Across a series of singles and three albums in the late ‘70s, the Buzzcocks created one of the greatest expressions of the punk rock movement—perhaps the greatest.
Fronted by vocalist Pete Shelley—who took over vocal duties from original lead singer Howard Devoto after he left to eventually form his own band, Magazine—the Buzzcocks were purveyors of short, sharp punk-pop songs with catchy melodies and lyrics that explored modern romance and identity in ways most punk bands wouldn’t touch. They used punk’s pace and energy, without all that unfocused anger.
And the tunes stick to the 3½-minute pop single ideal (or shorter); of the 24 tracks I’ve selected here, only three are longer than 3:36—and all three of those extend past the 6:30 mark. Keep it short and sweet, I say—and if not, know why you are making it long and do it right.
The playlist below starts off with two songs from the Devoto-led lineup, and then proceeds through the classic band’s run of great singles and albums. Enjoy!
Cover Art:
- Singles Going Steady and Another Music in a Different Kitchen: Source, Discogs.com
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