Double Nickels On The Dime

Minutemen came up around the same time as Black Flag. In fact, their debut EP Paranoid Time (pure excellence, please check that one out) is the very second release on SST, Greg Gin's label. The difference between Minutemen and Black Flag was that Minutemen's sound was way more playful and intricate. Instead of blasting out pure hardcore riffs, the three-piece played almost jazzy licks and took inspiration from Creedence Clearwater Revival. It's actually really cool. But audiences hated it. They didn't know it at the time but Minutemen were playing music of the future. These San Pedro boys gave us the first post-hardcore sounds, and it was so cool. But Black Flag crowds didn't want post-hardcore, they wanted just hardcore. So it took Minutemen a few years to get traction on shows. That being said, shows were their life. Minutemen had an interesting approach to the financial side of being a band: they would "jam econo", making their records for as cheap as possible by minimizing studio time, recording the tracks in the order they wanted to avoiding editing costs, and tracking on recycled tape reels. These guys were the definition of frugal and the embodiment of DIY. They would then take a somewhat backwards approach to touring, stating that they sold records to support touring instead of the usual touring to sell records. Obviously they knew something that we didn't because this worked pretty well for them, and they were able to put out some banger albums throughout the 80's, all while making money on the road instead of being in the red. Also worth noting that Minutemen releases are notoriously short. No, their name doesn't reference how they play their songs in about a minute. Minutemen comes from a local right-wing group of the same name, which they wanted to steal in order to make them lose momentum. The band is very left-wing working-class with their lyrics, something that is refreshing imo. Anyway, with their past three albums and four EPs all being quite short, they were gearing up for another standard Minutemen album that clocked in at about 30 minutes in 1984. And then Husker Du came out with their double album Zen Arcade. A punk double album. Fucking unheard of. Minutemen had to head back to the studio to make their next album a double too, and thus Double Nickels on the Dime was born. A few notes about DNotD: 1. There are four sides: one for each of the three band members and a "chaff" side that had all the leftovers. The boys would alternate between picking songs for their side in a sort of draft after they drew straws. This gives each side a sort of unique personality, in my opinion, and helps pace the album for me. 2. "Double Nickels of the Dime" refers to going 55 mph (double nickels) on the interstate 10 (the dime). This was a sort of reaction to Sammy Hagar's "I Can't Drive 55" which was just Hagar bitching about federally-imposed highway speed limits at the time. Minutemen, being jokesters, decided it would be funny for a punk record to go the speed limit. Hence the album cover, which has Mike Watt flashing a cheesy grin while he goes exactly 55 mph on the interstate 10, heading towards their hometown of San Pedro. This is a perfect album cover and title. 3. The boys consider this to be their "artsy record", and I'd say that's a correct assessment. Earlier Minutemen stuff was way more straightforward hardcore and post-hardcore, whereas DNotD experiments more with things like classical guitar, Tejano, contemporary folk, and a few other things scattered across different songs. It's all executed so skillfully with D. Boon's dexterity on guitar, Mike Watt perfectly keeping up on bass, and George Hurley giving it his all on drums to round it out. You could not ask for a better band to pull this off. 4. This would be Minutemen's penultimate album before D. Boon's untimely death, which would eventually lead to the end of Minutemen. DNotD is also their most fondly-remembered album, probably because of it's length and execution. The band had not made anything like it before or since. For a project so ambitious, and a band so full of genuine heart and soul, I can't not love Double Nickels on the Dime. Three great musicians having a fun time, pulling together songs that have no right being this good. This band could be your life. This band is my life. Also the theme song for Jackass is on here, if that means anything to you.

Its impressive having an album this long, and this samey, still not feel bloated or tired by the end of it. It feels like a post-punk charcuterie board; lots of little tasty bites to mix and mach and enjoy across a large spread. Not to mention great musician ship, cool lyrics, and just the deep feeling that everybody here is having fun and not taking things too seriously. That makes for a star of an album in my book.

I really enjoyed this way more than expected. Clearly punk, but with strong jazz influences, Minutemen live up to their name. The longest track on the album is 2:58 long and it's very much the outlier. Most tracks clock in well under 2 minutes which is why they can get away with an album that's 43 tracks long. Because of the track lengtsh and the sheer volume of tracks, I assumed, before listening to it, that the album would feel scattered. I was pleasently surprised to find that not to be the case. It feels coherent if frantic. I really liked it, honestly. I was going to give it 4 stars but, as I listened, I realized that the musical talent on display here is actually phenominal. It just goes under the radar because of the short-form, punk rock format.

Phenomenal. This is the type of punk that I really enjoy. It's like punk meets funk. The bass line alone makes me want to pick up my bass and play. I wish I had the time. This album has been recommended to me by more than a few friends who are musicians and music afficionados.

I like the Minutemen, a cool band who did something different with punk and hardcore. Holy hell though, is is far too long to be enjoyable. Maybe the fact that I cannot stick around for almost 90 minutes is just the spirit of the age coming through.

When I first saw a 43 song punk album I groaned. But this is different than anything I've heard before, a true genre bender. Imagine Talking Heads, Primus, Dead Kennedys and Meat Puppets had a baby. It all over the place, wild and a work of genius. Best new discovery on this list so far

What an album! This has to be one of the biggest positive surprises of this list so far. Absolutely original and entertaining record by band Minutemen. Although they are categorised as a punk or post-punk band, I don't really agree with it. This has to be an avant-garde album first and foremost, creating a genre of its own, with funky, jazzy bass line, extremely weird guitar sound and slightly hardcore vocal at times. They somehow managed to squeeze 45 songs in 73 minutes, giving an average of less than 2 minutes per song. And they are all very different, yet somehow still feel aligned one after another. After listening to the album I dived into the usual Wikipedia rabbit hole, reading about the band, their style, about tragic death of D. Boon. I have never heard of this band, yet they remind me so much of more hard-core (or rock) version of Primus. Everything is weird and unusual, yet so entertaining and fascinating. Great album, I will listen to the full discography now, looks like I found another favourite band!

Mid-80's skateboarding turned me on to a lot of music and of course, SST records. You could reliably point to any band signed to SST and know they were pretty embedded in punk scene of 80s SoCal. The omnipresence of the music we enjoy is deafening. It's hard to look back and imagine life without the music that we love. Music back then was not the solitary experience that is has become today. Music was hanging out at record stores, or was passed on through mix tapes. I missed the Minutemen but was a big fan of fIREHOSE which had a similar sound to Minutemen thanks to Mike Watt's bass. Fortunately, in the time of Spotify and most notably the theme song to Jackass, I've been able to spend some time with Minutemen and learn a little about D. Boone. But not like I have with Double Nickels on the Dime. Double Nickels on the Dime is great. I hear so much of the music that I like today. Most notably Parquet Courts, but also the dive bar scene with Johnny Rad in The Search for Animal Chin. fIREHOSE was great, but after listening to this album, they pale in comparison to the diversity and depth of Minutemen which, you'd have to admit was D. Boone, RIP. Great listen and happy to have discovered. I'll be listening to this album much more in the future.

Genre busting punk akin to London Calling

Let's be clear, I love punk. I also love dirty punks that create music on shoestring budgets. I also love when people combine punk with other genres to create new kinds of punk. But most of all, I love punk that is actually punk. The minutemen had a DIY "econo" ethos that carries through the music. This album was made by people who worked day jobs, booked late night recording sessions, and used records as a means to promote their music tours. These guys were the real deal.

LOVE this album. History Lesson Pt 2 is one of the most charming songs in punk history. This is authentic, charismatic, energetic, sincere music. The Minutemen is one of those cult bands that make you love music. This band could be your life…

Remember pre-recorded cassettes? I thought they were the greatest thing, you can play them in the car, stroll around with your walkman and it could jam a whole double album on one tape! The problem with these tapes is they were the cheapest of cheap quality. The tape was thin and the longer the time on the tape, the more stretched out and worn the tape got. It eventually will tighten, cease and stop....end! A better option is to buy the vinyl, dub it to a good quality cassette (Maxell, TDK), then you have a home copy and a portable copy. Regrets that I bought the pre-recorded cassette of Double Nickels On the Dime instead of the vinyl in the mid-80's at a record store in the states. An excellent record, probably one of the best double LP's from the 80's that made people realize, punk or post-punk or college rock really was better than the shit that was on the radio! It really was one of those "game changing" records, at least to me. Labels like SST put out some great albums! A classic, highly recommended!!

It's long, but the short song length and great variety make it an enjoyable listen. Love it

Never heard of them. Another tragic death story. Damn glad I wasn’t an 80s musician. This is a surprisingly good album... white fishbone, some poor mans dead, a little REM, and a dash of the Clash.

This feels like one of those albums that people rave about because some one has declared that it's trendy. I've heard worse albums, but my general feeling is that listening to this truly depressing album has wasted an hour of my life.

I'd known about Corona before this, but I'm super impressed with this record. This is one of the best punk records I've ever heard.

I'd heard of Minutemen. But never heard them. I'm a metal head who never really fell in love with punk. But this was a LOT of fun. And I was totally digging it, even if it wouldn't be in heavy rotation for me. But then... the opening chords from Jackass tickled a primordial nerve in the back of my brain. 5 stars. Jesus Christ that hit hard.

Didn't like his lead singer's voice.

mike watt is such a fun bassist. the mintuemen were a special band… rip d. boone

Jazzy, funky, punky. Really enjoyed it.

Hello my name's Johnny Knoxville, and this is the "1001 Albums List". I often times praise albums for being a cohesive tight package that encompasses a theme or style that all works together. I'm going to praise this album for doing the exact opposite. This feels like less of a produced album, and more like a collection of songs from random jam sessions. I guess it really encompasses the punk scene in that aspect. They're not going to conform to what is mainstream or safe. Who says an album can't be a collection of random 1 minute long songs? They're not even going to conform to traditional punk. Who says that you have to play fast, loud, and have screaming vocals to be considered punk? The album is way longer than what I would normally enjoy, but the brevity and variation in the songs makes it go by fast. I wasn't expecting to enjoy this as much as I did. I might consider getting it on vinyl especially after finding out that full version of the album is only available on vinyl.

There’s a five star album in here, just unnecessary amount of songs, but all good stuff!

I have a hard time explaining why "Double Nickels On The Dime" works. But it does work. Despite being 45 tracks long. Despite some serious genre-bending. Despite sounding like a lot of studio takes that should have been left on the cutting room floor. And even a live track randomly in the middle? It might be raw and unpolished, but it works. It might be two distinct songwriting voices, but it feels like one band. It all somehow fits in a cohesive vibe.

Genre: Post-Punk 4/5 A 45-song, 82-minute endurance test of an album, and the closest I've heard to an album that sniffs the off-the-wall, unabashed music making of The Beatles' White Album, the Minutemen's Double Nickels on the Dime is a wild whirlwind of post-punk, art punk, and experimental rock. From top to bottom, this thing is jam-packed with ideas, free flowing like the mightiest of oceans. Us listeners are flooded with different concepts, all sporting standard rock instrumentation, but with everchanging structures, song lengths, themes, and energy. From dance-punk offerings like Viet Nam, to heavy alt-country like Corona (the theme to Jackass), to funky post-punk like Jesus and Tequila, to acoustic folk like Cohesion, to avant-rock experiments like You Need the Glory, this album truly runs the musical gamut and never leaves you without something to keep you engaged. As far as the general or "average" song on this goes, most tracks are 1-2 minute songs that dabble mostly in post-punk/post-hardcore sounds and styles. Plenty of left-wing ideology all over this thing as well, still holding on to the values that made punk what it was, but never taken to the point where it's hokey or preachy. There are also tracks like Maybe Partying Will Help and Do You Want New Wave..., where the goofiness and earnestness of the lyrics enhance the performances given by the group, and provide a lot of help for what are fairly standard punk rock arrangements. The total disjointedness of this album did make it feel like a bit of a slog, but, in some ways, it was a highly rewarding slog. This is certainly one of my favorite punk/post-punk albums I've ever listened to, and considering its vast setlist, this album will ASSUREDLY reward repeat listens. Personally, I'd take the time to seek out any songs that online releases cut out from the original vinyl release. If you're tech savvy enough, downloads of the vinyl exist online, and I say provide the only genuine, full-album experience that the Minutemen were hoping to provide here. Just my two cents. Great album.

Tight. So many songs, so much quality.

I hear a lot of influence on 90s emo and indie rock here. Even Fugazi kinda. Pretty cool, fun album.

While some songs were kinda weird and not really my thing, and while I would've preferred this as four 20-minute albums, I enjoyed most of it a lot.

I didn't hate this, but it began to wear thin. You get the sense that this was just buddies playing whatever weird idea came to mind and it goes way too long

Nicht ganz so schrecklich, wie ich dachte und um einiges besser als der Kram von The Fall, aber auch nicht sooo geil, dass es drei Sterne verdient hätte. Gute 2 wegen des Jackass-Titelsongs ('Corona').

Couldn't wait for it to end. The vocals were so bad, and it all just sounded exactly the same.

A big miserable mesh of garbage.

I only listened to the first 13 songs. For me they all sounded the same, so I did without the remaining 30.

Never wanted an album to just end more.

Meh

Good punk tunes, and enjoyed the mixing with jazz. I will admit, I was a little bit tired of it by the end.

Har hørt den her plade et par gange før men det var først nu den rigtig klikkede. Det er jo den første 90er indie-plade, bare lige lavet 6 år før 90erne startede.

I absolutely loved it, what else can I say? Heavy-handed bass chops charm tf outta me, and the Minutemen’s magic is in dropping 43 unique songs (that do not blend one into the next!) all in under 3 minutes each. That alone feels like a reason to listen before you die.

Thoughts before listening: One of my favorites and an absolute classic. Its everything I love about the 80s Cali punk scene but with stronger musicianship than you would typically find with bands from this scene. Lots of short songs on this one with lots of different ideas and styles that are all done very well. Review: This is just such a unique sound combining the attitude of 80s punk with the musicianship of a great, but loose jazz group. Mike Watt is one of my favorite personalities from the punk world and his bass playing on this out of this world. This is truly unlike anything else out there and is one of my favorite albums ever. The one complaint I have is that with 43 songs it's sometimes a little hard to really know when one song ends and another begins. That being said, it's a 5-star album.

Double Nickels on the Dime is 45 songs across 79 minutes and its fucking sick all the way through. Genuinely astonishing record, the aggression and fast pace (mostly) of hardcore punk, infused with jazz, funk, country and sometimes just plain weirdness. Somehow managed to be extremely diverse in style whilst having a cohesive sound all the way through. The musicianship is brilliant, all three members are clearly fantastic players but Mike Watt in particular deserves praise, if you're a bass player you need to hear this album. I'd not listened to this album for a while and thought I was gonna give it a 4, but fuck it it's a 5. Just a fucking incredible album and fully deserving of its reputation.

This is punk rock gold

I saw the number of tracks and overall length of this album and was a bit weary that a punk album this long might start feeling stale, but after three solid punk songs, Cohesion really came out of left field! Then the drumming on the next track, It's Expected I'm Gone, is tight and jazzy! Somehow with the short track lengths and the mixing of genres and styles, it still feels totally cohesive and very fun. This is the kind of punk music I am here for! I absolutely loved this album and will be returning to it frequently.

San Pedro in the 1980s Very long time ago, almost 40 years Not bad

It rocks

Great punk album, a classic in my mind. Definitely get your money’s worth with this one.

Wow, blown away by this. Great sound, it’s like Wire meets Gang of Four in the 80s, which is alright by me. Can clearly see the influence provided for the later Grunge scene and the late 80s bands like Nirvana and Pixies here too. Amazing approach to an album too, just banging out track after track with nothing really clocking over 2 minutes. Good variety of sounds and vibes too which never gets boring and just makes this a great, great album. I was having a really bad day when I listened too, which usually clouds my judgement and skews me towards the negative, but regardless of that I think this is a solid 5/5 and could go on to become a much-adored album for me on more listens. Standout tracks (to many to name so here’s a few): Viet Nam Do You Want New Wave The Glory of Man June 16th Dr Wu

The first time I heard Double Nickels was in a CD store where it was playing. The music grabbed my attention, and as the songs fired at me I was really getting into it. So, naturally, I had to ask the guy at the counter what it was. And then I had to buy a copy. We've been good friends ever since. I've got several favorite songs (10 to be exact) and still genuinely enjoy the entire album experience. D. Boon's lyrics are smart and funny, with song titles reflecting that mix. It's too bad he died long before I found my way to The Minutemen, but I'm glad he recorded as much music as he could with Watt and Hurley while he was here. Very happy to have an excuse to listen to this again today.

one of the best albums of all time.

Short blasts of punk rock disjointed and fantastic Ditties for rebels

Más de 40 canciones en menos de 75 minutos. Solo es posible si vas al grano y las comprimes en dos minutos o menos. El año de Purple rain (también fue el del Let it be de los Replacements) estos californianos se sacaron de la chistera un doble magistral en respuesta al Zen Arcade de Hüsker Dü, otros que merecen aclamación. Suena igual o mejor que entonces y su legión de seguidores no creo que haya descendido. Viet Nam, God bows to math o The glory of man, por ejemplo, suenan a lo que sonarían años, décadas después Idles o Parquet Courts, lo que da respuesta a su influencia. No hacían punk descrarriado ni hard rock a lo bonzo, no, hacían temas muy buenos y letras con fondo. Lógico que entre sus seguidores se encuentren unos REM o Sonic Youth (colaboraciñon con Watt en Ciccone Youth), pero también otros menos evidentes como los B-52´s (One reporters por ejemplo suena como ellos) y obviamente los Chili Peppers. En realidad los 90 fueron suyos sin ni siquiera estar allí presentes (Corona también ayudó lo suyo) Sin productor, salvo para su participación en el coral Radio Tokyo Tapes, ellos tenían claro qué hacer y cómo sonar. En solo 3 sesiones (2horas en el estudio del Radio Tokyo Tapes) y una sola noche de mezcla. El bajo de Watt es un prodigio, no es que la batería de George o la guitarra de Boon no estén a la altura, pero que es lo de Mike se sale de lo normal. Do You Want New Wave or Do You Want the Truth por ejemplo. NO hay relleno pese a lo abultado del temario: Take 5, D es un ejemplo. De todas se saca algo. The roar of the masses could be farts seguro que fue escuchada por Green Day. Entre el lote hay versiones : Don't Look Now de la CCR o Doctor Wu de Steey Dan, lo que habla de su versatilidad y amplitud de miras en un género muchas veces lastrado por su estrechez: para muestra el fracaso de su posterior Ep Project: Mersh. Sí, sin duda.

Thoroughly enjoyed this. Short, unique songs. Excellent riffs and overall sense of fun. The guitar solos can be exceptional but also lean towards under produced, however that kind of leans to the beauty of it. The skits scattered throughout are a fun break to the otherwise punkish talking Heads type songs. I lean to a 5 because of how fresh and exciting this music it. While not a strong 5

I had expected them to be more hardcore. Brilliant band. Fantastic guitar tone. So many songs. So many ideas. So much variety. I had never heard this before other than the song used for Jackass. This is a masterpiece.

In my top ten. Absolutely brilliant in so many ways. Aged well. I will never get tired of Minutemen and this is their magnum opus.

Surprisingly complex tunes by a trio. Fast punk songs that get to the point, with elements of jazz and funk. Love it.

The Minutemen - the collective noun Len’s 8th wife used for Houmous & Chutney after THAT affair was revealed. The one that nearly split up the band! 4.5

Finally!! Something that has actually wow’d me in a way I would never expect. I’ve heard “Corona” before (Yes of course from MTV Jackass), but would not have been able to tell you who penned that song. The rest of the album is simply kick ass. The fusion of genres but keeping the punk sound is incredible. It’s a jazzy, funked up punk record. The bass really slaps, the drums are right, vocals on point. Really enjoyed this album!!

This is it. This is why I'm doing this. This album is so unbelievably good. I thought this several times as I was approaching 1 hour into this 75 minute album and then I got to There Ain't Shit on T.V. Tonight. Sometimes music just has the sauce, and The Minutemen absolutely have the sauce. I've been exposed to a lot of punk in almost 600 albums and I've like a ton of it, but these guys bring a different level of musicianship to a genre that is typically simple on the musical complexity. The bass is insane, the drums are precise and easy to hear, and the singer/ guitar is plenty sufficient when called upon, like in This Ain't No Picnic. And its unusually well produced for a group that notoriously skimped on recording costs so they could just go out and play. I'm going to need to listen again to pick a favorite, but this will easily make my top 10 of the 600 albums I've got through to date.

fire need to relisten

A stone cold classic.

Oh wow! This is one of my all-time favorite albums by one of my all-time favorite bands. You don't have to twist my arm to get me to listen to the Minutemen. This is their masterpiece. 5/5 Album 31/1001

An absolute classic for good reason, unique punk sound and always has something interesting going on, not to mention the theme song for Jackass is found here

5 out of 5. This is a band that knows how to jam.

Amateurish in the best possible way. Like seeing the best local band in town the night punk gave birth to grunge. Raw, weird, real - and that bass was tits.

Where have this music been all of my life?

Hahah I loved this. Felt weird and angry and nihilistic and fun. I did a double-take when I saw there were 43 tracks (!), but it didn't really drag for me. This right here is a gem.

Mr. Narrator, this is Bob Dylan to me.

Classic punk album with surprises!

I'd been meaning to give this a listen for some time, glad I finally did, it's a great album. Engaging, interesting, varied but still broadly cohesive - loved it!

Classic punk

Insane. Every track is brilliant and as a whole album the effect is amplified. Idk what these guys were having, but I'll take some

For a change this album was surprisingly good and one I had never heard before. It’s a treat to hear how it obviously influenced later bands. Read into the band’s history too and tragic loss of their guitarist hence why this band never really made it big.

Ralph Waldo Emerson & Woodie Guthrie wrapped in punk.

Unpretentious, unpredictable, and full of heart. “Our band could be your life”.

this may be the only exception to my 'no album should be more than an hour' belief. great stuff

Album - Double Nickels On The Dime Artist - Minutemen Release - 1984 Genre - Hardcore Punk/Post-Punk/Post-Hardcore Heard it before? - N I'm a huge fan of the Gang of Four, and yet somehow this album passed me by, like it was going 55 on I-10...But I'm glad I found it here, because it's a proper surprise of an album. The main core of the music is built around Gang of Four's funky punk politics, as mentioned before, but it differs by being much more stripped back and jam-like. There's solos, moments of silence, verses dropping out; I usually prefer structure, but it gripped me nonetheless. The non-punk stuff is also great. They're just as quick as the other songs and add a great element of variety while never feeling like pace breakers. That's an important aspect, especially considering this album's length, but it's another thing it gets right. Even at 1 hour and 15 minutes (I listened to the 43 track version,) I never felt it was dragging on. It earned the length. This is definitely going to become a "lazy sunday" kind of album for me. 9/10

Had forgotten just how good this band were. Great tunes

Good stuff. Took too long for me to come around.

4.5/5

Gorgeous. You’re welcome Fugazi.

When I first saw the song number I let out a big sigh and what the fuck. To my surprise this was extremely enjoyable. Each song is fairly short with a few outliers which makes the album fly by. It also helps that most of the songs are bangers supported by absolute mental musicians. Its like if you combined Black Flag and Dinosaur Jr. which absolutely works. I’d say this might be the most easily accessible punk rock album as its not too heavy and leans into other genres throughout. Jackass theme song! It’s also funny that I only know one song by Minutemen and it’s not even on here. 10/10

## In-Depth Review of *Double Nickels on the Dime* by Minutemen *Double Nickels on the Dime*, released in July 1984, is a landmark double album by the American punk trio Minutemen, consisting of D. Boon, Mike Watt, and George Hurley. This album stands as a testament to the band's innovative spirit and their ability to blend various musical styles while addressing complex themes through their lyrics. This review will delve into the album's lyrical content, musical composition, production techniques, overarching themes, and its lasting influence on music. ### **Lyrics** The lyrical content of *Double Nickels on the Dime* is a rich tapestry that reflects a range of influences and themes. The album features 45 tracks that incorporate elements of personal introspection, socio-political commentary, and anti-establishment rhetoric. - **Political Commentary**: Songs like "This Ain't No Picnic" address issues such as racism and class struggle, showcasing Boon's ability to combine humor with serious topics. The lyrics often reflect a working-class ethos and critique societal norms. - **Personal Reflection**: Watt’s contributions often lean towards abstract and philosophical musings, as seen in tracks like "The Glory of Man" and "My Heart and the Real World". His lyrics draw inspiration from literary works, particularly James Joyce's *Ulysses*, employing stream-of-consciousness techniques that invite listeners to ponder deeper meanings. - **Inside Jokes**: The album is peppered with inside jokes and references that may elude casual listeners. For example, the title itself refers to trucker slang for driving at 55 mph (double nickels) on Interstate 10 (the dime), serving as a playful jab at Sammy Hagar's hit "I Can't Drive 55". Watt later remarked that many listeners missed the humor in their lyrical references, which added to the album's unique character. ### **Music** Musically, *Double Nickels on the Dime* is groundbreaking for its eclectic mix of genres. The band defied conventional punk rock boundaries by incorporating elements from jazz, funk, country, and spoken word. - **Genre Blending**: The album showcases a fluidity in its sound that is rare for its time. Tracks like "Cohesion" exhibit flamenco influences while "Corona" incorporates mariachi sounds. This genre-blending approach was not merely stylistic; it reflected the band members' diverse musical backgrounds and interests. - **Song Structure**: The Minutemen moved away from traditional verse-chorus structures prevalent in punk music. Instead, they adopted a more freeform style that allows for improvisation and spontaneity. This is evident in tracks like "Shit From an Old Notebook", which captures raw energy and creativity. - **Instrumentation**: The interplay between Boon’s guitar work, Watt’s bass lines, and Hurley’s drumming creates a dynamic soundscape that is both intricate and accessible. Their musicianship is characterized by tight rhythms and sharp melodic lines that complement the lyrical content. ### **Production** Produced by Ethan James at Radio Tokyo Studios in California, the production of *Double Nickels on the Dime* reflects a DIY ethos typical of the punk scene but elevated through creative ambition. - **Minimalist Approach**: The production emphasizes clarity over polish, allowing the raw energy of the performances to shine through. This approach captures the immediacy of their sound while maintaining an authentic feel. - **Recording Process**: The band recorded the album in two sessions over several months. Their method involved quick takes to preserve spontaneity, resulting in an album that feels vibrant and unrestrained. ### **Themes** Thematically, *Double Nickels on the Dime* explores a variety of subjects that resonate with listeners on multiple levels. - **Working-Class Experience**: The lyrics often reflect a deep connection to working-class life in America. Through their narratives, Minutemen articulate frustrations with societal expectations and economic struggles. - **Community and Collaboration**: The album embodies a sense of community within the punk scene. Collaborations with contemporaries such as Henry Rollins (from Black Flag) highlight this collective spirit. It serves as both a product of its environment and an homage to fellow artists. - **Cultural Commentary**: The Minutemen tackle cultural issues ranging from consumerism to personal identity. Songs like "History Lesson – Part II" provide poignant reflections on historical figures while critiquing mainstream narratives. ### **Influence** The impact of *Double Nickels on the Dime* extends far beyond its initial release. It has become a seminal work within punk rock and alternative music circles. - **Inspiration for Future Artists**: Many musicians cite this album as a pivotal influence in their artistic development. Its commitment to experimentation over commercial success has inspired countless bands to explore new sounds and approaches. - **Legacy of DIY Ethos**: The Minutemen's dedication to authenticity and their rejection of mainstream conventions resonate with contemporary DIY artists who seek to create meaningful music outside commercial constraints. - **Cultural Relevance**: As socio-political issues continue to evolve, many themes present in *Double Nickels on the Dime* remain relevant today, making it an enduring piece of art that speaks to new generations. ### **Pros and Cons** #### Pros - **Innovative Sound**: The blending of genres creates a unique auditory experience that challenges traditional punk norms. - **Lyrical Depth**: Richly layered lyrics offer profound insights into personal and societal issues. - **Cohesive Yet Diverse**: Despite its eclectic nature, the album maintains cohesion through thematic unity. - **Cultural Significance**: It stands as an important milestone in punk history, influencing countless artists across genres. #### Cons - **Accessibility Issues**: The use of inside jokes may alienate some listeners who do not grasp all references. - **Lengthy Format**: At over 80 minutes with 45 tracks, some may find it overwhelming or difficult to digest in one sitting. - **Experimental Nature**: Those accustomed to conventional song structures may find some tracks challenging or less engaging. ### Conclusion In summary, *Double Nickels on the Dime* by Minutemen is not just an album; it is a cultural artifact that encapsulates the spirit of innovation within punk rock while addressing complex themes through its lyrics. Its blend of genres, lyrical depth, and commitment to authenticity have solidified its status as one of the most significant albums in rock history. While it may present challenges for some listeners due to its length and experimental nature, its influence continues to resonate within contemporary music scenes today.

This album aside from being a classic is just an all around incredible album. Everything about these unique musicians and humans and seminal band being at their best. A truly monumental record.

Man, I forgot how good this album is. The thing about most of your so-called punk is how little like the Ramones it sounds.

Just the best. Fuck yeah.

So good. Examined individually, there’s just a handful of five star songs on here, but there’s something about this album as a whole that makes everything work and feel great. Although I might be biased due to reading about this band in the enjoyable book Our Band Could Be Your Life. PS, I do not object if someone wants to blast Corona on their phone while my ashes are scattered.

A stone classic. Normally I’d say it’s too long, but this is just too good. Each song doesn’t overstay its welcome, and each is pretty great.

Man, what a monumental piece of work. The Minutemen are truly one of the most original and creative punk bands I have heard. Despite their wildly experimental approach and real mix of various musical styles, this album has remained surprisingly catchy. It is exceptionally well put together,

This album took me back to when I first discovered bands like the Dead Kennedys, Black Flag, Circle Jerks, Butthole Surfers, SOD, Fearless Iranians From Hell and many more. The sound was completely foreign to me. I always imagined what they looked like and what kind of rat infested dump they recorded the album in(so dumb, I know). This really took me back.

Very little waste. Impressive

Easily one of the best punk albums of all time by one of the most important and influential punk bands of all time. Minutemen were arguably the first band to fuse hardcore with punk and it changed everything. You can hear the influence of Minutemen in so many later bands that broke and made it big: Fugazi, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and especially Sublime. The loss of D. Boon permanently altered the sound of punk and in my mind is one of the most significant untimely losses in rock music history.

Like come on, this is just a jazzy funky punk masterpiece. The Chili Peppers owe their career to these dudes

This is Bob Dylan to me. We listened to a lot of the Minutemen as young skate punks even though they'd already disbanded long ago with the passing of d boon. You could catch Watt and Hurley in fIREHOSE for a hint of the magic that the minutemen were live — kind of projecting yourself backward in time mapping that imagery onto this album and others. It was before Youtube after all. The whole album is a hearty stew fit for skaters, indie kids, punks, surfers and truckers alike. Anyone with ears and a heart, really. Double Nickels on the Dime is an easy 5. It's right there in the title if you think about it. Fifty-five, five out of five.

It can't be overstated how important and influential this was for early indie and post hardcore. You can definitely hear traces of what would soon come from Minor Threat/Fugazi, and also stuff like Cap'n Jazz and everything that springs from the Kinsella family. I don't think I had heard Double Nickels on The Dime in it's entirety before and found this to be quite a mood. It covers a great deal of material which deconstructs and intelligently pokes fun at pop music. Also, these guys we're just creative and talented players. Classic punk album which was ahead of the curve for 84.

Just brilliant.

Watt and Boon basically reinvent their instruments and what punk can be. All time classic.

Holy shit this is a fantastic album, this is the fucking goat. 5/5

If this is what hard core is, then I'm a huge fan of hard core.

I really can‘t give away too many 5s but this deserves one for me. It‘s jazzy, punky but also avantgardy at the same time. What a great piece of work!

Torn between a 4 & 5. They're not technically that good but man it grooves so hard. I don't like punk but this is just enough that it works. It's different than others albums.

There's a reason that one of the most important subculture documentaries of all time borrowed a line from "History Lesson, Part II", and it's because when D. Boon says it, you can't help but believe it. Minutemen were probably the closest thing the 80s had to The Velvet Underground, in that everybody you love loves them and everybody who loves them started a band. D. Boon's untimely death, not long after this album came out, only reinforced their stature.

I’ve listened to another Minutemen album before, but never this one. Wow, really doesn’t fit my mental model of hardcore punk - in a good way! I do love an album that blunders around the genre map from track to track. Had to give it three spaced out listens to start to get a grip on it, and could definitely still benefit from more - I’m sure different things will stand out each time. Fave tracks - “Viet Nam” for that spiky post-punk sound, “Cohesion” for some lovely classical guitar, “Two Beads at the End” is totally new wave, sounds a bit Talking Heads in fact, “Political Song For Michael Jackson To Sing” is a laugh, “Corona” is very jolly, “There Ain't Shit On T.V. Tonight” gives great slacker ennui.