The Greatest Punk Song Ever: "New Rose" vs. "God Save the Queen"

While in Chicago in Feb 2013, I met up with a business colleague and fellow new wave / alternative music fanatic, Taris Lopez.  Over a few local beers and some tasty appetizers, we launched into a full blown debate on what song deserves the title of 'Greatest Punk Song Ever.'  Tarsis was in the Damned's camp with "New Rose" the first official punk song released in the UK.  I argued voraciously that the Sex Pistols "God Save the Queen" lay claim to that lofty title because of the controversy at home and simultaneous international shot-in-the-arm it provided Punk Rock.  As we are both strongly vested in our opinions, the case for each song will be made below.

Before we do so, there are several other songs outside the UK that could earn Honourable Mention for "Greatest Punk Song Ever" as indicated:

Ramones - Blitzbreig Bop (US, April 1976 release)
The song that started it all!  "Hey, ho, let's go!"  The Ramones toured the UK and July 4&5, 1976 performances helped to jump-start a burgeoning punk rock scence, where members of the Sex Pistols and Clash were inspired. Unfortunately, the song has been way over-exposed in arena sporting events.

Saints - (I'm) Stranded (Australia, Sept 1976)
This iconic song from Down Under actually pre-dated débuts by the Damned, Sex Pistols and Clash.  Edgy with a great guitar riff, this classic holds up very well.  Too bad the Saints morphed into a pop-ish band by the 80s, leaving the punk roots behind.

Plastic Bertrand - Ca Plane Pour Moi (Belgium, Dec 1977)
A great international French punk hit that was popularized from original English version "Jet Boy Jet Girl" by Elton Motello and later covered by many punk bands, including the Damned and Chron Gen. What unforgettable lyrics, "Ooh, he gives me head."

Viletones - Screaming Fist (Canada, late 1977)
Canada's premier punk band, with this hard-to-find recording released as their first single after a Toronto punk showcase at CBGBs July 1977.  Nazi Dog on lead vocals and Motor X on drums. Sing-along to "Pump your fist, if you love this shit."

O.K.  For the main bout. In one corner, a band that would demonstrate uncanny staying power by becoming pioneers in an evolving genre, goth!  In the other corner, snotty spitting brats that would self-destruct within a year.

              

The Damned - New Rose (UK, Oct 1976, Stiff label)
* The first single by a British punk band, top UK chart position; 81
* From the first UK Punk album, Damned Damned Damned, top UK chart position; 36
* Performed second live performance July 6, 1976 opening for Sex Pistols at 100 Club
* Years Active: 1976 - present (10 studio LPs, 31 singles)
* Members: Dave Vanian, Brian James, Captain Sensible and Rat Scabies

The introductory adrenaline fuelled pounding drums & guitars are unmistakable.  The topic is teen angst love song!! No politics here.  An enduring band still performing today.

" I gotta a feelin' inside of me / It's kinda strange like a stormy sea"
 " I gotta new rose, I got her good / Guess I knew that I always would"

Sex Pistols - God Save the Queen (UK, May 1977, Virgin label)
* The second single released by the band (first was Anarchy in the UK in Nov 1976)
* Song reached #1 on NME charts, but #2 (*fixed) on official UK Single Charts by BBC
* From the bands only studio album, Never Mind the Bollocks, top UK position #1
* First major live performance Feb 12, 1976 at Marquee supporting Eddie & the Hot Rods
* Years active 1975-1978 (1 studio LP, 13 other albums, 10 singles)
* Members: Johnny Rotten, Steve Jones, Paul Cook, Glen Matlock, Sid Vicious (RIP)

What more can be said about a song released during Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee in 1977?  The record's lyrics and cover were controversial; direct assault on the queen and monarchy.  The fixing of the charts to keep it out of #1 position, despite it selling more copies than Rod Stewart's "I Don't Want to Talk About It."  REALLY? This song became a rallying cry for disaffected youth in an era of Thatcher's brutal economic policies resulting in high unemployment.  What explosive opening lyrics:

"God save the queen / It's a fascist regime / They made you a moron / A potential H-bomb"
"God save the queen /She ain't no human being / There is no future / In England's dreaming"


So, now it is time to vote:

• The Damned - New Rose 

     

• Sex Pistols - God Save the Queen