‘Double Nickels on the Dime’ is the third studio album by the American punk band Minutemen. Until now, I had never heard of the album or the band. Surprisingly, although it is a punk album, it is fortunately not punk rock. From the very first track, it's clear that the trio are exceptional musicians. Bassist Mike Watt stands out in particular with his original and technically demanding bass lines, but singer and guitarist D. Boon and drummer George Hurley are also masters of their craft. The double album consists of over 40 short tracks in a variety of styles, ranging from etude-like acoustic guitar solos to post-punk, hardcore and a kind of anti-funk. It even includes bizarre cover versions of songs by Van Halen, CCR and Steely Dan. The result is a furious blend of the raw energy of Talking Heads' 1977 debut and the style of hardcore punk icon Henry Rollins, who incidentally contributed lyrics to one of the album's tracks. While I haven't understood or liked everything on the album, the originality of the music and their fearless exploration of different genres commands my utmost respect. This exceptional album is made even better by its three highly talented musicians and songwriters. The average rating is therefore an accurate reflection of the brilliant five-star tracks and the filler that you can safely skip. It's one of the best albums with a 'punk label' that I've discovered recently (i.e. not at the time of its release or shortly afterwards).