Punk Rock Love Song Set List

Yesterday I was confronted with a punk love song set list that included Oasis from the 90s. I think I vaguely remember Oasis coming out with a good power pop song or two back then. But it wasn't punk.

I have to say I'm a purist when it comes to naming things in general. Punk is 1950s rock n' roll played much faster and much drunker, with a whole lot of attitude. And it wants to be loved or hated. The most insulting thing you can say about a punk rock band or song was "eh, it was alright, a little schmaltzy." If the music is anything else, it should be called something else. Emo, screamo, power pop, no wave, new wave and hardcore are all great things to be, but they are not really punk rock--perhaps nephews or cousins of the genre.

Here is my punk rock love set:

Johnny Thunders "I love you"


The Ramones "I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend"


The Clash "Janie Jones"
Is there love in a rock n' roll world? Is there love in a Janie Jones world?


The Buzzcocks "Love You More"
It's in my blood to always love you more


The Cramps "Like a Bad Girl Should" risque video
I love your ass for bad or worse (now that's love!)


Motorhead "Love Me Like a Reptile"
You know I've got my eyes on you,
You're petrified, gonna stick like glue,
Love Me Like A Reptile, shock you like an electric eel

MC5 "Borderline"
I'm at my borderline/ I love you girl but I don't know why/ I have to love you so


Stiff Little Fingers "Barbed Wire Love"


The Senders "My Baby Glows in the Dark"


New Rose
I got a feelin' inside o' me/ It's kinda strange like a stormy sea....