The Sex Pistols were a mostly manufactured band designed by their manager Malcolm McLaren to capitalize on the burgeoning punk movement. As such, he dictated their image, names, and attitude to create both the embodiment of punk yet, at the same time, the antithesis of punk.

With so much of the Sex Pistols image being contrived for the sake of capitalism, can someone truly call them the embodiment of the punk movement? Of course not. Their music certainly fits the style, however. Unfortunately, that’s not very good, either. They aren’t technically proficient with their instruments, but I’ll never hold that against a band.

Many of the songs on Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols lack memorable hooks, and the lyrics are very restrained considering their indignant manifesto. It’s all too safe—for the kids, I suppose. They’re in this for the money and recognition, so they can’t risk alienating too many demographics. I will admit I like a couple songs on here, namely “Bodies,” which is a pretty catchy track. But I don’t like any of them enough to warrant particular praise for Never Mind the Bollocks.

Without their false ideals and music, what do the Sex Pistols have left? Nothing but an unwarranted spot in music history. But they are still a part of it, and this review or anything else won’t change that. Oh, well. Like they say, life isn’t fair. Sometimes, you should mind the bollocks.