New musical movements don’t pop out of nowhere. The rise of punk, for example, was a reaction, in part, to the optimism of the hippy era. The simple, fast and loud tunes often eschewed the flowery virtuosity of music from the decade before. There was also a nihilistic streak to the lyrics. Instead of psychedelic exploration and free love, the lyrical fare of many early punk was a snarling unwillingness to adhere to the status quo.
It spread quickly. Just three years after The Ramones burst onto the scene, Southern California answered. The Zeros – nicknamed the “Mexican Ramones” – followed the New York trailblazers’ lead with compact songwriting and straightforward but catchy melodies. But like oh so many artists in the region’s history, The Zeros were erroneously labeled a Los Angeles band. In reality, they were formed in Chula Vista. Get it straight.
The Zeros, “Don’t Push Me Around”: While songs like “Wild Weekend,” put The Zeros’ ability to crank out frenzied, high-octane noise on full display and “Rico Amour,” highlights the band’s sharper edge, it’s hard to stop playing “Don’t Push Me Around.” Full of snot, vim and vigor, it’s simply a perfect early punk track. I’ve been playing it all afternoon, likely annoying the hell out of my girlfriend. She’ll ask me to turn it off any minute now and when that happens I’ll just echo The Zeros’ endlessly satisfying refrain – “You always want me to stop, but I’m not gonna.’”
Like what you hear? Check out Zeros 77, made up of founding members of The Zeros, at Casbah on Friday, Nov. 29. Do you have a “Song of the Week” suggestion? Shoot us an email and a sentence or two about why you’ve been bumping this song lately. Friendly reminder: all songs should be by local artists.