The Downtown San Jose Punk Scene
Story by Neema // art by Angel Luna

When I was first asked to write an article on the punk scene in San Jose one of the first things that came to mind was "f--- you".   It's actually like a compliment.    It doesn't mean I love you or you're cool or we're buddies or any of that corny shit, it means... f--- you. It's punk.   I mean, are you truly punk if you can't tell a friend to fuck off once in a while?

Then I thought, "Man, I don't know sh-- about punk".   Shhh, don't tell the readers.   To me it's mostly something that sounds really good and on Wednesday nights I listen to Ray and his partners in crime Jai, Lynette or Air Bear, spinning something way too loud at The Cinebar in downtown San Jose.   So, I typed in punk at wikipedia.org and found "...The phrase 'punk rock' (from 'punk', meaning rotten, worthless, or snotty, often applied to a street hustler or juvenile delinquent; also meaning a beginner or novice) was originally applied to the untutored guitar-and-vocals-based rock and roll of U.S. bands of the mid-1960's." Then it says "...In Shakespearean slang, punk is a prostitute." Yeah, thanks wikipedia.

That's the meaning of Punk, then there's the image.   Don't be fooled by it.   The other day I was on the light rail wearing a suit and tie. Next to me were two guys, one dressed punk, the other goth.   I don't think anyone would've guessed we listen to the same music.

Some few years back someone said punk rock is the only true form of Rock and Roll left.   It's the only rock that's true to the melody, similar to the bubble gum rock of the 50's, you know, those catchy tunes.   Also, it seems like the only rock that hasn't sold out to the man.   That's right, whites have 'The Man' too. You won't see many here, but in most punk scenes you'll find skinheads.   Not all are racist, some skins are just the opposite.   The first ones were black and emigrated out of Jamaica, importing a flavor of Ska into the 1970's London punk sound.   There's even a group called Skins & Punks Against Racism.

One of Punk's qualities is anti-establishment, like rock and roll was back in the fifties.   Frankly, alot of radio rock today is watered down corporate bullshit DJ's have to play on the radio to keep their program managers happy who in turn have to keep their bosses happy who have to keep the bigger record labels happy.   What about the true customer, the listeners?   F--- corporate rock, and that's meant a bad way.

Wait, we're getting side tracked.   OK, I'm getting side tracked.   You're just reading this article.   By now you must've realized that not only do I not know jack about the punk scene in San Jose, but that I can't write for shit either.   So I decided to ask around.   There's The Cliftons.   Mostly they sing about taking drugs and having sex.   With tunes like Rock Out, hit killthecliftons.com.   There's an mp3.com section, not bad.   Then there's the Dry Heavers.   I heard 'em play at The Caravan.  

Some bands sell out and lose a portion of their fan base.   Listen to Dropkick Murphy's Blackout (2003) and compare it to previous releases. Some fans feel they sold out once they signed on to Epitaph in 1998.   One of my all time favorites, Flogging Molly has Within A Mile of Home.   There're a few tracks where I'm not sure what they were thinking.   Then again, they're not true Punk Rock.   Though in all fairness, you'll find a few good tunes like the title song.   Before they commercialized they had Alive Behind The Green Door, their original, live album.   They even came by San Jose not so long ago.

Funny thing about today's punk, so many bands lose quality when they go pro.   You'd think it'd be the other way around.   Then again the big record labels do a number on the musicians.   It's hard to be creative when you're getting ripped off and you know it.

A few last bits and pieces.   If you wanna check out the downtown scene stop by Cinebar or Caravan or check out The Cliftons, they play locally.   Metro's got some 411 too.   Cinebar's punk night is on Wednesdays and has a guest list.   They might add you to it if you dress the part.   If they don't, come see me at Debug's group therapy sessions on Tuesdays, 5:30pm.   Caravan hosts live bands on Thursdays and Fridays.   Some of them are punk.  

Also Read:
East Side San Jose Punx
Story and photos by Manuel Masacre
August 16, 2005