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The Minutemen: Double Nickels on the Dime - A Sonic Exploration of American Angst in the Late 1970s

Kenneth Parker

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In the tumultuous landscape of American society in the late 1970s, amidst economic turmoil, political unrest, and a burgeoning punk subculture, emerged a band that would channel the collective angst and frustrations of the era with raw intensity and unparalleled sonic innovation: The Minutemen.

The Minutemen s Double Nickels on the Dime (33 1/3 45)

The Minutemen's Double Nickels on the Dime (33 1/3 Book 45)

by Michael T. Fournier

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	473 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
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Print length	:	124 pages

Formed in San Pedro, California, in 1979, the trio comprised D. Boon on vocals and guitar, Mike Watt on bass and vocals, and George Hurley on drums. Their sound defied easy categorization, blending elements of punk, funk, free jazz, and experimental rock. Their lyrics, often written by Boon, were equally unconventional, a stream-of-consciousness outpouring of personal experiences, political observations, and surrealist imagery.

In 1980, The Minutemen released their debut album, "Paranoid Time," a short but explosive burst of 18 songs clocking in at just under 23 minutes. The album showcased the band's raw energy and their penchant for experimentalism. However, it was with their sophomore effort, "Double Nickels on the Dime," released in 1984, that The Minutemen truly established themselves as one of the most innovative and influential bands of their era.

Double Nickels on the Dime: A Sonic Tapestry of American Angst

Double Nickels on the Dime is a sprawling double album, consisting of 45 tracks that range in length from 30 seconds to over five minutes. The album's title is a reference to the 55-mph speed limit imposed by the federal government in 1974, a symbol of the restrictions and frustrations felt by many Americans during that time.

Musically, Double Nickels on the Dime is a kaleidoscope of sound. The band's signature punk aggression is tempered by moments of funk groove and free jazz experimentation. Watt's basslines are a constant driving force, propelling the songs forward with an infectious energy. Hurley's drumming is equally inventive, incorporating polyrhythms and syncopated beats that create a sense of both urgency and tension.

Boon's lyrics on Double Nickels on the Dime are a reflection of the social and political turmoil of the late 1970s. He tackles issues such as unemployment, government surveillance, and the dangers of nuclear war with a raw honesty and a wry sense of humor.

The album's opening track, "Political Song for Michael Jackson," sets the tone with its blistering attack on the Reagan administration and its policies of economic austerity. In "The Punch Line," Boon skewers the rise of televangelists and the moral hypocrisy of the religious right. "Shit from an Old Notebook" is a harrowing account of a near-death experience, while "History Lesson - Part II" is a meditation on the United States' troubled history of racial inequality and imperialism.

However, Double Nickels on the Dime is more than just a political screed. Boon's lyrics also explore personal themes of love, loss, and the search for identity. In "Corona," he sings about the joys of simple pleasures like riding a bicycle and watching the sunset. "There Ain't No Santa Claus" is a bittersweet ode to disillusionment, while "This Ain't No Picnic" is a poignant reflection on the struggles of everyday life.

Legacy and Influence

Double Nickels on the Dime was a critical and commercial success, solidifying The Minutemen's reputation as one of the most important bands of the American hardcore punk scene.

The album's influence can be heard in countless bands that emerged in the years that followed, from Sonic Youth to Fugazi to Nirvana. Its unique blend of punk, funk, and free jazz inspired a new generation of musicians to push the boundaries of their sound and to use their music as a vehicle for social commentary.

Tragically, The Minutemen's career was cut short when Boon was killed in a van accident in 1985, just a few months after the release of Double Nickels on the Dime. Watt and Hurley continued to perform and record together for a few more years, but The Minutemen disbanded in 1986.

Despite their brief existence, The Minutemen left an indelible mark on American music. Double Nickels on the Dime remains a towering achievement, a sonic exploration of American angst in the late 1970s that is as relevant and powerful today as it was when it was first released.

Here are some notable quotes about The Minutemen and Double Nickels on the Dime:

"The Minutemen were one of the most important bands of their era, and Double Nickels on the Dime is their masterpiece." - Kurt Cobain
"Double Nickels on the Dime is a perfect album. It's got everything: great songs, great playing, and great lyrics." - Thurston Moore
"The Minutemen were a band that was ahead of their time. Their music is still fresh and innovative today." - Henry Rollins

The Minutemen's legacy continues to inspire musicians and fans alike. Their music is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always the power of art to express our hopes, fears, and dreams.

Image of The Minutemen performing live by Jim Jocoy, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic.

The Minutemen's Double Nickels on the Dime (33 1/3 Book 45)

by Michael T. Fournier

4.2 out of 5