The Sex Pistols - Nevermind the Bollocks
Virgin/Warner
October 28th, 1977.
The Pistols career didn't last long. They say the candle that shines brightest only shines half as long, if that. One album and we're out the gap. Once is enough if it's done with the right intentions. Say your piece and stand back - free the stage for the next in line. Nevermind the Bollocks turns the dial for the 45th time. Opening with the stomp of a military march, Nevermind the Bollocks slams to life.
When you get down to the nitty-gritty, there's not a lot to it. A couple chords, straight to the point songwriting - along with it themes that resonate on a large scale - and well-bottled youth distilled into a 38-minute package. The simplicity surrounding the material is a large factor to the widespread appeal and influence of the band - if we can do it, then so can you. Art doesn't have to be great to resonate. It's a primal thing. Nevermind the Bollocks is a great example of how an influential work can ignite a flame throughout society - the DIY ethos is one of fervent potential when lead by the right characters. Rotten, Jones, Cook, Matlock and Vicious are all heralded, and will be as long as time goes on, as purveyors of anarchy in the UK, and beyond. Although it's a case of the influenced surpassing the influencer, quality-wise, for the most part. The Pistols are as basic as basic can be but as effective in their message - anti-establishment, anti-authority - as you could hope.
The music is decent, but when you dig a little deeper, it's all about the image/aesthetic - a stiff finger to the monarchy and anyone that falls in line with its ideology. A nation who relies on atrocities to feel great isn't the sort of place you can truly feel proud of - colonization is a strong part of human history throughout, however. It's an unavoidable subject and dealing. It's a fact that we have to face, unfortunately. Any nation that rises to the top has to off of the back of others. It leans in on more than just reliance - a necessary evil?
Nevermind the Bollocks is instantly recognizable - sonically and visually - even to those that have never stepped foot into the world of the Pistols. The simple, yet bold and rebellious, artwork reverberated risque, while the material pushed a piss and vinegar sentiment.
No future, no future, no future .....
