Greg Bartalos: January 1, 2006

1. The Damned – Damned Damned Damned (Castle/RYKO)
   Last week I wrote about how some of the best punk bands from 1976 to 1977 are still going strong today. In this week’s Top 10 list I highlight what I consider to be the 10 best records from those two years. The Damned’s debut is awe inspiring due largely to the breathtaking velocity of Rat Scabies’ machine gun drumming.
2. The Clash – The Clash (Sony)
   The Clash at its rawest. Political, immediate and uncompromising.
3. The Sex Pistols – Never Mind the Bollocks (Warner Bros.)
   One of the most hyped albums in history—and for good reason.
4. Ramones – Ramones (Rhino/WEA)
   If you want to see some of the horrid music that this album applied electroshock therapy to back in 1976 click here
5. Ramones – Rocket to Russia (Rhino/WEA)
   Better produced and more developed than the debut but fierce nonetheless.
6. The Stranglers – Rattus Norvegicus IV (EMI)
   A staggering debut. And check out the stellar musicianship on the ambitious “Down in the Sewer”!
7. The Stranglers – No More Heroes (EMI)
   Less heroic than Rattus, but still full of spittle.
8. Buzzcocks – Spiral Scratch (Mute)
   This four-song debut remains fresh and exhilarating today.
9. Wire – Pink Flag (EMI)
   Minimal, precise and bursting with energy.
10. The Saints – (I’m) Stranded (Captain Oi!)
    Formed in 1973, these trailblazing Aussies predate the Ramones!