AMG Review of Germicide: Live at the Whisky, 1977

All Music Guide

Although punk rock was initially said to be one-dimensional and devoid of instrumental technique, many bands proved to be adept at both playing their instruments and writing songs (X, the Minutemen, the Police, the Dead Kennedys, etc.). As evidenced on the live release Germicide: Live at the Whiskey 1977, California's the Germs were not one such band. This lo-fi live set shows that the group barely knew how to play their instruments, play in time, keep a steady tempo, or truly function as a live band. But due to their in your face attitude and confrontational live performances, the Germs became one of the most influential punk bands ever -- Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Jane's Addiction, and the Offspring have all admitted their admiration. Even though Iggy Pop had laid the groundwork for such punk shockers as Germs singer Darby Crash years before, audiences often had hostile reactions toward the band. Throughout Germicide, Darby is heard taunting the audience with insults as the crowd showers the band with debris. The Germs soldier on nonetheless, attempting to perform such classics as "Forming," "Sex Boy," "Let's Pretend," and tracks that are unavailable elsewhere ("Suicide Machine," "Teenage Clone," etc.). Although 1993's (MIA): The Complete Anthology is superior, Germicide, Rovi