Great Rock Bands: The Minutemen

I want you to know a little bit about one of the most original bands to come out of the 1980s post-punk era. The Minutemen was a little trio from San Pedro, California that made short songs that spanned punk, funk, jazz and prog rock genres. No one has ever sounded like them. They made protest-punk joyful, meaning every word when the delivered faithful cover versions of CCR or Blue Oyster Cult songs. Best are their originals, of course, with sudden stops and funny lines ("I'm f**cking overwhelmed!" or "maybe partying will help"). The band ended, tragically, when singer/guitarist D Boon was killed in a van accident in December 1985. We Jam Econo is a great documentary on the band.

Hear these half-dozen songs.

THIS AIN'T NO PICNIC
The Minutemen were nominated for an MTV best video for slicing old Ronald Reagan footage.

THE GLORY OF MAN
One of their longer songs, from the double album *Double Nickels on the Dime," which makes fun of Sammy Hagar's conventional bravado of "I Can't Drive 55." The guy bopping his head at the side of the stage played trumpet on a few Minutemen songs.

I FELT LIKE A GRINGO
Bassist Mike Watt, who still regularly plays the LA area (and a major inspiration for Flea of the far inferior Red Hot Chili Peppers), wrote this after a trip to Mexico.

POLITICAL SONG FOR MICHAEL JACKSON TO SING
Watt actually wanted Michael Jackson to sing this. Not sure the "King of Pop" could ever have deadpanned the "I must look like a dork" line as well -- or even try it.

AIN'T TALKIN BOUT LOVE
Yes, they took on the Van Halen song -- but stripped it down to its barest essentials, a 0:42 song focusing on the "ledge" bridge and the "hey hey hey" hook.

HISTORY LESSON (PART TWO)
Watt and Boon met as kids, and their songs read like inside jokes with heartbreaking meaning. "Our band could be your life..." Boon sings here. It became the name of the Michael Azarrad book on the '80s punk scene.