4 Punk Rock Classics Inspired by 1960s Girl Groups

There was a point in the late 1990s and early 2000s when the term “pop-punk” was used as a pejorative against Green Day, Blink-182, and others. “Basket Case” is too catchy. Green Day can’t possibly be a real punk band. But it’s only true if you know nothing about the evolution of punk rock.

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As the movement grew in the 1970s, the New York Dolls, Ramones, Blondie, and The Damned drew inspiration from the pop melodies and early rock and roll of 1960s girl groups. This was pop-punk rock before critics grew suspicious of the 1990s punks.

“Sheena Is A Punk Rocker” by Ramones

Joey Ramone once told Mary Weiss that without The Shangri-Las, there’d have been no Ramones. His band played sped-up garage rock, but the vocal melodies echoed the doo-wop and soul of both The Ronettes and The Shangri-Las. Ramones’ cover of The Ronettes’ “Baby, I Love You” only features Joey, backed by session musicians. But Phil Spector’s dense orchestration completed a full-circle moment for two of America’s most iconic and groundbreaking musicians.

“Who Are The Mystery Girls?” by New York Dolls

George “Shadow” Morton produced Too Much Too Soon, which failed to sell and ultimately led to the New York Dolls’ breakup. But it developed a cult following and was a crucial step toward punk rock. Morton became known for his work with The Shangri-Las, most notably on the group’s biggest hits, “Remember (Walking In The Sand)” and “Leader Of The Pack”. He highlighted rather than smoothed the Dolls’ raw edges, and the garage vocal hook on “Mystery Girls” recalls the 60s pop productions that started Morton’s career.

“X Offender” by Blondie

Blondie’s debut single begins with Debbie Harry speak-singing to her love interest, mimicking the intro to “Leader Of The Pack”. Drummer Clem Burke propels the tune with a fast-paced and stiff-armed version of the groove from “Leader Of The Pack”. Harry’s seedy tale shares its dark sentiment with the teenage tragedy songs of the late 50s and early 60s. “Leader Of The Pack” and its death scene were too much for the BBC. Though The Shangri-Las’ hit was banned, it still charted in the U.K. “X Offender” was originally called “Sex Offender”, but the record label insisted on a name change to head off a possible ban.

“New Rose” by The Damned

When “New Rose” begins, singer Dave Vanian says, “Is she really going out with him?” Which is how “Leader Of The Pack” starts, as Betty shows the girls Jimmy’s ring. The Damned, like other early punk rock bands, may have rejected the kind of big-scale productions of Phil Spector and Shadow Morton. But the sweet pop hooks of the 60s girl groups remain. Yet behind a Wall of Noise instead of a Wall of Sound.

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