Vivien Goldman's hidden histories

Have you ever met a professor of punk? I didn’t even know such a thing existed, before I met Vivien Goldman. She lectures at New York University but way before she was an educator, Vivien was in the thick of it. She was writing about the scene back when it began; in fact she was one of the first people to explore the parallels between punk and reggae. And she lived in that realm too; Vivien was Bob Marley’s first UK publicist and formed a strong bond with him. She made friends with The Slits, and sang back-up vocals alongside Neneh Cherry. Vivien Goldman has also authored six books, the latest of which is Revenge of the She-Punks: A feminist music history from Poly Styrene to Pussy Riot. After reading this, I wanted her to Take 5; she’s lived such a wild and varied life, I knew she would have stories. But this goes beyond. It’s a passionate education and exploration of the music histories we haven’t heard about. There’s a sense of rebellion and fire in all she does, and Vivien articulates brilliantly the very spirit of punk and just why it’s been such an outlet for those who haven’t always been let into the club.  Here are her hidden histories.

Bob Marley & the Wailers – 'Do It Twice'

The Slits — 'Newtown'

Astrud Gilberto - 'The Girl From Ipanema'

Kassav – 'Soleil'

The Velvet Underground — 'Sunday Morning'