The Only Music That Mattered: A Guide to Punk, Post-Punk and Second Wave Ska, 1976-1983

By John A. Zukowski

Because the first full-fledged punk singles were in 1976, many punks threw out most music released before then. Almost everything. What wasn't discarded was music containing the seeds of punk. This was called proto-punk, the foundation for punk. In the modern day, it is now a genre of its own, included in this discography. All roads of punk lead back to this one place: the golden era of punk, post-punk, and Second Wave ska from 1976 to 1983. This strange era between the hippie and the yuppie produced music that still resonates because of its authenticity and defiance.

This essential discography with commentary is a gateway into this era. This book covers in detail the standout artists of this period, the not to be overlooked B-sides, and the essential one-hit wonders. For both seasoned punks and newcomers to the genre, this book is the entry point to finding out about this celebrated era of music.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1476697671
• ISBN13: 9781476697673
• Release Date: October 2025
• Publisher: McFarland & Company
• Length: 234 Pages
• Weight: 0.92 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 7.0" x 10.0"
• Age Range: 18 years and up