ENCORE OF THE MONTH
December, 2021
Suicide
'Suicide' are a two-piece outfit that emerged from the New York's glam punk scene in the 1970's and who are credited with helping to shape industrial rock, dance, noise, techno and a whole of lot of musical scenes in between. The band introduced synthesisers and stripped back drum machine beats into their take-no-prisoners approach. 'Cheree' was the first single from the band's debut album.
There are bands that don't really experience commercial success but have a profound impact on the music landscape. 'Suicide' are one of those rare bands that helped shape and inspire a generation of bands and artists. The list of bands that have cited 'Suicide' as an influence on their music is a very, very long one. Everyone from Sonic Youth, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Daft Punk, Devo, Pet Shop Boys, Soft Cell, Dead Kenndys, Black Flag, Massive Attack and Bruce Springsteen just to name a few have all listed 'Suicide' as a musical influence. There are not too may bands that have had an impact on such a huge number of genres. 'Ghost Ride' is a 'Suicide' song that is considered a proto-punk anthem.
'Che' is another 'Suicide' song that broke new ground. It is considered by many to be visionary and before its time.
You can tell how influential a band is by how many other acts have done a cover of their songs. In the case of 'Suicide' the number of artists and groups to do covers of the band's songs is a very long list indeed. 'Dream Baby Dream' has got to be one of the band's most covered songs.
'Diamonds, Fur Coats, Champagne' is another 'Suicide' song to inspire others. Primal Scream did a cover of the song and it rocks.
'Suicide' may not have got the kudos they deserved but, hey, when your music continues to live on and inspire others - that is something you can be proud of.
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