Meaning: This quote by Greg Ginn, a musician and the founder of the influential punk band Black Flag, sheds light on the perception of different punk bands in the 1980s. In this quote, Ginn discusses how the Minutemen and Saccharine Trust, two other bands associated with the punk scene at the time, were perceived as more of an "art thing" compared to Black Flag. He expresses his disagreement with this perception, indicating that he did not see the Minutemen and Saccharine Trust in the same way.

The quote reflects the diversity and complexity of the punk rock scene in the 1980s. At that time, punk rock was a broad and multifaceted movement, encompassing a wide range of musical styles, ideologies, and artistic expressions. Black Flag, known for their aggressive and raw sound, was a prominent figure in the hardcore punk scene, while the Minutemen and Saccharine Trust were associated with a more experimental and eclectic approach to punk music.

The Minutemen, consisting of D. Boon, Mike Watt, and George Hurley, were known for their unique blend of punk, funk, and jazz, as well as their politically charged lyrics. Their music was characterized by its brevity, often featuring short, fast-paced songs that defied traditional punk rock structures. The band's DIY ethos and commitment to independent and underground music made them influential figures in the punk and alternative music scenes.

Similarly, Saccharine Trust, another band mentioned in Ginn's quote, was also known for pushing the boundaries of punk rock. With their incorporation of jazz, blues, and avant-garde elements, Saccharine Trust challenged the conventions of punk music, experimenting with complex rhythms and abstract lyricism. Their music, often characterized by its intricate and unconventional compositions, appealed to audiences with a taste for more avant-garde and challenging sounds.

Ginn's statement about the perception of these bands as "more of an art thing" reflects the tendency of some observers to categorize certain punk bands as more avant-garde or artistic, in contrast to the straightforward aggression and intensity associated with traditional hardcore punk. This perception may have stemmed from the experimental nature of the music, as well as the bands' willingness to explore unconventional musical territories and incorporate diverse influences into their sound.

However, Ginn's personal perspective challenges this characterization, suggesting that such labels may oversimplify the complexity and diversity of the punk rock scene. His refusal to see the Minutemen and Saccharine Trust solely as an "art thing" implies a broader understanding of punk as a multifaceted and evolving musical movement that defies easy categorization.

In conclusion, Greg Ginn's quote provides insight into the nuanced and diverse nature of the punk rock scene in the 1980s, highlighting the different musical approaches and artistic expressions within the genre. The quote invites us to reconsider the simplistic categorizations often imposed on punk bands and encourages a deeper appreciation for the innovative and boundary-pushing contributions of bands like the Minutemen and Saccharine Trust to the punk rock landscape.