Film + TV

Norma from Orange Is The New Black used to front a punk band

by Dan MacRae

How have you been enjoying the new season of Orange is the New Black so far? We’d ask which episode you’ve caught up to, but odds are you’ve mowed through the whole thing in one big binge. That’s cool. No judgment here.

Anyway, Twitter’s not only been fired up about OITNB‘s episodic output, but fans of the show are also excited to dig into the rocker past of Annie Golden (a.k.a. the regularly silent Norma Romano). To a huge chunk of viewers, Golden’s days as a member of CBGB regulars The Shirts are a thrilling revelation. After all, who doesn’t like exciting back stories?

Formed in the mid ’70s, The Shirts featured Golden on the mic and the combo playing a variety of name-checkable venues in New York City and beyond. Their output veered between pop, rock, new wave and a splash of punk. The Shirts even scored some traction with their agreeably gooey single “Tell Me Your Plans.”

Care for a taste? Here’s a ferocious blast of “Teenage Crutch” to throttle you on a Friday.