Poison in a Pretty Pill - Crass
"Poison in a Pretty Pill" is a song by the British punk rock band Crass, known for their politically charged lyrics and DIY ethos. The track is featured on their seminal album "Penis Envy," released in 1981. The theme of "Poison in a Pretty Pill" revolves around the dangers of consumerism and the manipulation of society by those in power. The lyrics criticize the pharmaceutical industry for profiting off of people's suffering and promoting a culture of dependency on medication. Musically, the song is characterized by its aggressive and raw sound, with driving guitar riffs and pounding drums. The vocals are delivered with intensity and urgency, adding to the confrontational nature of the track. One notable aspect of "Poison in a Pretty Pill" is its use of spoken word samples, which are interspersed throughout the song to emphasize the message of the lyrics. These samples add a layer of complexity to the track and reinforce Crass's reputation for pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms. Overall, "Poison in a Pretty Pill" is a powerful and thought-provoking song that reflects Crass's commitment to addressing social and political issues through their music. With its uncompromising lyrics and raw energy, the track remains a standout in the band's discography and a testament to their influence on the punk rock genre.
Crass
Crass was an English punk rock band formed in 1977, whose music and ethos played a pivotal role in shaping the punk movement in the UK. The band was founded by lead vocalist Steve Ignorant, guitarist and vocalist Penny Rimbaud, and vocalist Eve Libertine, among others. Crass rose to prominence during the late 1970s and early 1980s, with their music characterized by its raw, aggressive sound and politically charged lyrics. The band's music often addressed issues such as war, capitalism, consumerism, and social injustice, reflecting their anarchist and pacifist beliefs. Their debut album, "The Feeding of the 5000," released in 1978, was a manifesto of sorts for the band, showcasing their uncompromising stance on political and social issues. One of Crass's most notable achievements was the founding of their own record label, Crass Records, which enabled them to release their music independently and maintain complete creative control over their work. The band also made headlines for their DIY approach to producing and distributing their music, eschewing traditional music industry practices in favor of self-reliance and autonomy. Crass's impact on music extends beyond their musical output, as they were instrumental in popularizing the DIY punk ethos and inspiring a generation of musicians to challenge the status quo and use their music as a platform for social and political activism. The band's influence can be seen in the music of numerous punk and alternative rock bands that followed in their wake, as well as in the broader punk movement as a whole. Despite disbanding in 1984, Crass's legacy continues to resonate with fans and musicians alike, as their music and message remain as relevant and powerful as ever. The band's uncompromising approach to music and activism has solidified their place as one of the most important and influential punk bands in history.