Poly Styrene and X-Ray Spex (from "The Punk Years")
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- čas přidán 2. 12. 2006
- X-Ray Spex featured singer Poly Styrene (born Marianne Elliot) on vocals, Jak Airport (Jack Stafford) on guitars, Paul Dean on bass, Paul 'B. P.' Hurding on drums, and Lora Logic (born Susan Whitby) on saxophone. This latter instrument was an atypical addition to the standard punk instrumental line-up, and became one of the group's most distinctive features.
X-Ray Spex's other distinctive musical element was Opera-trained Poly Styrene's voice, which has been variously described as "effervescently discordant" and "powerful enough to drill holes through sheet metal". As Mari Elliot, Poly had released a reggae single for GTO Records in 1976, "Silly Billy", which had not charted. Born in 1957 in Brixton, London, of Somali-English parentage, Poly Styrene became the group's public face, and remains one of the most memorable front-women to emerge from the punk movement. Not conventionally attractive, she wore braces on her teeth and once stated that "If anybody tried to make me a sex symbol I would shave my head tomorrow". - Hudba
Words cannot describe how much this woman changed my life seriously.
I just love the way Poly speaks: "I didn't put my braces on for FAH-shun". Her accent, her diction, she rocks!! I've loved her for 20 years!!!
I had a huge crush on Poly Styrene when I was a kid. She was the kind of Punk Princess Kelly Osbourne wishes she could have been.
Poly Styrene and Robin Johnson from the film "Times Square" were the true Punk Princesses.
John Lydon isn't known for giving compliments freely. Poly was truly extraordinary
High praise indeed
Poly was more punk than Lyndon ever could be!! New documentary coming out about her and her alone- a genius!!
Oh yeah, John Lydon ... about as punk as my nan was.
Just another talking head talkin. They all became old people worried about their yards.
I feel sad watching this. She was such an outrageously talented women and was never given the recognition she deserved. Even her death was relatively
low key
Kevin Henaghan, it’s horrible
Was she not? They never really charted well but it's well documented the influence X-Ray Spex had almost instantly from their inception. True, they would've of reached a wider audience if the BBC played punk but to say they aren't recognized is quite farfetched, i don't know a single women who does not know her name.
I agree, she deserves so much accolades than she ever got
I dont mean to be offtopic but does someone know a tool to log back into an Instagram account..?
I was stupid forgot my password. I appreciate any tips you can give me
@Jerry Jad instablaster =)
RIP, Poly. You were one of the true pioneers.
True genius. This clip is an excellent introduction for many people to a true pioneer, and a real original. Bless her, so sorry to lose her.
I was really saddened to hear that she passed. Huge fan of her music ever since my teens.
Fell in love with Poly, she was gorgeous
RIP Polly, You are a legend. Polly and the X-Ray specs were a great band, Superb vocals, Guitar sound and drumming!
She had a truly unique voice....fantastic !!!!
HUGE voice, tiny lass. Thanks, Poly. R.I.P., Take care.
Thank you Poly. Your music is still a part of my life decades on. RIP love.
i love her voice.
She was a big part of my childhood , who I will never forget...her influence stays with me always...I regret her passing so early in her life.
Half Scottish Irish/ half Somali. RIP Poly
Loved Polly.... she brought so much to the scene.... true legend. RIP
My friend turned me on x-ray specs when I was 12 years old (52 now);and that was it I was hooked by Poly styrene. R.I P
the way Styrene mixed her hippie politics of ecosystem consciousness with diy punk politics of anti-image, anti-consumer, anti-capitalism are so admirable and revolutionary. she was one of a kind. rip
One of the video contributor's says "She wasn't really punk-somewhere in between"
WRONG! She bloody well WAS punk! and a big part of it too!!
That was Andy Czezowski one time manager of The Damned, she was indeed punk she was the epitome of an individual, she had her own style, music and outlook, everything that punk was supposed to be about. X Ray Spex were truly one of the early punk bands, I know I lived through it, god bless Marianne Joan Eliott-Said, a most rare diamond she was that's sadly missed today.
I think you misheard. He says, 'she was on her own, somewhere.' Which is perhaps a compliment, compared to just being part of the punk scene.
Bryans900 nothing is more punk then saying fuck punk.
Funny, the commmetattor in the 1st 3 seconds says Polystyrene from X-ray Spex. Like the is a band with a woman singer. Shite.
Who has ever listened to a bloody word billy Bragg had to say
Punk rock and Rock`N roll forever !
a true original band.
One great album that you can still enjoy today
- that's what really matters.
Rest easy poly never forgotten a true one off.
She will always remain stunning!
poly a true icon, sadly missed, always loved
Sheer Brilliance from head to toe. We miss you Poly ❤️
Visionary.
Believe me, there are thousands of young kids out there that know more about the bands I used to see and listen to on vinyl, in the '70's and 80's. Kids are really interested in its (punk) history. You would be amazed. Just look around.
The first time I heard Oh bondage up yours, her voice and energy hit my like a baseball bat
Nobody can touch poly styrene ...my youth still know all the words ..r.i.p poly
Brilliant music from Poly and the gang.
She became older..even more beautiful.
Rest In Peace Poly Styrene.
Iconic!!
You know, that was me then. Thirteen, awkward, black & white, loved all things different and weird. 'cause I felt very different and definately was considered weird! Embrace it.
That's every thirteen-year-old girl some become b****** obsessed with ridiculous teenage social scene
The good ones Channel it creatively
the others have two bad marriages. Complain about alimony though actually kind of wealthy. Take forever at Whole Foods and have Kids they don't let watch certain TV because it's too violent
Checkout Annabella from Bow Wow Wow another Malcolm McLaren creation
seriously amazing.
#TheCoolestOfTheKidZ!!! 💞💚💕
Too genuinely talented,unique, original,authentic,independent and the real deal,to be Punk..... An unforgettable Treasure.
So influential, and so cute ❤️ RIP Poly
Amazing that before punk took off we knew of Poly Styrene in Suburban america
Yes! There will never be another. I love her
She blossomed into quite a beauty, didn't she?
Or am I not allowed to say things like that in this day and age?
Bought identity when I was a 14 year old Indian Punk
X Ray Spex's songs play incredibly well now. I played it for someone and had them guess what year it was and they thought it was contemporary.
I think X-Ray Spex lyrics are very visual. The music too. It sounds pink, lime, yellow, neon, etc.
so mature. I love Billy Braggs comment on this video.
LOVE love love her forever. I wish they played the interview johnny Lydon saying, “Polly, a really nice girl who’s voice can punch holes in steel.” PLUS that band could PLAY!!!! Tight.
RIP Poly ..Give em hell up there !!
Poly was a big part of the punk scene, she was there from the very early days, close friends with Rotten and Viv Albertine. Nonsense to say she wasn't part of it.
She did. I don't think she was hung up on personal appearance , so much as she embraced that she became this beautiful swan. Not that she was "Ugly " before , more unconventionally cute , yet awkward , in a way Hipster chicks would kill to attain , today , but , can't.
goddess would be adored totally if she did it again. my god could you imagine if you hit the scene today, outstanding lol
i love her!
Way ahead of her time!!
She wasn't punk, she was unique! She had class, you can't buy that!
Ahahahaha this sentence would ruin a sociologist.
She sums up what punk was supposed to be about
outrageous for the times...a warrior in a sexist world....and a beauty!!! she stood up when it wasn't "ok" for women to rebel!!! poly for ever!!!!!
One off. RIP
Ah. Shortly after their inception, Lora and Poly had a falling out. She was replaced! But that did not stop that absolutely BRILLIANT woman. She went on to form Essential Logic, an almost equally scathing band that lasted into the 90s. Check 'em out! You will NOT be disappointed.
I hate these modern music programmes with people talking about bands that they are VERY clearly too young to have ever seen live but they claim they have! I was about back then and did listen to x ray spex, I was too young to go and see them and I'm 53! This type of programme is everywhere now as they rewrite history to suit their agenda. My personal favourite about punk is that they all hated long hair and prog rock! Absolute bollocks. At school in Liverpool we were listening to both. It was not unusual to see someone carrying a Yes album as well as a Stiff little fingers album. To prove this one of Lydons favourite bands? Hawkwind! If you listen to the discordant sax that is very Hawkwind as are the repetitive savage riffs. Just like to say Polly was a visionary, check out the lyrics from one so young. Top top stuff, from a beautiful soul.
HOORAY! :D
no matter, she is a fuckin Legend
Poly influenced Debbie Harry (Blondie and solo work), Kathleen Hanna (Bikini Kill and later bands) and even more acts that are popular today. She was akin to a one-woman tidal wave of originality. RIP Poly.
Could you cite sources for this, specifically the part about Debbie Harry?
Blondie started to play at least a couple of years before XRay Spex...
One-woman with tons of male talent rocking the tunes😊
Awesome
RIP Poly Styrene. A fucking punk legend!
she is even better looking now!
Born in 1957 in Brixton, London, of Somaliland-English parentage. Somaliland love you sis
She sings powerful in key, screaming refers to lack of tone and control.
Well she dropped key. That’s why it was shocking she was an opera singer. It’s liberating to sing poorly when youre forced to sound good youre whole life
In their hit oh bondage (up yours) the second time she hits yours in the chorus she always sings off-key as she hits or slides into whatever secondary note she seems to wind up at. It's kind of a trademark of the song and is definitely/ purposely / gratingly/ wonderfully out of key
Rest in peace x-ray spec
X Ray Spex fuckin' rocked.
Her dad was Somali mother was Scott-Irish
Punk IS. IS! While I agree that X-Ray Spex is quite possibly the most intense, relevant, soul-scathing, and absolutely blistering band in the history of our people...
I must say I disagree with the assertion that one is less credible or knowledgable due to their absence from the first wave. That is, if that is what you're implying. Age? It's all the rage. ;P
Excellent stuff.
Poly you were punk. if not THE punk of that era. really
Thanks!
there were two females who enlivened punk,one was Poly,sadly no longer with us,the other was Siouxsie Sioux of the Banshees fame.
Almost all music acts that make it on any level have a limited time before their moment passes. It is rarely more than 5 years, and often, as in X-Ray Spex' case, much less than that. Most of the time, bands try to push beyond that rather natural limitation, with usually disappointing results. It seems like Poly knew when it was time to quit, and her legacy is stronger for it.
Very interesting that she spoke completely differently than in earlier interviews.
Hi Khultan. I was just saying that I dont usually listen this kind of heavy metal music but I love music.
RIP POLY!!!
THEY'VE REFORMED
The Punk Rock Era - something new & rebellious - torn clothing held together with safety pins - mispell words - it was great to see the hair go from messed up short to Mohawk to colored - the object was to keep shocking & going against the system!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
saved my life
I really relate(d) to X-Ray Spex. The lyrics. Brilliant. I still think, "Oh Bondage, Up Yours!" when I see images glorifying feminine restraint...so damn tired! Anyway, Polly Styrene: AMAZING!!!!!
REST IN PEACE, POLY!
OH CANCER, UP YOURS!!!!! ;(
The Roxy was a great place. Friendly, no hassle and even quick bar service. No star trips there. The best. When that folded it was time to go back to Syd Barrett.
I dont like this kind of music but Somaliland people are very proud of her. Marianne aka Poly Styrene, you are welcome in Somaliland.
je t'aime poly
RIP Poly!
She reminds me a bit of Sally Thompsett from the Railway Children with attitude
I love you.
john Lydon liked something for once? That seals my conviction that Poly and X-Ray Spex were truly something special.
R.I.P. Poly
she is still soooo cute.
R.I.P Poly ;)
?!?!?!?!?! Someone havin a bad day? Simply said "just curious." I love her too. Was thrilled to find out shes a sister.
D.E.P. POLY
I loved X Ray Spex in 1978 and they're still one of the few bands of that era that don't sound dated. Do they still have Wimpey Bars?
@Gozillacia Thank you for this lovely comment, it made my day. I'm crushed that Poly is gone but I know that I have her music to listen to forever. I see you made it years ago and it will always stand through time.
And what a Grand Lot of
jolly Ponces , they !
Back in the day the female rockers of the late 70's
Blondie,Penelope Black of selector,Poly Styrene, viv of the Slits
Chrissie Hynde, & Siouxsie All had there own style and all
pave the way for women in music today. They all left there
mark on the history of rock music.
Or was it ''Pauline'' Black?