The History of Western Civilisation

"The History Of Western Civilisation"
Single by TISM
from the album Hot Dogma
B-side Man Is Born Free And Everywhere He Is In Changing Rooms
Released 1990
Format 7" record
Recorded Platinum Studios, April-July 1990
Livid Festival, Brisbane, 2 December 1989
Genre Alternative rock
Length 3:01
Label Phonogram
Writer(s) TISM
TISM singles chronology
I Don't Want TISM, I Want A Girlfriend
(1989)		 The History Of Western Civilisation
(1990)		 Let's Form a Company
(1990)

"The History Of Western Civilisation" is the second single by TISM off their 1990 album Hot Dogma.

Song

Though the title of the song indicates a rather broad topic for a three-minute song to encapsulate, the focus of the song is actually on the Western Suburbs of TISM's home town of Melbourne and the differences between those suburbs, which tend to be poorer, more working class and generally of a lower socio-economic status than the more affluent Eastern & South-eastern suburbs.[1] The song lists various offensive things a man can do, such as building an abattoir on Anzac Cove, as long as the man does not come from the Western Suburbs. If he does, he "gets what [he] deserves".

According to the liner notes for the album, the song features a cameo blues harp appearance, performed by oft silent TISM member, Jon St. Peenis.

The song was included in TISM's "best of" album tism.bestoff.[1]

During TISM's performance of the song on the popular ABC show The Big Gig, the band members completely ignored the directions of and verbally abused ABC camera crew and staff, performed numerous stage dives and other dangerous stunts with expensive studio equipment, opened and consumed alcohol on stage, and scrawled offensive messages on the screen wherever close-up camera shots were attempted. As a result of their behaviour, TISM were banned from performing on the show again.[2]

Track listing

  1. "The History Of Western Civilisation"
  2. "Man Is Born Free And Everywhere He Is In Changing Rooms" (live at the Livid Festival, 2 December 1989)

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Zumeris, Bronius (31 July 2002). Review of tism.bestoff, Beat Magazine
  2. ↑ Footage of TISM's performance on YouTube


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