The Germs Songs Ranked
Germs were an American punk rock band from Los Angeles, California, the United States, originally active from 1976 to 1980. The band’s main early lineup consisted of singer Darby Crash, guitarist Pat Smear, bassist Lorna Doom, and drummer Don Bolles. They released only one album, 1979’s (GI), produced by Joan Jett, and were featured the following year in Penelope Spheeris’ documentary film The Decline of Western Civilization, which chronicled the Los Angeles punk movement.
Germs disbanded following Crash’s suicide on December 7, 1980. Their music was influential to many later punk rock acts. Smear went on to achieve greater fame performing with Nirvana and Foo Fighters.
In 2005, actor Shane West was cast to play Crash in the biographical film What We Do Is Secret, titled after a song by the Germs. He performed with Smear, Doom, and Bolles at a production party for the film, after which the Germs reformed with West as the singer. The new lineup of the band toured the United States several times, including performances on the 2006 and 2008 Warped Tours. Here are all of The Germs songs ranked.
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10. Forming (Forming, 1977)
“One of the few classic punk singles, an essential showcase of the snotty DIY- attitude of 1977. Sure, it isn’t what you’d call professional, “good” music but who cares? It`s energetic, it`s innovative, it`s desperate, it`s punk.”
9. Throw It Away (The Complete Anthology, 1993)
“The more I listen to it the more it seems that this is not only very passionate but also more self-conscious than I thought, and it seems less like a random product of passion spat out very loudly with semi-talented musicians”
8. Communist Eyes (GI, 1979)
“Communist Eyes” is a great early-album highlight and there are a few that nearly hold up. Their lyrical angle I suppose was a bit different from their peers.”
7. Manimal (GI, 1979)
“A masterpiece of nihilistic hardcore with a superb production. The lyrics are prolifically poetic with philosophical eccentricities. The music is professionally aggressive and innovative where the noise is almost subdued managed by its power.”
See more: The Germs Albums Ranked
6. Richie Dagger’s Crime (GI, 1979)
“This is Punk.. like real punk.. like we don’t know anything about playing our instruments or timing or tuning or any of that bullshit ,but we sure know how to shoot up and make a scene “
5. Let’s Pretend (GI, 1979)
“The music is fierce, yet catchy as hell, which makes it impossible to resist. Each song is a punk classic and represents a time when chaos and noise were much more important than success.”
4. Land of Treason (GI, 1979)
“Land of Treason” contain small elements of what in the 80s would become post-punk. No, nothing about this album is perfect, and nothing about this album is pretty. And I don’t think Germs tried to be either of that, but it definitely seems like they wanted this album to be just the way it is, it’s unique, influential for hardcore punk and possibly smarter than it looks.”
See more: Sum 41 Albums Ranked
3. Lion’s Share (Cruising, 1980)
“Definitely more of a collector’s item than a vital Germs album. The Cruising Sessions are on (M.I.A.), and the live show was released in its entirety. I only bought this because it’s on clear vinyl.”
2. Media Blitz (Media Blitz, 1993)
“Media Blitz” is a very fast and memorable punk track.. GI is a manifesto of primordial instincts (animalistic, in fact) and the uncontrolled pulsations of Manimal are one of the most exciting examples. Media Blitz, another of the clamorous peaks of the album,”
1. Lexicon Devil (Lexicon Devil, 1978)
“Pretty good punk rock song. Everything about it is good punk, great vocals, and guitar playing. It is a great song with a lot of energy and amazing to blast it and have fun. Lacks something for me to call it a classic though.”