He writes songs, forms bands, authors books, paints…to say Billy Childish is prolific seems like an extreme understatement. Looking just at his musical output, he has put out dozens of albums under his name and at least half a dozen other band configurations. It’s almost like he wakes up every morning, has something to say, and records a song.
With so much music out there he’s like the Sun Ra of punk – a seemingly endless bounty for fans, but where does the newcomer start? The answer, I believe, is easy: “Archive from 1959: The Billy Childish Story.”
This compilation was released a couple years ago. It has 51 slabs of (mostly) garage punk. It’s sometimes funny, sometimes angry, sometimes both. Many of Billy’s bands are represented (Thee Headcoats, The Buff Medways, Pop Rivets, and more). The songs are usually somewhat lo-fi production, and the lyrics and attitude are in the best early punk tradition. There is a wide range of topics covered, including perhaps better forgotten school days (“Archive From 1959”), culture (“Cowboys Are Square”, “We Hate The Fuckin’ NME”), and touching family relations (“The Day I Beat My Father Up”). There is even a Christmas song (“Christmas 1979”), but be forewarned, it’s not a happy Christmas song; I don’t think most families will be singing “Merry fucking Christmas to you all” around the holiday table! But I’ll give Billy this: I’m sure he’s in no danger of getting an ulcer; if something is bothering him he gets it off his chest.
Probably my favorite track is “Joe Strummer’s Grave.” I will admit I was a bit apprehensive when I first saw the song title, but once I heard the state-of-the-nation vitriol I felt Joe would be proud. When I see live versions of the song, Billy often starts off with a little “London’s Burning” reference, but the guitar riff reminds me more of the Clash song “1977”. Regardless, it’s amazing.
With this compilation you get a lot for your money. It’s a fantastic collection and will likely motivate you to seek out more Childish music. And if you need any evidence that punk is not dead, this is it.