The Making Of Anthrax’S “Got The Time” And Its Punk Influences.

December 2, 2024

The Making of Anthrax’s Got the Time” and Its Punk Influences

In the early 1990s, as the intersection of thrash metal and punk rock began to crystallize with unprecedented fervor, Anthrax emerged as one of the genre’s most inventive vanguards. Their cover of Joe Jackson’s Got the Time,” released on the album *Persistence of Time* in 1990, is not merely a reinterpretation but a vibrant testament to the band’s intricate relationship with punk sensibilities. The song exemplifies how metal could consistently engage with the raw energy and rebellious ethos of punk, forging a sound that was both ferocious and intellectually engaging.

The genesis of Got the Time” lies in both Jackson’s original arrangement and the very essence of punk’s DIY ethic. Originally featured on Jackson’s 1980 album *Look Sharp!*, the track is characterized by a brisk tempo and biting lyrics that lampoon the anxieties of modern life. Anthrax’s interpretation adheres to the spirit of the original while saturating it with the aggressive guitar riffs and pounding rhythms synonymous with thrash metal. In this version, frontman Joey Belladonna’s soaring vocals introduce an unexpected melodicism, contrasting effectively with the song’s frenetic underpinnings. This juxtaposition not only serves to amplify the track’s inherent urgency but also reflects the band’s adeptness at blending genres.

One cannot overlook the cultural landscape of the late 1980s and early 1990s, a period marked by a burgeoning cross-pollination of musical styles. Anthrax, alongside contemporaries such as Metallica and Slayer, was navigating the turbulent waters of the thrash movement while simultaneously acknowledging punk’s rudimentary roots. The band’s decision to cover Got the Time” was emblematic of a broader trend within metal at the time: the recognition of punk as a legitimate and influential predecessor rather than a mere footnote. The embrace of punk was not just a musical choice, but a philosophical one, suggesting a rebellion against the more polished and commercially viable aspects of mainstream rock.

The sonic architecture of Got the Time,” with its blaring guitars and tight, aggressive drumming, pays homage to the anthemic quality typical of punk tracks. The fast-paced rhythm evokes images of a youthful disdain for conformity and an embrace of immediacyhallmarks of punk culture. Notably, drummer Charlie Benante’s rapid-fire beats and bassist Frank Bello’s dynamic low-end reinforce this relentless energy, creating a palpable urgency that nearly compels the listener to either join the mosh pit or erupt in an exuberant headbang.

Anthrax’s choice to spotlight a song by an unlikely pop figure like Joe Jackson underscores a critical aspect of their artistry: the ability to transcend genre boundaries while retaining aural authenticity. By recording Got the Time,” they illuminate the ways in which punk’s innovation informs metal’s evolution, creating a bridge between two distinct worlds that share an inherent ethos of rebellion. In the process, they invite listenersboth old and newto reconsider their perceptions of genre, fostering a dialogue that emphasizes the interconnectedness of musical expression.

Ultimately, “Got the Time” crystallizes Anthrax’s role as a pivotal player in the metal landscape, one unafraid to draw inspiration from diverse sources. It reveals the band not merely as thrash masters, but as musicians who recognize the value of punk’s rawness and spirit. By embracing and redefining this influence, Anthrax continues to forge paths that resonate with both the urgency of punk and the precision of metal, thus solidifying their place in the annals of music history as true innovators of sound.