You stumble off the Party Train in a foreign wasteland. As always, 
New York during the 1970′s – what a place to have been. If only for the music. I wasn’t actually born until 1983 and I was born in West London – I can but dream. Looking at the things from a social and economic point of view though the city was a total and utter disaster and the 1970′s are widely regarded to be New York’s nadir – a time of strikes, strife, crime and social disorder. The city was almost declared bankrupt and at one point during the summer of 1977 went 25 hours without any power whatsoever. The highlight of the decade is said to be the opening, in 1972, of the World Trade Centre complex and we all know what happened to that.
It isn’t all bad though – out of the doom, gloom, joblessness and boredom comes great music. Rarely do you get great music scenes in beautiful towns and cities where life is grand. It’s the doom and gloom that stirs the creative juices and makes young men (and women) turn to guitars and drums and form bands. It’s in places like Manchester and Sheffield where the best music is made, not Winchester or Tunbridge Wells.
Some truly incredible music came out of New York during this time and a lot of the great bands of the day played at a club called CBGB’s. The full name is CBGB & OMFUG which stands for “Country Bluegrass Blues and Other Music For Uplifting Gormandizers.” The owners intended it to feature Country Bluegrass Blues but it became known as the birthplace of the American punk movement.
The artists on this need no introduction, so sit back and enjoy and, as always, if you think I have missed something vital or you simply wish to tell me you hate me then please comment below.
