Formed by songwriter/guitarist Al Barile (then a machinist at the General Electric plant in Lynn, Massachusetts and a student at Northeastern University), SSD started performing at smaller venues throughout the greater Boston metropolitan area in the summer of 1981. The band quickly gained notoriety within the local music scene for intense, charged performances and the provocative antics of their core group of followers, the Boston Crew.
The original lineup was Al Barile on guitar, Springa (David Spring) on vocals, Jaime Sciarappa on bass and Chris Foley on drums. They released their debut LP The Kids Will Have Their Say on their own X-Claim label in 1982. Ian MacKaye of Minor Threat was a friend and supporter and his Dischord label's logo appeared on the back cover.
In 1983 they added second guitarist Francois Levesque and released the EP Get It Away. It is widely regarded to be their best record. The X-Claim pressings of it and The Kids Will Have Their Say are both highly collectable.
Like many hardcore bands - particularly those in the Boston area - SSD, as they were now officially called, were heading in a heavy metal direction. In 1984 they signed to the Boston label Modern Method and released the How We Rock EP which was rooted in the hardcore sound but exhibited overt heavy metal characteristics, such as a relatively high number of lengthy guitar solos. After signing to Homestead they released the Break It Up LP in 1985. It had both feet planted in the metal genre, leaving behind all trappings of punk and hardcore.
SSD broke up in 1985.
Jaime Sciarappa went on to play bass with the Boston hardcore band Slapshot for a short time.
After the breakup Springa went on to front the short lived band Razorcaine and the comedy rock projects Die Blitzkinder (with The Slaves) and Springa as Tom Jones. His flamboyant persona and lounge lizard lifestyle during this time stood in marked contrast to the straight edge rhetoric of SS Decontrol. In the early 1990s he would move to Chicago to pursue comedy further with The Second City.
In 1991 Al Barile compiled Power for Taang! Records. It spans SSD's entire career and is the only official release in print today. In the early 1990s he took up the bass guitar and he and Levesque formed the hardcore band Gage.
Chris Foley went on to play drums for Bulkhead, Jennifer Trynin and Star Ghost Dog. Today he plays with Heavy Stud.
In the summer of 2004 Springa was seriously injured in a car accident outside of Boston. A gala benefit featuring Evan Dando and reunions of The Outlets and Jerry's Kids raised money for his medical expenses. SSD did not perform.
Springa has since experienced a full recovery and is working on a rock opera.
~from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ss_decontrol
Not Normal
SS Decontrol Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If I embarrass you, I'm sorry
I must, I must
Think it's a fad, but it's not
Drug-free youth free from pot
Respect me for the stance I take
To better life is the goal I make
Challenge the rules that stop us from
Don't listen to what the others say
The fools will regret
On the world's last day
Forgive this pain I put you through
The world must change and kids must too
Don't understand the way I dress
Chains and T-shirts look a mess
As apathy spreads through mankind
We will counter and shock by design
Don't listen to what the others say
The fools will regret
On the world's last day
I'll survive, and I think this, you know
But not as a follower
But one who will show
The lyrics of "Not Normal" by SS Decontrol convey a strong message of defiance and determination to challenge societal norms and expectations. The artist apologizes to anyone who may be ashamed or embarrassed by their actions and beliefs, but asserts their belief in the importance of their stance. They reject the notion that their choices and beliefs are merely a passing trend, emphasizing their commitment to a drug-free and better life.
The song expresses a desire to challenge the rules and systems that limit individuals' freedom and promote war and boredom. The artist believes in the possibility of a world free from conflict, where everyone can experience a sense of fulfillment and excitement. They urge the listener not to pay heed to the opinions of others, particularly those they consider foolish, as these individuals will eventually regret their choices on the world's final day.
Amidst the pain and discord their beliefs may cause, the artist asks for forgiveness, asserting that change is necessary for both the world and young people. They acknowledge that their unconventional way of dressing, such as chains and messy T-shirts, may be misunderstood or seen as a mess. Nevertheless, they argue that as apathy spreads throughout humanity, their counteractions and shocking behavior will serve as a response, challenging the status quo.
The lyrics also highlight the artist's determination to survive and to be seen as a leader rather than a follower. They assert that their drive comes not from blindly conforming to social norms, but from being an exemplar - someone who will demonstrate a different way of thinking and living. This implies that the artist's actions, beliefs, and refusal to conform are intended as a beacon of hope, inspiring others to question and challenge societal norms in their own lives.
Line by Line Meaning
If you're ashamed, I'm sorry
I apologize if my actions make you feel ashamed
If I embarrass you, I'm sorry
I apologize if I cause you embarrassment
I must, I must
I am determined and committed
Think it's a fad, but it's not
Some may perceive it as a passing trend, but it is not
Drug-free youth free from pot
Focused on promoting a drug-free lifestyle for young people, specifically avoiding marijuana
Respect me for the stance I take
Please acknowledge and honor my strong principles
To better life is the goal I make
My aim is to improve society and individuals' lives
Challenge the rules that stop us from
Question and confront the rules that restrict our progress
A war-free world and no boredom
Advocating for a world without conflicts and monotony
Don't listen to what the others say
Ignore the opinions of those who don't understand
The fools will regret
Those who oppose us will eventually realize their mistake
On the world's last day
When the world nears its end
Forgive this pain I put you through
Please pardon any distress I have caused you
The world must change and kids must too
The world needs to undergo a transformation, and young people must also evolve
Don't understand the way I dress
Some may not comprehend my fashion choices
Chains and T-shirts look a mess
The combination of chains and T-shirts may appear unkempt or disorderly
As apathy spreads through mankind
As indifference and lack of interest permeate humanity
We will counter and shock by design
We will deliberately and boldly defy expectations
I'll survive, and I think this, you know
I will persevere and I believe you are aware of this
But not as a follower
I will not conform or be a mere imitator
But one who will show
Instead, I will lead and demonstrate
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Al Barile, Chris Foley, David Spring, Jaime Sciarappa
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@shellythesupreme
Greatest intro ever
@tinamagallanez6878
no frequency no cancer cells in your body mind heart nor soul there is no enemies or word in Jesus name only in the name of father and son and the holy ghost