January 25, 2021

1977 - May: The Sex Pistols “Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols”

38 minutes

We've profiled albums from bands which were a mess in real life before, but it would be hard to identify a more "bad boy" oriented group than the Sex Pistols. We'll also not be profiling any other Sex Pistols studio album…because Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols is their sole studio album. The Sex Pistols put out a number of singles ahead of the album, so while the full album was released in October of 1977, their single "God Save the Queen" was released in May of 1977. The Sex Pistols defined Punk Rock in a way that would influence the entire genre for decades.

Members of the group were Glen Matlock on bass, Steve Jones on guitar, Paul Cook on drums and Johnny Rotten (who got the nickname for his bad teeth) on lead vocals. Sid Vicious would come in on bass after Matlock split with the group.

The members didn't get along with each other, didn't get along with the media, the public, or pretty much anyone. They had already had an obscenity-laden interview on television in December 1976 which kept the tabloids busy for days afterward, and "God Save the Queen" continued their infamous image with its broadside against conformity and the crown.

The popularity of the Sex Pistols was a reflection of the underlying resentment towards the tough times in England during the late 70s. Their enduring popularity is a reflection of the punk movement the Sex Pistols helped to found in this short-lived group and album.

God Save the Queen

Also known as "No Future," with lyrics like "God Save the Queen, she ain't no human being," it is not surprising that the BBC refused to play the song. Despite this, it went to number 2 on the charts in the UK. The Sex Pistols leased a boat just before the Queen's Jubilee (25-year anniversary) and played off it past Westminster Abbey and Parliament. They were arrested as they exited the boat.

Submission

This deeper cut takes a different pace than your normal punk song, but plays on words. "I'm on a submarine mission for you baby." Not as submissive as it appears at first, is it? Their manager wanted them to do a bondage-type song, but the band never was known to take instructions very well, and so created this pun on the word as a result.

Pretty Vacant

This third single was one of the first songs written by the group. The track is a rant about appearances masking a lack of substance. "I'm so pretty, you're so pretty...pretty vacant...and we don't care." The music of the Sex Pistols remains loud, and uses simple power chords.

Anarchy in the UK

The Sex Pistol's first single released is iconic. "Don't know what I want, but I know how to get it. I want to destroy the passerby."

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

The theme from the television series “The Brady Bunch”

We apologize for the abrupt change! "The Brady Bunch Hour" variety show had its last airing in May 1977.

STAFF PICKS:

Calling Dr. Love by Kiss

Brian's staff pick starts us with more cowbell! Gene Simmons takes lead vocals on a song inspired by a short from "The Three Stooges," entitled "Men in Black," where they were calling various Doctors. Katey Sagal (from Married...With Children) is a backing vocalist on this song.

Heard It In a Love Song by The Marshall Tucker Band

Bruce brings us the highest charting single from Spartanburg, South Carolina's own. The Marshall Tucker Band got their name from a door key to the warehouse whey had rented for rehearsal, which had the name "Marshall Tucker" inscribed on it. Later they found out that the key belonged to a blind piano tuner who had tuned a piano in the rented space just before their arrival.

Lonely Boy by Andrew Gold

Rob's staff pick was on the charts for about two months, and tells a story about a family raising a boy who is the center of their world until his little sister comes along. Linda Ronstadt contributes to the vocals in this track. Andrew Gold had a close association with Ronstadt.

Couldn't Get It Right by Climax Blues Band

Wayne gets his groove on with a two-hit wonder from an English band. The band wrote the song "from absolutely nowhere" after their label couldn't find a standout song for the single from their album. The lyrics were inspired by the band searching for the "Holiday Inn" sign for their motel after a show on their tour in America.

INSTRUMENTAL TRACK:

Cruise Control by the Dixie Dregs

We finish off this week with a long instrumental from the prog rock band the Dixie Dregs. This is likely their most famous song, and is covered by a lot of bands.

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By Rob Marbury, Wayne Rowan, Bruce Fricks, John Lynch

4.9

4747 ratings