The Track Star Podcast A History of Punk Rock in 10 Songs
Oct 1, 2025
Music critic Kelefa Sanneh, also the author of *Major Labels*, dives into the rich history of punk rock, discussing its lasting cultural significance. She shares her own journey into punk through a mixtape and highlights pivotal artists like the Sex Pistols and Patti Smith. NYC council-member Justin Brannan offers gripping stories from the hardcore scene, and Kelefa traces connections between punk, emo, and even early hip-hop. They explore how bands like Nirvana and Bad Brains shaped the genre while defining its legacy and influence on contemporary music.
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A Punk Mixtape Sparked Obsessive Fandom
- Kelefa Sanneh got into music at 14 via a punk mixtape and briefly rejected other genres.
- That 'all-in' attitude toward punk felt morally righteous and intoxicating to her.
College Radio Entrance Exam
- Kelefa Sanneh describes taking an entrance exam to DJ in Harvard's punk department.
- The college radio course included weekly lectures and listening assignments that taught punk history.
Sex Pistols: Shock And Revival Combined
- The Sex Pistols mixed rock revivalism and destructive nihilism in the same records.
- That tension fueled punk's image and turned a marketing gimmick into a lasting cultural moment.
