Oh Bondage Up Yours, I Am A Cliché

In this episode we discusses the life and legacy of punk musician Marion Joan Elliott-Said also know as Poly Styrene. Our conversation touches on themes of identity, adolescence, and the complexities of mother-daughter relationships. It explores the impact of consumerism and the music industry on artists and the importance of attachment and privilege in upbringing. We highlight Poly Styrene's unique image and her role in opening doors for marginalized artists. From her classical training in opera and her ability to sing to her unique devotion to the DIY ethic, our conversation covers various topics related to the punk style: the influence of drugs in the punk scene, the concept of fame and success, the importance of strong attachments in childhood, and the challenges of record collecting. We touched on broader issues such as commodification, beauty standards, and the impact of technology on fame and consumption. Finally we briefly talk about the reality that Poly Styrene excelled as a artist and failed as a mother making the legacy she left her daughter, Celeste Bell, a complex one.