What makes The Great Rock 'n' Roll Swindle by Sex Pistols notable?

This album is significant for its role in illustrating the commodification of punk rock and its critique of the music industry. It reached number 1 on the UK Albums Chart shortly after release, despite mixed reviews, highlighting the band's ongoing cultural impact even as they disbanded. The controversial nature of the album's themes and its raw sound solidified its place in music history. The Great Rock 'n' Roll Swindle was released as a soundtrack to the Sex Pistols' film of the same name, marking a pivotal moment in their brief yet impactful career. This album followed their controversial debut, Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols, and came amidst internal conflicts and the band's eventual breakup. It served as a posthumous showcase of their rebellious spirit and commercial exploitation.

Who is The Great Rock 'n' Roll Swindle for?

The Great Rock 'n' Roll Swindle works well if you're into chaotic bursts of raw energy, satirical commentary on mainstream culture and short tracks for quick enjoyment.

How many songs are on The Great Rock 'n' Roll Swindle?

The Great Rock 'n' Roll Swindle has 24 tracks, running approximately 74 minutes.

The Great Rock 'n' Roll Swindle

Sex Pistols · 1979

74 min · 24 tracks · punk

A chaotic explosion of punk energy, satire, and defiance against the mainstream music industry.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

chaotic bursts of raw energy
satirical commentary on mainstream culture
short tracks for quick enjoyment
dynamic shifts in intensity
for rebellious sing-alongs

Maybe skip if you want

seeking mellow background music
dislike abrupt tempo changes

Where this album fits

Themes: British authority disdain· commercial exploitation· punk rock rebellion
Career context: The Great Rock 'n' Roll Swindle was released as a soundtrack to the Sex Pistols' film of the same name, marking a pivotal moment in their brief yet impactful career. This album followed their controversial debut, Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols, and came amidst internal conflicts and the band's eventual breakup. It served as a posthumous showcase of their rebellious spirit and commercial exploitation.
Stylistic neighbors: The Clash· Dead Kennedys· Ramones
Sounds like this from elsewhere: London Calling by The Clash — Shares a similar rebellious spirit and critiques of society with a diverse sonic palette.

Another Music in a Different Kitchen by Buzzcocks — Combines punk energy with sharp lyrical wit, echoing themes of disillusionment and rebellion.

Germ Free Adolescents by X-Ray Spex — Captures the chaotic punk ethos and critiques consumer culture with distinctive vocals and energy.

New to Sex Pistols? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 God Save the Queen (Symphony) 4:00
2 Rock Around the Clock 2:03
3 Johnny B Goode 2:34
4 Road Runner 3:39
5 Black Arabs 4:45
6 Anarchy in the UK 3:32
7 Watcha Gonna Do About It 1:53
8 Who Killed Bambi? 3:01
9 Silly Thing 2:50
10 Substitute 3:06
11 Don’t Give Me No Lip Child 3:27
12 I’m Not Your Stepping Stone 3:05
13 Lonely Boy 3:01
14 Something Else 2:09
15 Anarchie pour le UK 3:24
16 Einmal war Belsen Bortrefflich 2:08
17 Einmal war Belsen wirflich Bortrefflich 2:12
18 No One Is Innocent 3:00
19 My Way 4:04
20 C’mon Everybody 1:54
21 EMI (orchestral) 3:44
22 The Great Rock ’n’ Roll Swindle 4:14
23 You Need Hands 2:49
24 Friggin’ in the Riggin’ 3:33

What to play next

Listen next

Some Product: Carri on Sex Pistols

1979

Go back to

Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols

1977

Full Sex Pistols discography Where to start with Sex Pistols Artists like Sex Pistols

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata