The Bags' self-titled album is a punk rock classic, released in 1980. The band, led by frontwoman Alice Bag, was a pioneering force in the Los Angeles punk scene, and this album showcases their raw energy and DIY ethos.
The opening track, "Survive," sets the tone with its driving guitar riff and Bag's urgent vocals. The album moves quickly through a series of catchy, fast-paced songs like "Babylonian Gorgon" and "We Will Bury You." The band's punk roots are evident in the stripped-down instrumentation and aggressive delivery, but they also incorporate elements of rockabilly and new wave.
The standout track on the album is "Violent Girl," a blistering anthem about a woman who refuses to be victimized. Bag's lyrics are empowering and unapologetic, and the band's performance is fierce.
I hadn't realized until now how much my own rock & roll sensibilities was influenced by these guys! Great memories.