The new Punkhopper playlist surfs the endless punk waves of California. While compiling the playlist, we had the honor of speaking with Mike Magrann, the vocalist of Channel 3, one of the legendary bands from the early days of the California punk scene. Together with Mike, we will lead you into the updated Punkhopper playlist under the title “California Uber Alles”.
“We are very proud to be among the classic wave of So Ca bands that forged the unique SO Ca sound in the early 80’s,” Mike says.
Show your support for Punkhopper playlist by saving the playlist to your Spotify library by clicking the + icon.
The more ”saving” support, the more we know people expect more playlist updates.
Punkhopper playlist here.
All of the bands back then had roots in the first wave of British punk, but especially Channel 3’s punk sound was clearly influenced by British punk. Some even thought the band was from Britain.
”Historically, we were always drawn to the British early punk like Damned and Pistols. And of course, the Clash and 999 were huge influences for us. I think all of us old school bands showed our affection for the British bands of the time,” Mike continues.
The Los Angeles and California punk scene has always been distinctive and highly active.
Under the California sun, several different subgenres of punk have emerged, one of the most significant being skate punk. California also played a huge role in the birth of hardcore punk. Bands like Black Flag, Dead Kennedys, and Circle Jerks were among the first-generation bands of the genre.
“I am very proud of the albums that all the bands put out during that brief golden time,” Mike recalls, looking back on those decades-old times.
However, the first wave was short-lived.
“Unfortunately, the scene dissolved into a lot of police violence as well as punk gang riots as the scene got so big.”
In the playlist track introductions below, you’ll find the story of how the police interrupted The Zeros’ show in Los Angeles in 1979. That was the beginning of the violent events Mike mentions.
“But to think that most of the bands are still out there touring is amazing!”, Mike continues, still excited.
One of the first and most significant punk bands in Los Angeles was The Germs, who laid the foundation for LA’s punk culture. Bands like X, Black Flag, and The Weirdos quickly followed. Other notable punk culture cities include Oakland and San Francisco, where the Dead Kennedys, one of the most important bands in punk history, originated.
Los Angeles’ Whisky a Go Go and The Masque were clubs where many bands started their careers. In San Francisco, punk bands performed at The Mabuhay Gardens, also known as The Fab Mab.
The members of Channel 3 hung out actively at local clubs, and they also played some of their first shows at the Whisky a Go Go.
“We were a bit young for the Masque years, but we went to the Whisky religiously, as well as the Roxy and Starwood, all happening clubs back then. It was a quick step from being in the crowd at the Whisky to being up on the stage, still some of our most exciting gigs.”
California is often said to be one of the places that had a major influence on the birth of the punk DIY culture.
“There was a real feeling of brotherhood and camaraderie among the bands back then, waiting to see what the other bands would come up with on the new releases, helping out with tour planning and gigs,” Mike explains.
A man named Rodney ”Posh Boy” Bingenheimer helped Channel 3 a lot in the early days of their career.
Posh Boy’s Rodney On The ROQ was a radio show on KROQ where Posh Boy played a lot of local punk. The show is a key part of the local punk history.
Rodney also had a record label, Posh Boy Records, which released, among other things, Channel 3’s debut album Fear of Life and three Rodney on the ROQ compilation albums.
A great example of California’s strong DIY culture is the many independent record labels founded by band members and other enthusiasts. Legendary labels include Epitaph Records (Brett Gurewitz/Bad Religion), Hellcat Records (Tim Armstrong/Rancid), Fat Wreck Chords (Fat Mike/NOFX), and SST (Greg Ginn/Black Flag).
In addition to Posh Boy, other notable record labels run by people working behind the scenes include Bomp! Records, Lookout! Records, and What? Records, which released a number of classic debut singles from bands like The Controllers, The Eyes, The Skulls, The Dils, and The Gears.
In the 1990s, California bands like Green Day, Bad Religion, and The Offspring brought punk back into the mainstream – and ultimately made it more popular than ever before.
“We played a lot of gigs with the usual suspects, TSOL and Adolescents, Agent Orange, Black Flag, Circle Jerks. We were also lucky enough to get on the bill with some heroes of ours, Professionals and Ramones, X, Midnight Oil. Just great lineups then I still love to see the fliers for those wonderful shows!” Mike concludes our conversation, and now it’s time to move on to the playlist.
California punk is an inexhaustible well. Behind popular bands, new acts are constantly emerging, and over the decades, countless brilliant bands have come from the alleyways of the area. This playlist offers a small sample. Hopefully, Punkhopper’s California Über Alles playlist will give a great overview of one of punk’s most vibrant regions.
The playlist contains 41 tracks squeezed into an hour and 45 minutes. It’s not arranged in chronological order. The list begins and ends in the 1970s. Enjoy the tour through California’s punk decades!
1. Dead Kennedys– California Über Alles
The California Punk playlist kicks off with the legendary Dead Kennedys from San Francisco and their track ”California Über Alles.” Without a doubt, it’s one of punk’s greatest classic songs. The track was the debut single from Dead Kennedys in 1979. It was re-recorded for their debut album Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables, released in 1980. This playlist features the single version. The lyrics of the song satirically criticize California’s then-governor, James Brown.
2. The Weirdos– Destroy All Music
The Weirdos were pioneers of late ’70s L.A. punk. Formed in 1975, the band’s music was raw punk rock with a British influence. “Destroy All Music” is the band’s debut single from 1977. In an interview with Fear And Loathing zine, vocalist John Denney recalls how they didn’t have a drummer at the beginning of 1977 when they received their first gig offer, and they performed without one. The band broke up in 1981 and reformed in 1986.
3. The Nuns– Suicide Child
Formed in San Francisco in 1975, The Nuns are a lesser-known band from California’s first wave of punk. Even in the band’s earliest songs, elements of New Wave— the genre that emerged after punk— can be heard. “Suicide Child”, found on the B-side of their 1979 debut single “Decadent Jew”, is a pure example of this style. The band’s debut album The Nuns was released by The Bomb! Records. The Nuns, who released a total of six albums, had their third and fourth albums released by Posh Boy Records.
4. Black Flag– Rise Above
Hermosa Beach, California – Here comes one of the most legendary bands of L.A. punk, whose furious energy and attitude shaped the direction of both California and hardcore punk for decades. The band was also one of the pioneers of punk’s DIY culture. The band’s founder and guitarist, Greg Ginn, founded the label SST, which released all of Black Flag’s albums starting from the 1978 Nervous Breakdown EP. Black Flag gained wider recognition between 1981 and 1986, when Henry Rollins was the band’s vocalist. The song ”Rise Above” is featured on the band’s debut album, Damaged.
5. X– Los Angeles
X is one of the most legendary names in L.A. punk. Formed in 1977, the band released seven albums by 1993, when they disbanded. X’s unique brand of punk rock incorporated elements of rockabilly, and the band also won over critics. For example, Rolling Stone magazine included X’s albums Los Angeles and Wild Gift in their list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.
6. The Dils– I Hate The Rich
One of the first-wave California punk bands is The Dils, formed in 1976. The band, founded by brothers Chip and Tony Kinman, originally hailed from the coastal town of Carlsbad, but they soon moved to San Francisco and later to Los Angeles. The band’s straightforward punk hits hard both musically and lyrically, as seen in tracks like “I Hate The Rich” and their second single “Class War”, whose titles say it all. “I Hate The Rich” is the band’s debut single, released by What! Records in 1977. During their brief existence, the band opened for The Clash on their first U.S. tour, performing in Santa Monica. The band broke up in 1980, having released only three singles.
7. The Germs– Lexicon Devil
Formed in 1977, The Germs had a significant impact on the LA punk scene. While British punk bands of ’77 might sound like rock bands today, The Germs sounds like a precursor to hardcore punk. And that’s exactly what they were. The Germs released one album, GI, which was produced by Joan Jett. According to legend, during the band’s final performance in 1980, lead singer Darby Crash told the audience that they would never see the band again. Four days later, Crash’s life ended by suicide.
8. Social Distortion– Story of My Life
Formed in 1978, the band is probably more active today than ever and has gained widespread recognition. Their music is a unique blend of energetic punk with influences from rockabilly and blues. The song “Story of My Life” is from the band’s self-titled third album, released in 1990.
9. Fear– I Don’t Care About You
Formed in 1977, Fear was one of the pioneers of melodic hardcore punk. Known for their aggressive, provocative, and chaotic style, the band has had a lasting influence on later punk genres. “I Don’t Care About You” is taken from their 1982 debut album, The Record. Hailing from LA, the band is still active and released a new album, The Last Time, earlier this year.
10. Bad Religion– Los Angeles Is Burning
Bad Religion is one of the most iconic bands in the LA punk scene. “Los Angeles Is Burning” is from their 2004 album The Empire Strikes First and is one of the band’s countless perfect punk songs. The first seven albums by Bad Religion were released through Epitaph Records, founded by the band’s guitarist Brett Gurewitz. The next three albums came out via Atlantic, before the band returned to Epitaph.
11. The Offspring– Tehran
The Offspring’s 1994 hit album Smash catapulted the band to stadium status. It was one of those albums that helped bring punk back to its rightful place. “Tehran” is a track from the band’s 1989 debut album The Offspring. It’s a sharp, angular punk song where Eastern riffs meet punk rock.
12. T.S.O.L.– Code Blue
Formed in 1978, T.S.O.L. is one of the bands from LA that helped pave the way for hardcore punk globally. A classic. “Code Blue” is from the band’s 1981 debut album Dance With Me. T.S.O.L. earned a reputation as a wild band. In an interview with No Echo zine, frontman Jack Grisham explains, “It [punk] was just basically a license to be a fucking asshole.”
13. The Adolescents– LA Girl
A classic band. Formed in 1979 in Fullerton, The Adolescents are a melodic skatepunk band that is still active today. Their latest album, Caesar Salad Days, was released last year. “LA Girl” is from their 1981 debut album Adolescents.
14. Channel 3– I Got A Gun
Channel 3, also known as CH3, was formed in Cerritos, Los Angeles County, in 1980. The band is known for their energetic hardcore punk that stood out from their contemporaries due to its melodic approach. Channel 3’s lyrics often feature humor and social commentary. Posh Boy Records released their debut album Fear of Life in 1982. The band is still active today and enjoys cult status within the punk community. CH3’s previous album, Put ’Em Up, was released in 2017. It’s worth checking out, I guarantee it.
15. The Vandals– My Girlfriend’s Dead
Hailing from Orange County in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, The Vandals are an energetic band known for their ironic songs. The album title Hitler Bad, Vandals Good aptly reflects the band’s ironic approach, and it’s from this album that the track “My Girlfriend’s Dead” is taken.
16. The Circle Jerks– Wild in the Streets
The Circle Jerks are a legendary representative of raw and aggressive LA hardcore punk. Founded by former Black Flag vocalist Keith Morris and guitarist Greg Hetson, known also as a member of Bad Religion, the band’s 1980 debut album Group Sex features 14 songs that blast through in just 15 minutes. “Wild in the Streets” is the title track from their second album. As a fun anecdote, Greg Hetson, who has been involved in many bands, also fronts Punk Rock Karaoke, where audience members have the chance to take the stage one by one and sing along to punk classics during the band’s performances.
17. Suicidal Tendencies– Institutionalized
Suicidal Tendencies is a pioneer that combined punk and thrash, while also bringing skate culture into metal and hardcore. “Institutionalized” is from the band’s self-titled second album. The song was one of the first hardcore punk tracks whose video was also shown on MTV. The band has always been full of explosive energy and continues to be, even after more than 40 years of playing.
18. The Operation IVY – Sound System
Formed in 1987, The Operation Ivy took its name from the code name for the United States’ nuclear test program carried out in 1952. The band is known as the precursor to Rancid, which was formed by guitarist Tim Armstrong and bassist Matt Freeman after The Operation Ivy disbanded. The band blended punk and ska in a similar way to what Rancid would later do. Operating for only two years, The Operation Ivy released one album, from which the track ”Sound System” is taken.
19. Rancid– Ruby Soho
In 1991, Tim Armstrong and Matt Freeman formed Rancid after their previous band, Operation Ivy, disbanded. Hailing from Berkeley, California, the band rose to prominence as one of the biggest names in punk during the 1990s. Rancid’s breakthrough album was And Out Come the Wolves, released in 1995, from which the song ”Ruby Soho” is taken. The album highlights the ska-punk sound that was characteristic of Operation Ivy. In 1997, Rancid’s guitarist Tim Armstrong founded Hellcat Records, a label specializing in ska-punk. Since 2000, Rancid has released all of their albums through Hellcat Records.
20. The Muffs– Lucky Guy
Formed in 1991, The Muffs were a pop-punk band from Southern California. The band’s frontwoman, guitarist-vocalist Kim Shattuck, had previously been a member of The Pandoras. Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong, among others, has named The Muffs as one of his influences. Kim Shattuck toured with Pixies in 2013, after which The Muffs reformed. Shattuck passed away in 2019 after a long battle with ALS. Shortly after her death, The Muffs’ seventh album, No Holiday, was released posthumously. The song ”Lucky Guy” is the opening track from the band’s self-titled debut album.
21. Pennywise– Bro Hymn
In the 1990s, punk rock regained its rightful place in the spotlight. Skate punk, born in California, was one of the new subgenres that brought punk music to a wider youth audience. Hailing from Hermosa Beach, California, Pennywise, named after a Stephen King novel, was one of the big names in skate punk – and still is. The song ”Bro Hymn” is from the band’s debut album, released in 1991.
22. Lagwagon– May 16
Alongside Pennywise, Lagwagon is one of the big names in skate punk. The band, known for their melodic and catchy punk rock, hails from the small town of Goleta in Santa Barbara County. Let’s talk about ”May 16”. The song is from the band’s fifth studio album, Let’s Talk About Feelings. Lagwagon’s albums are released through Fat Wreck Chords, the label owned by NOFX’s Fat Mike.
23. Green Day – 1000 Hours
The song ”1000 Hours” is the title track and the opening song of Green Day’s debut release, the EP 1000 Hours, which was released in 1989. Their third album, Dookie, released in 1994, broke down barriers. The album sold over 20 million physical copies, and when you add the later streaming numbers—over 2.5 billion streams of its tracks on Spotify alone—it’s clear that Green Day became the most popular punk band of all time, a title they still hold today.
24. Agent Orange– Bloodstains
Agent Orange combines punk and surf music in their unique style. “Bloodstains” is their debut single from 1980. Rodney ”Posh Boy” Bingenheimer included the track on the classic compilation Rodney on the ROQ.
25. NOFX– Linoleum
Sad news: NOFX ended their 40-year career this year. They played their final show in October in San Pedro.
NOFX’s “Linoleum” is the opening track from the band’s classic album Drunk In Public. The song’s title refers to the flooring material, with the lyrics describing how the narrator’s possessions fall out of their hole-ridden pockets onto the floor. It’s a multi-layered track, which is typical for NOFX. The band’s songs often carry socially conscious messages, delivered in an ironic, satirical way.
NOFX’s debut album Liberal Animation, released in 1988, was put out by Wassail Records, which was the label run by the band’s lead singer, Fat Mike, before he founded Fat Wreck Chords. The next seven NOFX albums were released by Epitaph, after which, starting with The War on Errorism in 2003, all of NOFX’s albums have been released by Fat Mike’s label, Fat Wreck Chords.
26. The Bombpops– CA in July
The Bombpops, a melodic pop-punk band from San Diego, is full of joyful energy. The song ”CA in July” includes the line ”Life feels dryer than California in July, on your mouth when I kissed you.” Formed in 2007, the band released their debut album Fear of Missing Out a decade later, and ”CA in July” is featured on that record.
27. Bad Cop/Bad Cop– Womanarchist
Bad Cop/Bad Cop, which takes its name from the phrase ”good cop/bad cop,” is a band made up of four women, using melodramatic and fierce punk to address themes such as feminism. Formed in 2011, the band initially self-released their EPs before being signed to Fat Wreck Chords by NOFX’s Fat Mike. ”Womanarchist” is featured on their second album, Warriors.
28. FIDLAR– West Coast
FIDLAR is a newer band whose fierce and fun approach to punk appeals to both old-school and younger generations of punk fans. ”West Coast” is an intense track typical of the band’s style, which could even be described as a symphonic punk song. The track is from their second album, Too, released in 2015. If FIDLAR is still a name you’re not familiar with, make sure to check them out NOW.
29. D.I.– Johnnny’s Got a Problem
D.I. was formed by Casey Royer, who had previously played drums in Adolescents and Social Distortion, and took on lead vocals for D.I. ”Johnny’s Got a Problem” is one of the band’s most well-known tracks. Formed in 1981, the band is still active today.
30. The Gears– Let’s Go to the Beach
The Gears were part of the original wave of LA punk, alongside bands like X and The Germs, that gained wider recognition. Formed towards the end of this wave, The Gears never reached the same level of popularity as the aforementioned bands. ”Let’s Go to the Beach” is from the band’s debut album Rockin’ at Ground Zero, released in 1980.
31. The Dickies– Banana Splits
The Dickies are also legends of the first wave of LA punk. Formed in 1977, the band is known for their humorous approach and melodic pop-punk sound. ”Banana Splits” is originally the theme song of a children’s TV show, and in 1979, The Dickies’ cover of the song reached number seven on the UK singles chart.
32. Voodoo Glow Skulls – Insubordination
The band, known for combining aggressive punk with ska rhythms, was formed in 1988 by brothers Frank, Eddie, and Jorge Casillas, along with their friend Jerry O’Neill. ”Insubordination” is an intense, fast-paced track that appeared on the band’s 1998 album The Band Geek Mafia. It is one of Voodoo Glow Skulls’ most well-known songs and expresses a rebellious attitude toward the system.
33. The Rotters: Sit On My Face Stevie Nicks
“It was 1978 and rock and roll was the worst putrefying heap of overblown bovine excrement imaginable. Walking into a record store was about as fun as having a raging bout of the Hershey squirts and with no choice but to use a Super Seven gas station toilet that was plugged with some wino’s puke and butt blow.”
This is how Phester Swollen, the lead singer of The Rotters, remembers the year the band was formed, as he recalls on the Break My Face website.
He also mentions that Fleetwood Mac threatened LA radio stations and record stores with legal action if they played or sold the single “Sit On My Face Stevie Nicks”, which was about the band’s singer.
The Rotters ended up releasing only two self-published singles before breaking up in 1980, though they have performed sporadically since.
34. Dr. Know:
The band was formed when its school-aged members were hanging out with future III Repute members at a school party, where they witnessed a performance by The Rotters. After seeing the band on stage, they decided that they could play like that too. Dr. Know is a Nardcore band from Oxnard, formed in 1981. Nardcore refers to the hardcore bands from the Oxnard area, a combination of the words Oxnard and hardcore. “Watch It Burn” is a perfect example of the band’s aggressive and politically charged hardcore style.
35. III Repute: Clean Cut American KidWatch It Burn
Another Nardcore band, III Repute was formed after the members were inspired by a performance from The Rotters. “Clean Cut American Kid” was featured on the Rodney on the ROQ, Volume 3 compilation album in 1982. This was the band’s first officially released track, and the compilation helped bring their name to a wider audience.
36. Stalag 13 – Conditioned
Named after a German World War II POW camp, Stalag 13 is one of the original Nardcore bands. Formed in 1981, they played the melodic hardcore style typical of the genre. “Conditioned” opens the band’s classic album In Control, which has been called one of the most important records in the West Coast hardcore punk scene. The band broke up shortly after the album’s release, but has sporadically reunited for shows since 2003.
37. Angry Samoans – They Saved Hitler’s Cock
From Nazi Germany’s POW camps, we smoothly transition to Hitler’s genitals. Known for their melodic punk songs, Angry Samoans were an important part of the 80s LA punk scene. Provocation is one of the band’s most defining traits, which is evident even in the title of this track on the playlist. The song features hilariously outrageous lyrics.
38. The Zeros– Beat Your Heart Out
Formed in 1976 in Chula Vista, California, a city near the Mexican border, The Zeros have often been referred to as the ”Mexican Ramones.” Although the band is American, their sound and energy are strongly reminiscent of the Ramones, and “Beat Your Heart Out” is a perfect example of why the comparison is often made. The Zeros’ live shows were filled with punk energy, and in 1979, their performance at Elks Hall in Los Angeles was interrupted by the police.
Bomp! Records released The Zeros’ debut single Wimp in 1977, but the band only managed to release two more singles before breaking up. Despite their short-lived career, The Zeros left a lasting mark on punk history. Their songs have been covered by bands like Hoodoo Gurus and The Nomads, and they have earned admiration from the likes of Tom Waits, Patti Smith, and The Damned, all of whom have cited them as an influence.
39. Negative Trend – Black and Red
San Francisco-based Negative Trend is one of those first-generation punk bands that came, made their mark on history, and then disappeared. The band was formed in 1977 and after three years and three singles, they broke up.
It is said that the band’s singer, Rozz Rezabek, gave the young Courtney Michelle Harrison the nickname ”Courtney Love.” That’s quite a legacy in punk rock history as well.
40. The Flesh Eaters– Eyes Without Face
The Flesh Eaters represent the darker side of the first wave of LA punk. Formed in 1977, the band took its name from the 1964 horror film and was founded by Slash magazine editor and punk poet Chris Desjardins. For Chris D., the band was, among other things, a side project, but ultimately it became one of the most significant aspects of his broad body of work across various cultural fields.
41. The Skulls – Can Punk Rock Pay The Bills?
The Skulls were one of the most influential punk bands of the 1970s, known for their melodic, high-energy sound. Although the band remained relatively unknown in the mainstream music scene, their impact on punk and rock culture is significant. Their music and role in the late 70s punk scene make them an important part of LA’s punk story. The ironic ”Can Punk Rock Pay The Bills?” is a perfect way to close this playlist.
The tour of California’s sun and its shadowy alleys has come to an end. I hope you enjoyed the journey. There are so many great bands and songs that we didn’t get to feature, so we’ll definitely be taking another round of California punk on this playlist in the future.
Save the Punkhopper playlist to your Spotify library (by saving it, you also support the playlist) and follow our social media pages to stay updated on new playlist updates. You can also join our mailing list using the form below to receive news and updates directly to your inbox.
Presshopper playlists: Rockhopper | Punkhopper | HipHopper | Indie Popper
More playlists from different music genres are coming in the near future!
Follow our updates on Facebookissa and Instagramissa.
Show your support by saving the playlist to your Spotify library by clicking the + icon.
The more support, the more we know people expect more playlist updates.
Sign up for our mailing list by filling out the form below and receive updates on new additions to our curated Spotify playlists directly to your inbox.
