man bites dog records

Man Bites Dog: A Groovy History of Punk and Beyond

Man Bites Dog Records, established in 1979, wasn’t just a label, it was a cultural force. Their roster, a diverse mix of punk, post-punk, and experimental artists, reflected the raw energy and rebellious spirit of the times. Think The Damned, The Cramps, 45 Grave, and The Misfits – all pioneering the sounds that would define punk rock.

The Punk Explosion:

Punk’s roots were in the underground, a backlash against the polished pop of the 70s. Man Bites Dog helped amplify that sound, releasing records that were raw, DIY, and dripping with attitude. The Damned, with their iconic single “New Rose”, became the first British punk band to release a single. The Cramps, with their wild, retro-influenced punkabilly, were the epitome of punk rock’s rebellious spirit.

Post-Punk Pioneers:

As punk evolved, so did the label. They embraced artists like The Birthday Party, The Gun Club, and The Cult, who explored the darker side of punk. The Birthday Party, led by the enigmatic Nick Cave, took punk’s aggression and injected it with a theatrical, almost operatic, intensity. The Gun Club, fronted by the charismatic Jeffrey Lee Pierce, combined blues, punk, and a touch of the macabre.

Funny Facts & Quirky Characters:

• The Cramps’ Lux Interior: He claimed to have been bitten by a radioactive spider (no, not that kind of spider). This “bite” was said to have given him the energy and insanity he brought to his performances.
• The Misfits’ Glenn Danzig: He was a fan of horror films and his lyrics often borrowed from their themes. He even wore a black leather jacket emblazoned with the words “Don’t Fear the Reaper”, which was, ironically, a hit for the band Blue Oyster Cult.
• The Gun Club’s Jeffrey Lee Pierce: He once claimed to have been kidnapped by aliens and that the experience inspired his music.
• The Damned’s Captain Sensible: He was a fan of the Beatles and later recorded a song called “The Kinks are the Village Green Preservation Society”, a tribute to the band’s eccentricity.

Beyond the Music:

Man Bites Dog Records wasn’t just about music, it was about a philosophy. The label embraced the DIY ethic, supporting artists who were outside the mainstream and who defied easy categorization. They encouraged experimentation and creativity, pushing the boundaries of what punk could be.

Legacy:

Man Bites Dog Records played a crucial role in shaping the sounds of punk and post-punk. Their legacy continues to inspire artists today, proving that punk is not just a genre, but a state of mind. The label’s unique blend of rebellious energy, artistic exploration, and quirky characters helped define a cultural movement that continues to resonate today.