Buzzcocks or The Dickies?

Here’s a band battle that should get you thinking. Sure: Boys vs. Buzzcocks or Undertones vs. Buzzcocks might have been the more “obvious” way to go. But that might have been too easy. And what fun would that have been? We’re going from to coast to coast, and across the pond, and complicating the question. Outside of The Ramones, these might be the two greatest pop-punk bands of all-time. These days we’re hearing lots of bands that worship at the altar of both. But the two are so different that it makes it harder to choose. “Where Did His Eye Go?” or “Orgasm Addict”? “Waterslide” or “Promises”? One mastered the punk rock love song. The other was non-stop laughs. Both were beyond great. If you’re looking at consistency and complete body of work, it seems the Buzzcocks may have the slight edge. But for a 1-2 punch of classic albums, I don’t know if The Incredible Shrinking Dickies and Dawn of the Dickies can be topped. I’m tempted to give it to the Buzzcocks for writing the greatest lyric in the history of time: “You even made it with the lady who puts the little plastic bobbins on the Christmas cakes”. But then I want to give it to The Dickies for writing a song about a talking penis. Both bands played crucial roles in my punk rock education, and neither’s worth has been diminished by the passing of time. At the end of the day, though, it really comes down to who I listen to more often. It’s really, really close. By the smallest of margins, I cast the opening vote for The Dickies. Now it’s in your hands! 

-L.R.