album: Frenching the Bully
Favorite song: Absynthe
Compared to expectations: same
(July 2017) I have completed episode 129 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to a band’s full discography. This edition: THE RAMONES. No band better represents the evolution of my musical tastes. In the 1980s, I considered their music as crude, unoriginal noise for simpletons. By the 2000s, I recognized them as f***ing genius.
Favorite album: The Ramones
Favorite song: Havana Affair
Special sauce: Dee Dee
Compared to expectations: same
(May 2017) I have completed episode 121 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to a band’s full discography. This edition: DEAD KENNEDYS. I went to a Dead Kennedys show once. They played a key role in the history of hardcore punk. But with the passage of time, Jello Biafra just comes off as annoying.
Favorite album: Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables
Favorite song: Terminal Preppie
Favorite poster insert: My college roommates know which one
Compared to expectations: same
(march 2017) I have completed episode 116 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to a band’s full discography. This edition: L7. No-frills punk/grunge/metal. They’ll always be on my shitlist.
Favorite album: Bricks are Heavy
Favorite song: Deathwish
Compared to expectations: same
(February 2017) I have completed episode 112 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to a band’s full discography. This edition: BIKINI KILL and LE TIGRE. The commonality here is Kathleen Hanna and fierce feminist content. But the sounds are rather distinct — BK is riot grrrl punk while LT is eclectic electro-dance.
Favorite Bikini Kill album: Pussy Whipped
Favorite Le Tigre album: Le Tigre
Favorite song: Rebel Girl
Compared to expectations: same
(November 2015) I have completed episode 65 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to a band’s entire discography. This episode: BLACK FLAG. Their music is best summed up by the cover of their first album:
Favorite album: Damaged
Favorite song: The Swinging Man
Favorite spoken word: Family Man
Favorite instrumental: Obliteration
Compared to expectations: same
Opus Project 