There is no question to me Public Image Ltd. (a.k.a., PiL) is a much better band than the Sex Pistols. It certainly was John Lydon's more ambitious band. While the Sex Pistols were a Malcolm McLaren marketing gimmick whose primary claim to fame was that they were a talentless, snotty band of teenagers who happened to offend the Queen, PiL were about pushing the boundaries of Rock and Roll.
It is hard to argue with the talent gushing out of PiL. John Lydon's sneer turned into a moan whose emotional bearings are obscure. The dub-influenced bass riffs of Jah Wobble are sensitive yet pounding. While both these fellows are hailed as the creative gems of PiL, I think there is definitely something to be said for Keith Levene's skeletal yet hypnotic guitar work. It is certainly the most under-estimated element of the band.
In any case, watch this video of Poptones. It should certainly silence any question of where PiL should be ranked within the annals of Rock music.
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Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Public Image Ltd. - Poptones
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2 comments:
You're spot on there dude. PIL was a great band, particularly early on before they got a bit more dance industrial (still good just not the same). They were my favs in the 80's along with (what I consider) gems like Honolulu Mountain Daffodils and early Butthole Surfers (BBQ Pope et al)! Nice post!
Great stuff.
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