“Academy Fight Song” (1980) – Mission of Burma * Written by Clint Conley * 45: “Academy Fight Song” / “Max Ernst” * Producer: Richard W. Harte * Label: Ace of Hearts
With its own title as a clincher, this opening salvo from the much-loved Boston post-punk trio might be the ultimate college rock song, thanks to its adaptability as an angry expression toward either a dean or a slum lord who acts like one. The loaded phrase “asking jerky questions” could, in fact, serve as a post-punk/college rock motto, especially when voiced by a band so noted for herky-jerky tempos. But the background vocals near the end elevate the song to its own mystical space.
With its own title as a clincher, this opening salvo from the much-loved Boston post-punk trio might be the ultimate college rock song, thanks to its adaptability as an angry expression toward either a dean or a slum lord who acts like one. The loaded phrase “asking jerky questions” could, in fact, serve as a post-punk/college rock motto, especially when voiced by a band so noted for herky-jerky tempos. But the background vocals near the end elevate the song to its own mystical space.