Before You Were Punk — Various Artists
Before You Were Punk - Various Artists (1997)
A punchy compilation of ’90s punk bands covering classic hits, delivering fast, melodic, and playful reinterpretations of well-known songs.
- Artist: Various Artists
- Album: Before You Were Punk
- Year: 1997
- Label: Vagrant Records
- Format: CD, Compilation (Retail)
- Country: United States
- Genre: Rock
- Style: Punk
Before You Were Punk kicked off a brilliant concept: invite rising punk and pop-punk bands of the ’90s to cover songs that existed long before their scene exploded. The results are wildly fun. Familiar radio staples suddenly race forward with buzzing guitars, double-time drums, and shout-along choruses, creating a bridge between generations of music fans.
Released by Vagrant Records, the album helped introduce listeners to the label’s growing roster at a time when underground punk was bubbling toward mainstream attention. Each band brings its own flavor, from tongue-in-cheek swagger to surprisingly heartfelt reinterpretations, proving that a great song can survive any costume change.
A neat bit of trivia: the success of this album inspired a sequel (Before You Were Punk 2), solidifying the series as a cult favorite among punk collectors. Fans loved hearing how cleverly these covers walked the line between tribute and reinvention.
Collectors prize this disc because it captures punk at a playful, creative moment, honoring the past while gleefully turning the volume up. It’s energetic, nostalgic, and impossible not to grin through. 🎸🔥