Not to join in some genre war or anything, but I'm familiar with all but a couple of the bands mentioned in this thread and I've never heard the term noise-punk in my life. Most of these bands/artists usually fall under the banner of either noise, noise rock, or art rock, although plenty of other genres are represented as well (Branca and Chatham are more often than not, in my experience, considered classical). I'm not arguing against "noise-punk," but I'm just saying for those of you who were unaware of such a term, that doesn't mean much.

yeah I read an article in which this band told Lou that they could actually play MMM live, and he couldn't believe it. I dunno what happened with that, whether Lou decided to gig MMM with that band or not

MMM is a FUCK YOU at the major label because he had to complete his contract with the major label. That's why it is punk, it is the punk spirit in its meanest sense.
I dont think Lou sees the record as a joke, but surely considers it a record to be hold with tongs. He even states that whoever listens to the whole album in one listening is a madman.

Bravosector you aren't far off when you described me.
Thing is, punk is too oftenly misunderstood as a genre when it is but an attitude. The punk attitude can fit any style of music.
MMM is pretty much the epitome of punk in my opinion, even though it is not a DIY record. There's Fugazi or Shellac for that. But Fugazi ain't no stereotyped punk rock band, no no. Yet still punk as fuck for all it represents.

Slint, for instance, is not nearly abrasive enough (on Spiderland at least) for me to consider them anywhere near a genre containing the word 'noise';

MOTHERFUCK ME I didn't mention mclusky. They were angry Welsh trio who played noise-influenced punk and rock. All 3 of their albums were produced by Albini, too. Shame they broke up, because they were so fucking good.

man shep you are really acting like a snob/pretentious person. its prolly just the way you write but giving something like Metal Machine Music artistic value and defending it on the basis of punk attitude and message is pretty much the definition of pretentious, which really makes sense knowing that you like Zappa (and Beefheart perhaps?)