Here's a fascinating glimpse into the origins of LA's punk scene, courtesy of X-8. Check out the interviews with Jane Wiedlin of the Go-Gos and Exene Cervenka of X, then have a listen to some early punk gems like Forming by the Germs, the Zeros' (AKA the Mexican Ramones) Don't Push Me Around, and who could forget Black Randy and the Metro Squad's smash hit Loner With a Boner? Ah, the classics!

Like Ms. Wiedlin, my favorite LA punk band has always been the Weirdos. Founded by brothers John and Dix Denney, they churned out intensely dangerous, somewhat arty, and infectiously catchy songs, along with their own brand of incredible, dadaist flyer art.

NOTE: since many of these links are from Microsoft founder Paul Allen's Experience Music Project site, all sound and video files require Windows Media Player, unfortunately.