I am throwing my Absolute Basic Punk guide on here for anyone asking about where to start.
top row is proto-punk: stuff that was essential to the formulation of the genre before it solidified in 1976.
2nd row is standard punk rock: stuff from the '70s from both the UK and the US. Specifically avoids the megabasic stuff (clash, ramones, sex pistols) so you can get into the good stuff.
3rd row is hardcore punk: the big 4 that influenced a lot in different ways.
4th row is a mix of subgenres, from left to right: anarcho punk, d-beat/crust punk, thrashcore/powerviolence, and emo/screamo. Not necessarily wholly representative of those genres but important starting points.
Ask me for me recommendations if you'd like.
EDIT: If you're feeling bold I've crafted my Intermediate Punk Primer for those who are already largely familiar with the basics above.
Top row is UK82, basically the second wave of punk in the UK that primarily consisted of the hardcore-informed street punk genre and some d-beat for good measure. Can't forget Discharge.
2nd row is Swedish kängpunk, which borrowed heavily from british d-beat and is generally characterized by it's fast hardcore style.
3rd row is bay-area powerviolence with Dropdead thrown in for good measure. Popular in the '90s and still beloved to this day.
4th row is another mixed platter, featuring positive punk/deathrock that grew put of anarcho-punk, youth crew/new york hardcore, skate punk and to a certain extent pop punk, and lastly crossover thrash which sees hardcore punk intermingling with thrash metal. Everything here is worth listening to, and you really can't go wrong.
Once again, feel free to reach out for more specific recommendations if there's something you already like















