California has been the home of many bands through all genres. Even in the rock genre, there are too many bands to cover in one edition. Looking even further into genres, this playlist features the top punk bands from California, starting all the way from the 70’s to current day.
Sound System- Operation Ivy
Operation Ivy is known as one of the most influential ska-punk bands, and yet they only released one album. With limited music to their name, they still have a distinct sound that has influenced many bands from the California area. “Sound System” is the most known song from the self-titled album.
Same In The End- Sublime
Known for their reggae influenced sound, Sublime had many punk songs dispersed throughout their discography. Though the band’s career was short lived, they continue to have fans to this day. Whether those fans know a song other than “Santeria” is another story.
Total Hate ‘95- No Doubt
Before Gwen Stefani was the pop star we all know her has today, she was actually very influenced by punk music. No Doubt first became a huge success with the album Tragic Kingdom, which was the band’s third album. “Total Hate ‘95”, off of the second album, The Beacon Street Collection, was far more punk sounding though and even featured Sublime singer, Bradley Nowell.
We’re Only Gonna Die- Bad Religion
The first song off of Bad Religion’s first album, How Could Hell Be Any Worse, “We’re Only Gonna Die is their featured song on this playlist. At the time of its release, the album was relatively unknown until the band became bigger in the 90’s. Though their later material was more alternative, Bad Religion was heavily involved in the punk scene early on.
Rise Above- Black Flag
Black Flag is recognized as one of the first hardcore punk bands, formed in 1976, and pioneered the California punk scene. The band was most popular when singer, Henry Rollins, joined the band in 1981. This is when the band released the album, Damaged, which featured their biggest hit, “Rise Above”.
Six Days A Week- The Bronx
Though you would think The Bronx would be featured in the New York playlist, they are actually from Los Angeles. Though they have released six punk albums, the band has also made three albums of mariachi music under the name, Mariachi El Bronx. ”Six Days A Week” is not off of one of the mariachi albums though.
Hope- Descendents
Descendents were one of the earlier punk bands to see success commercially, and are recognized as a very significant part of the 80’s punk scene, as well as a huge inspiration for the pop-punk genre that would be popularized later. “Hope” is off of their first album, Milo Goes To College, and blends hardcore punk with melodies of a more pop, or radio-friendly, sound.
Amazed- Offspring
The Offspring have had many hits over the years, and most are extremely good, outside of “Pretty Fly (For A White Guy).” Their skate punk sound is iconic, and their early albums especially have a real punk sound.
Fight Till You Die- Pennywise
Pennywise didn’t form until 1988, and because of this, they have a far heavier sound than the other punk bands here. The first track on their fifth studio album, Full Circle, “Fight Till You Die” shows the heavier influences that Pennywise has.
Fall Back Down- Rancid
Created by former members of Operation Ivy, another band on this list, Rancid formed in 1991. They first became a national success in 1994, with the release of their second album, Let’s Go. It wasn’t until 2003, however, when the band released their third album, Indestructible, which featured “Fall Back Down”.
Take Back The Power- The Interrupters
The Interrupters are far newer than any other band on this playlist, forming in 2011. Their self-titled debut album featured “Take Back The Power” as the lead single. With a more ska-oriented influence, the singing of Aimee Interrupter has a very punk feel to it.
Mommy’s Little Monster- Social Distortion
Social Distortion’s first album, Mommy’s Little Monster, released in 1983, threw the band’s name into the ring for big California punk rock bands. Although they weren’t consistently playing within the punk rock genre, most of Social Distortion’s hits were punk, including “Mommy’s Little Monster.”
