Proto-Punk

Protopunk is a term used to describe a number of performers who were important precursors of the punk rock movement of the mid-1970s and later, or who have been cited by early punk rockers as influential. Their varieties of music span the spectrum from the avant garde pop of the Velvet Underground, the dirty Detroit rock n roll of The Stooges and the MC5 to the political messages of Patti Smith. Typically, protopunk bands were not considered punk themselves, and protopunk, per se, is generally not regarded as a distinct musical genre, as the precursors of punk rock came from a wide array of backgrounds, styles and influences. History of the Genre- The invention of the term "punk rock" is generally credited to critic Dave Marsh who used it in 1970 to describe the group Question Mark and the Mysterians, who scored a major hit with their song "96 Tears."[1] Over the next few years, the term was used occasionally to describe a number of American bands, mostly active in the mid-to-late '60s, playing music that today would be classified as garage rock: a ragged, highly energetic and often amateurish form of rock and roll. In 1976 and '77, punk rock became a worldwide phenomenon, with centers of activity first in New York City, then London and the Los Angeles area; though pockets of similarly-minded musicians could be found worldwide. In later years, fans and musicians began exploring the roots of the early punk movement, and the term "proto punk" was coined to describe these early, pre-punk influences. Problems of definition- The term "protopunk" is of uncertain origins, and has proven difficult to define, and many widely different groups have been so dubbed. Most had a certain attitude or appearance seen as important, as opposed to any specific musical tendencies. According to the Allmusic guide:[2] Protopunk was never a cohesive movement, nor was there a readily identifiable proto-punk sound that made its artists seem related at the time. What ties proto-punk together i

Sound of Proto-Punk

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