AMG Review of New York Rocks: Original Punk Classics of the 70's

John D. Luerssen
All Music Guide

While it would be difficult to get a complete picture of the New York punk scene with just one single disc, New York Rocks: Original Punk Classics of the 70's is actually fairly comprehensive. Originators of a sound that's still alive today via everyone from Luna to the Strokes, groups like the Velvet Underground and Television are represented with what is arguably their best-ever tracks -- the inventive, attitudinal "Rock & Roll" and the crackling, revved-up "See No Evil," respectively. More must-haves include the Dead Boys' incendiary "Sonic Reducer," the Dictators' "(I Live For) Cars and Girls," and Richard Hell & the Voidoids' anthem of the era, "Blank Generation." Lesser-knowns of the scene offer a good balance, with the Mumps and Wayne County lending respectable albeit unspectacular tracks from back in the day, but based on compiler Bill Crowley's ability to get so many kickass songs on one comp, New York Rocks: Original Punk Classics of the 70's is worth grabbing.