The Unique Genius of Nomeansno

It’s a rarity for me to come across an album that I deem worthy enough to listen to on repeat but by god did I find a worthy album of late: "The People’s Choice" by Nomeansno. 

Brothers Rob and John Wright formed their title from an anti-date rape slogan and began playing in their parent’s basement circa 1979 and have yet to stop since then, playing shambolic, progressive punk rock well into their 50’s. 

As well as pioneers of the sludge rock movement, The Melvins*, Nomeansno have collaborated with Jello Biafra of The Dead Kennedys. As a result, the album "The Sky is Falling and I Want My Mommy" came to be.

*In case you were wondering, the album with the collaborative forces of The Melvins and Jello Biafra is entitled "Never Breathe What You Can’t See". Let the record state that both albums are exemplary.

"The People’s Choice" is a retrospective compilation produced in 2004 with a collection of their greatest tracks from several different albums and EP’s they have released since they grew into a full band and released their first single. Some standout tracks include “Now” (from 0 + 2 = 1), “Theresa, Give Me That Knife” (from Small Parts Isolated and Destroyed), “Rags ‘n’ Bones” (from Wrong) and “It’s Catching Up” (from Dance of the Headless Bourgeoisie) regardless of me playing “It’s Catching Up” at a party recently and the host cutting it short effective immediately. Eh, you can’t please everybody. 

If you’re yet to hear the musical styling of Nomeansno then go forth and expand your musical horizons as soon as humanly possible; then reward me with your first born child. 

By Sid Shaw