Violent Femmes

It was fun! Felt like a pump up album for a young bachelor going to hit up the big city

Great

Finally an album for incels! I love this thing. Really erratic and interesting instrumentals and the vocal delivery is frantic and angsty. Lyrics are funny. Hooks are catchy. I will listen to this thing again

This is an album I am very familiar with. Before listening to it for this review I thought maybe I like it so much because of the time in my life when I first heard it. I can honestly say that is not the case. VF holds its own as a great album.

This is a fantastic album. Many of the songs I had heard and are great songs that got a lot of play. A few I had heard and forgotten but are very good too. The rest are also good songs. But I never listened to a whole album. It still sounds fresh in all its simplicity. It creates a sound that is unique, direct, and conveys the emotion of adolescence. A lot of it sounds heavily influenced by Lou Reed (the impact of whom I never fully appreciated until doing many of the albums from this generator). I also hear Bowie in some songs. I've always loved the use of the xylophone on Gone Daddy Gone; there's even a xylophone solo! The bass work that runs through the album is fantastic. I read some reviews online and several mention that it is an acoustic Punk album. It never struck me as acoustic but its true. How unique is that?!

own

4.5 so many hits

I did not realise it was recorded in 1982. Makes it more of an influential ahead of its time piece.

Acoustic punk masterpiece. This is an album that I grew up listening to basically on repeat. Every song is a banger. It’s structured so incredibly well in the sense of how you listen to it. This is easily is my top five favorite albums of all time. It’s a rollercoaster of stress, hate, late, envy and melancholy wrapped into what I think to be a almost perfect experience. 10/10

Love the different guitar riffs through the songs. Blister in the Sun is a classic, and listening to the rest of the album, you can tell that it captures the sound of the Violent Femmes well for at least this album. Half of the time, the lead singer has a vocal characteristic that reminds me of the Rolling Stones. It's faint, though. They definitely have their own distinct sound.

I remember a few of these songs from Tony Hawk games.

I liked a lot of the instrumental parts, but the vocals were hit-or-miss at best, and I really disliked the lyrics

Good

Very enjoyable album . Some favourites include Prove my Love and Good feeling . It sometimes felt monotonous but It had some variety so I was not bored that much.

Nostalgic for college. 4/5

It will always amaze me that this is from the early ‘80s.

Almost done the album at time of writing. Tbh I didn't like it that much. Not even great as background music to me.

just no my thing i guess

Amazing album. I got to see it performed live from beginning to end last year.

1984 wow. Way earlier than I thought. Super raw. Loved it.

if it wasnt for reality bites no one would have ever heard of this record.

Noh muutamat lyriikat lauseskellessa mukana jee jee

very hard to write ab cuz the charms are so obvious, ig ill just say that this Kinda makes up for the whole metallica s&m thing...from washed out alt rock uncles to jittery lecherous teenagers channeling their experiences into punky folky songs that have the distance to achieve disarming humor but the intimacy to still feel like ur seeing something very special that ur lucky to witness. more then anything, one of the most immediately catchy albums ive heard in a good while. at some point ill accept that this rly is just My Genre

This was better than I thought it was going to be. Of course I knew Blister, and I'd played a small handful of their other songs in the past, but I'd never listened to a full album before, nor was I aware just how acoustic punk The Violent Femmes are. I'm generally not a fan of punk, but my ears took genuine notice of this album thanks to its unplugged instrumentation. I wouldn't say I loved it, but it certainly inspired me to explore more of their discography.

4.5

I mean, who doesn't love Blister in the Sun? Wish the whole album were like that, but unfortunately it's not -- I guess I can see some proto-Mountain Goats here, but I just don't love when it seems like the lead singer of a band is bad on purpose.

3 stars

Yes, the songs and music are OK. The singing, because of which I kept skipping the first few songs before giving up, isn't. 2/5

Some classic hits on this record. This is a very fun, retro, funky, punky record. Mastering and production is very thin sounding, but it’s easy on the ears. This is an album that makes me feel cooler by listening to it.

Great discovery! As I usually say: Punk fears nothing! Punk is not afraid of being pop, much less making songs without guitars or with almost no distortion. On the contrary, Punk is purely attitude! And this album has that. I would like to highlight the bassist's work on this album. It's been so long since I've been so excited about the sound of an instrument. Speaking of excitement, I must have listened to this album about 4 times in a row today. I really liked it a lot and it was definitely one of the best discoveries this year! 5 stars!

This is the good ol, grimy folk punk I live for. Obviously the opener is an all time classic, but if you dig the sound, the whole album sticks the landing.

An acoustic punk romp with busy bass lines, rich harmonies, and vocals that dance on the edge of grating charm.

Some catchy guitar riffs and solid drums but not a huge fan of this guys voice. Very whiny. Dude is definitely on a ton of drugs. Brief brief moments of ok music. Overall sense of when will this be over.

Not bad, but generally not my sound.

A guy I knew in high school gave me a copy of this on a blank tape. It was 97 or 98 and I had no idea who the Violent Femmes were. He offered it with no context or explanation that I can recall. One listen and I was sold. I assumed they were a 90's band cause it sounded relevant to that time - weird and quirky and alternative and all that. It wasn't until a couple years later when I actually went out and bought a copy that I learned that it was released in 82. The Violent Femmes were way ahead of the their time man. Probably a 4 or 4.5 for me cause a couple songs drag a bit, but nostalgia pushes this to a 5 today.

It’s funny how “Blister in the Sun” is the biggest hit off this album, yet to me, it’s one of the most annoying songs ever. For many years, I was turned off by Violent Femmes because of that song. But then I heard “Add It Up” and fell in love with it, so I decided to get the album. Once I did, it became one of my favorites for a while. Violent Femmes is one of those bands that straddles the line between folk and punk, but they also have a fun and playful undertone. Although I’ve played this album so many times that I probably won’t go back to it in the future, it will always have a special place in my heart.

Some good sounds on here, some fun moments, good energy - also some terrible vocals here and there.

Blister In The Sun: I thought this was going to be chicks, this isn't a chick. This is a classic banger though, but this dude sounds a bit whiny. Maybe this is a chick, I have no idea, this whispering is weird but could be a chick. Song's okay, reminds me of the White Stripes. Kiss Off: Jesus, did they have their bass close enough to the mic when they recorded this? This turned into a bit of a surf pop jam, I can hear those bass strings struggling to stay intact. Dude's slappin' the bass like it's his wife after his 16th beer. Needs more electric guitar, but still kinda bangs tbh. Damn, that last strum broke the bass. Please Do Not Go: Bass. This song should have been in Napoleon Dynamite if it wasn't, gives that vibe. Honestly though, this isn't good music, I could sing like this guy, he sounds like me complaining about my job. This bass slaps my ass though, seems to be the theme here. The "bye bye bye bye" part is too much, and the whiny speech, cut that shit. Song's two times as long as it should be. Add It Up: Another song that makes me question the gender of the vocalist. Oh, boring start, but shits getting litty now. I feel like I'm on the dance floor with Elvis. A bit of a gross song though, "why can't I get just one screw?," "why can't I just get one fuck?". Okay chill, also why does it sound like all the instruments were recording on the rustiest old ass recording device imaginable? Song's pretty good but far too edgy for 1983, you can't say "fuck" in a song back then. Dude's horny as fuck, cringe alert. Remaster this shit, the instruments sound like shit. Confessions: Feel like I'm in the wild west, but also like I'm about to fall asleep. The bass slaps, as usual, the bassist is easily the most talented member of this band. I see why this song is the least listened to on the entire album. Maybe try writing your lyrics before recording your song. Reminds me of the Tragically Hip, and I hate that band. I went and got another beer and the song is still going, skip. Prove My Love: Diggin the more surf rock vibe this one has, I like the happy vibes. Much better than the rest of the songs. I could see this in a Tony Hawk games, shredding the coast, 720 Christ Air over the ice-cream stand at the beach. Promise: A lot of this is starting to sound the same. For some reason I thought it was going to be a chich vocalist this time, even though it hasn't been the other songs. This could be in Napoleon Dynamite, just hipster nonsense people who peaked in 2016 would love. Not a big fan of spoken word in songs, especially when he sounds like he's cumming while speaking. I've definitely heard this before in something, but its fucking awful, sound like me singing in the shower about my day. To The Kill: Start of this sounds like me at Walmart picking up the demo guitar in the toy section. This album is honestly kind of trash, who thought it should be one of the top 1001 albums of all time? Dude sounds like he wants to do be doing but singing in this band. This song sucks so much, are they high? Gone Daddy Gone: Okay, they've found the Ficsher Price xylophone while exploring the toy section, good start. This song is familiar, maybe in a Tony Hawk game? It's good, but again, what's with his voice, he sounds so tired. Is he talking to his own daddy? This xylophone solo makes up for any complaints I made previously, I feel like I'm playing Fossil Canyon in Diddy Kong Racing, bring me back! Good Feeling: More like Bad Feeling. Gotta end with a banger, not an instant-sleeper borefest. Shred all your most unique instruments to end the album. I'm not listening to the bonus track, they didn't prove worthy of it.

Pretty solid overall, honestly didn't realize they were this old

het deed me niet heel veel\

oke album

I love "Good Feeling", one of my favorite songs, and blister in the sun is obviously a hit, but overall this album is pretty meh outside of those songs for me

It started great with Blister In The Sun but after that I felt pessimistic towards the album. Then after a few tracks it began to grow on me. The overall themes of edginess and rebellion with a nice slice of rawness displayed on the album helped me understand it more and why many people enjoy this. Still on some of the songs here the vocals really made me want to die of cringe but it still had that weird ass charm to it ig. Best - Blister in the Sun, Add It Up, Confessions, To the Kill, Gone Daddy Gone, and Good Feeling Worse - Kiss Off, Please Do Not Go, and Promise 3.50-3.75/5

Surprised it is males and not females based on the group's name. I enjoyed the riff in the Fender's ad more than the music from this group!

Cool album, a bit monotone

Energetic

Good lord no music should ever sound like this. Within two minutes I knew this would be one of the worst albums I’ve heard in my entire life. I’m sorry but it’s horrible on every form shape and sound and I hope to never hear this again. The only explanation I can see this being on this list is a blueprint of what people should never ever replicate.

Dry like dog shit. Violent Failures. 0/10 0 stars.

Music to grow through puberty by

I expected more from this, but the last couple of songs were cool.

Not my kind of music, but I must say the b-side of the record saves it for me. The last songs are great and more creative.

Definition of a 3/5 album-good but nothing special. I think that really explains this album, with a good theme throughout and a couple of great tracks, but on the whole just good. I’d I could give half stars I’d maybe give it 3 1/2, so 7/10, but I wouldn’t give it an 8

Meh

I’m glad these guys found music to get all that anger out 🤣. Seriously, with all the teenage angst I’d be worried that they’d express themselves in less desirable ways. They do take the evergreen subject matter of being a nerdy dude with no game and unable to get laid, and bring some jams. “Blister in the Sun” was deservedly everywhere, it’s so dam catchy. It was practically an anthem in nearly every 80s teen movie I remember. Some really nice guitar work throughout (especially on “Prove My Love”). But the rest of the album doesn’t rise to those elevated heights of “Blister” for me, but I get why they’re considered a legendary band by many of my Gen-X brethren.

Blister in the sun is just one of the best... 1983 as well! Feels as though there's an intimacy to it. Have realised that I can use this as a 3 year diary too - 14th July. On the tune - like you're in the room with them, they all know they've got something properly good. Pre-nirvana/ NMH evident, hope that makes sense. Today on holiday we finally went to that other beautiful beach - ligares I think it's called. Tanning well. Miss my friends, I finally think I'm at a point where I have very good friends - never got that close with anyone at school and foundation nothing felt too lasting. Obviously year and a bit I didn't really consider love for friends during Clara but now I miss people more than I thought I could. Liked the idea for art I had about accompanying strange sounds with mundane objects. Just need to make something really, takes no time at all. Proper bass (I think - loosely strung). Doesn't feel expectant but has a continuity that borrows from bluesy folky country storytelling (Please do not go) - almost Ska-y. Still thinking about getting mugged, that really stupid feeling that I should've risked it and done something but I know that I did the right thing. I need to continue to see it as a testament to my calmness and ability to relativise - nothing is more important than my life, absolutely nothing. Great punky vocals on the album, add it up... I'd love to paint my bedroom yellow, maybe I use large canvas and pin it up in LA. That scene from TopBoy was beautiful - colour obviously effects the way we perceive experience heavily. Nick Cave-yness to the vocals. Definitely contemporary relevance now on ‘Confessions’ - think it’s just good, proper punky rock. I think it’s very interesting but also normal that certain events will revolve around my mind as seminal moments in my sequence - not necessarily things I very much enjoyed or hated but rather points that harbour a lot of regret - I think I need to see my achievements and myself as a way to scale down these orbits. A lot more minutemen-y than I thought (To the Kill). This song is really good. Finally an album with more variance… Album started brilliant, got alright and now upward again (Gone Daddy Gone) - has that 50s/60s catchy chorus with that messy post-Stoogeness. So Stooges, the vocals really hit. Also the Velvets legacy shines through here (Good Feeling). Think it would be very harsh to say pastiche… think it decidely marks a bridgeway for bands like Wilco, NMH, Weezer even. Can’t wait to listen to a Blondie album - (Ugly is great). Will say that this is the most thought about rating - think a 3.6 is very fair - great tunes and variety but didn’t blow me away.

This was great. Lots of energy, lots of punky noises, but also somehow not as loud and abrasive as a lot of other punky stuff I like. I could listen to this over and over and not get bored.

several songs had the girls dancing around being silly this weekend! great album and one I don't listen to enough

God, I saw the Violent Femmes live right before covid. It was not an enjoyable show. Outside of blister in the sun, I feel like they are kind of a hard listen. Okay, Kiss Off is grreat too. I am eating my words, this whole album is pretty dank. I think a live version of ~50/60 somethings singing this stuff is just lost on ya boy.

Love this album. A lot of bangers/classics.

Would make a suitable support band at a mid sized venue. Theres humour and rudeness. And terrible dreary vocals.

not for me

Such a great album, and so far ahead of its time!

Love this album. Without this album what would we do for the soundtracks of films that star John Cusack? Seriously though, this album was a revelation. A doorway into a secret world of all age shows done by DIY bands all over the U.S. and U.K. An indie album that showed that all of the preconceptions could be thwarted. An acoustic punk album that pointed the direction of indie rock for the next three decades. An album whose song arrangements rocked layered with truly sincere, heart wrenching, and funny lyrics that didn't require a British accent, sneer, or guitar distortion to make them seem heavy. Pocket tight rhythm section that could walk that fine line of rocking and allowing space for the wonderful melodies and harmonies of the acoustic punk to shine threw like beams of moonlight. Recorded during the summer of 1982 in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, the home of Dungeons & Dragons. You can just imagine the legendary adventuring hijinks these guys were getting up to in-between recording and playing out. Amazing that these tracks were largely written and performed by a bunch of eighteen year olds.

Excellent album

Poh, dit is wel echt peak 80s alternative rock. Quirky, speels en ongemakkelijk op een aanstekelijke manier, maar ook bij vlagen venijnig en rauw. Een template dat de jaren 90 uiteindelijk tot iconische kunst verhief. De melodieën blijven hangen als een earworm, maar het zijn vooral de momenten waar zanger Gordon Gano het meest wanhopig klinkt die de plaat de meeste shine geeft. Het voelt een beetje als de missing link tussen 70s indie acts als Modern Lovers en jaren 90 Modest Mousey bands. De drive en de energie op het album pakt je in, en je wordt hier constant aan herinnert door de explosieve opbouw in de individuele nummers. Perfecte lengte ook. En 'Add It Up' is hands down één van de betere alt rock songs ooit gemaakt. 9/10 Highlights: Blister In The Sun Add It Up Confessions Gone Daddy Gone

Godsamme wat klinkt Violent Femmes heerlijk wanhopig. Love it. Er is een mooi clubje obscure bands met wanhopige zangers, vaak ook met (slechts) één goed album. Violent Femmes is er daar 1 van (net als Neutral Milk Hotel). Ik hoor verder veel Punk, zeker in het legendarische Add It Up. Maar ook het geluid van the Pixies en the Replacements is niet ver weg. Maar wat waren de Femmes er vroeg bij. De weg vrij voor veel meer Alt-rock in de nineties. Nog één shoutout op deze verder toch steengoede plaat; acoustic punk. Toch wel een personal favourite van mij. De punk energie en wanhoop vastgelegd met een (toch wat meer verfijnde) akoestische gitaar. Violent Femmes toont zich er heer en meester in. 8,5/10 Highlights Blister in the Sun Please do not Go Add It Up Confessions

what always draws me to this album is the folk-punk sound they created. it's biting, it's aggressive, it's... soft? i love that about it. the lyrics and songs remind me a little bit of the modern lovers, another band i like a lot. the whole album is just really fun, and a great take on a genre that can be a bit hit or miss.

First song is a classic catchy song but I couldn’t get into the rest of it. Not for me at all.

Everything sounded like the one hit I already knew.

Good, but repetitive. Consistently fast tempos, a small range of keys and chords, and a heavy reliance on the punk-rock genre in every track are the main factors contributing to this repetition. The songs Kiss Off, Promise, Confessions, and To The Kill are slightly below the rest of the tracks (and the only ones I actively disliked), lacking any significant hook that can drown out the poor singing. Yep, the vocals here are pretty bad - particularly when the guy tries to reach the top of his range. I've said this frequently about punk music on this list, which is that it's (typically) not very good on account of the instruments not being played well. The vocals are the most common offender here since they're the easiest to sound terrible with. That being said, some of the hooks/ideas here are strong enough to overcome these obstacles. Blister In The Sun has a fun, syncopated, memorable line in the acoustic guitar, easily bringing it to the forefront of not only the album, but the Violent Femmes' discography. Add It Up, Gone Daddy Gone (man, that xylophone!), and Good Feeling are also fun listens. 3/5 Key tracks: Add It Up, Good Feeling, Gone Daddy Gone, Blister In The Sun

6.5/10

Some catchy parts. Some fun parts. But overall mostly shouty vocals and average production.

Good solid songs that make feel. The vocals are clear, the lyrics make you imagine things, with his clarity. The album has a distinct sound which i like with each song putting a different spin on the original. I think overall good album 4/5

Oh my god this is where blister in the sun comes from. They used to play this a lot in the clubs a decade ago. It's the best song off the record tho.

Fedt, men i små doser. Bliver hurtigt lidt intenst, og til tider næsten anstrengende at lytte til.

Overhovedet ikke min stil. Jeg synes ikke instrumenterne bliver brugt helt rigtigt, og vokalerne lyder hele tiden off i mit hoved, som om de ikke helt rammer de toner der er tiltænkt. Når der er eksempelvis en bas solo, er det som om lyden af at spille på instrumentet overdøver selve tonen der skulle skabes. Vildt ærgerligt. Det lyder som om de har hentet inspiration fra rigtig mange gode kilder, men ligeså snart man hører det, ender det med at lyde forvrænget på en eller andet måde. Absolut ikke et album jeg har lyst til at høre igen.

Not impressed..

I don't think this will ever really become my favourite kind of sound, but I don't hate it. I didn't know that there was such a thing as "Folk punk" before this album and it kinda tickles my brain in the right way a bit with the acoustic bass and the sudden inclusion of not one, but TWO xylophone solos on 'Gone Daddy Gone'. Standouts: Gone Daddy Gone Good Feeling Add It Up "Punk needs more xylophone"/5 (3/5)

Some great songs, but the rest of the album is pretty blah. All sounds the same.

Okay. Not bad. This is a decent little album right here. It's alright. It feels quite classic with a hint of modern indie in there. This thing wears its influences on its sleeve. I detected a very strong influence from both the Velvet Underground and the Rolling Stones. The song "Gone Daddy Gone" felt especially similar to the Stones. I can also see how this would influence later groups like the Strokes, but that could just be the influences for this album speaking. The sound of the album is quite solid. Both the singing and instrumental work feel somewhat varied throughout the album, yet consistent in tone. The same can't quite be said about the writing, which does feel a bit repetitive, though not too repetitive. Still, it is noticeable. The writing, however, is pretty good. Overall, this isn't my favorite album, but it's far from my least favorite. I can totally see how some would love it and others would hate it. 3/5.

I LOVE this album, it's so perfect.

I truly enjoyed Violent Femmes' self titled! The main thread throughout was minimalist punk, to the point of almost sounding folk--which I never imagined was a thing. "Good Feeling" has a folk-y hymn vibe and somehow isn't out of place. I don't think the minimalism was simplistic, though; it came across as purposeful. "Gone Daddy Gone" contained a xylophone, which was both unexpected and enjoyed, but it wasn't too much at all. Despite the minimalist feel in the music, most songs were fun to listen to and had such a good bounce. The clever lyrics helped to keep the album light. 4.5

This is another fine example of a band who came out the gate swinging with a style of their own, and nailed it! Nobody else was doing anything else quite like this at the time. This album immediately defied the idea that this time period was setting around punk music. It demonstrates that punk didn't need to be "hardcore" to be relevant. Violent Femmes were definitely ahead of the times with this album, too; it puts a very 90s alternative spin on things, almost 8 years before the 90s even arrived. In fact, certain elements of the album even sound like 2000s indie music. I guess this just goes to show how influential this album was to the alternative/indie scene into the coming decades. Honestly, if I had been asked to guess when this album was released, I probably would have been about ten years off. Another thing that is kind of surprising about this album is how it is mostly acoustic (there are exceptions here and there) or acoustic-forward; in any case, the instrumentation is somewhat at a minimum, and yet they're still able to capture a punk and alternative sound so well. In my mind, that's no easy feat. The lead vocals also really help set the scene, though; Gordon Gano does a fantastic job of sounding edgy, strained, weird, creepy, and intriguing, all in one. It's a perfect voice for straddling the line between 80s punk and 90s alternative music; you can hear Gano taking vocal inspiration from those who came before, and you can hear what would inspire other artists moving forward. All in all, a cool, unique, and gritty album!

Long loved this one.

Mostly forgettable songs, although Good Feeling is okay.The lead vocalist sings about like I do, which is bad.

I went back and forth on this album a lot. I think it was very forward for its time, the songs are very catchy and the fact that they had sustained success (though moderate) because of this album does a lot. I just convinced myself to give it another star.

I like the sound but the lyrics are disgusting (to some songs)

Only blister in the sun is cult

I didn't know this band before - I was quite disappointed to learn that they're dudes if I'm honest. That said, it's a pretty good album - although the vocals are not what I'd normally like, it creates a sort of unsettling atmosphere that reminds of the darker parts of the Rolling Stones. It also achieves a very distinctive sound with a relatively simple production which I think is very valuable

Such a nostalgic record for me. Funny to think when I first became aware of Blister in the Sun it was already 10 years old. This now 42 year old album still sounds fresh and fun.

Not entirely my thing, but I see the vision

it reminds me of the album where a bunch of teens are singing over sonic the hedgehog songs

Not my kids of music. Only listened to 2 tracks. Sorry

I really enjoyed this. From the first song (which is the only one I'd previously heard) the album is strong. The lead singers voice it very unique and gives the album a very angsty vibe - in a good way. 80s emo-folk-punk? A win.

Blister In The Sun Kiss Off

Add it up, promise, and blister definitely the stand out tracks for me but the whole album is a joy from start to finish as it was when I first heard it in the early 90s

decent

That’s quite the way to arrive on the scene - excellent debut! Side A hits got radio play through the 80s so very familiar with them. Album starts very strong then fades and gets a bit whiny. Prove My Love is the best song on Side B and I never heard it before this listen. This will go down on your permanent record (3.9*s)

Neurotic and uncomfortable are somehow made accessible and even catchy by Gordon Gano with the Violent Femmes. This album deserves a lot more credit than it gets, the deep cuts are better than the hits we all recognize from radio play. It's acoustic punk if there could be such a thing, it feels dangerous and dirty, even a bit deranged (but in a good way). It's defiant, rebellious, and unique (xylophone solo, yes please). It's pure honesty and speaks to all ages, high praise for 1983. I do have to add that I love "Gimme The Car" added to the tracklist after the original press.

Never really liked the Femmes. Sounds like these guys didn't practice much or that's just the style? Everyone knows the 1st 2 tracks which are the really only decent ones. Maybe one more with a xylophone that's not too bad. I don't know the impact the Femnes had on music but must have been something to make the list...1.8.

I've always had a soft spot for Violent Femmes for some reason. They bring the right mix of garage, folk and rock while keeping the mood light. Their debut album stays right in their wheelhouse with a handful of jaunty tunes that scratch a certain itch. Nothing is amazing but it gets the job done especially at a 35 minute listen time. While I dig VF I fully understand if it wasn't someone cup of tea. 3.1 stars

An album that’s been there in different ways my whole life “Blister in the Sun” was one of my favorite songs as a kid, it reminds me of driving to school with my dad in the mornings, always delighted when it happened to be played. In middle school, talking to my best friend about how good of a song “Blister in the Sun” was. In college, downloading tracks from this album to my first iPhone And finally in my 30s, regularly enjoying full album listens. It’s perfect. It’s short, folksy, punky. The hooks are incredible and the lyrics are so fun. Every song demands to be screamed along to. Cannot imagine wanting more from a rock album.

Eh

I had listened to this a few years ago and forgot how much I liked a lot of these songs (beyond just Blister in the Sun). A unique sound and a lot of fun, for the most part. A few I didn't love, but pretty impressive capturing of what it's like to be a high school guy written by musicians who were less than 18!

If I were 10 years younger, this would have been an important album for me all the way through my life. Still good, still worth listening to, but not a driver for an oldie like me.

8/10. I was between 7 and 8 here but trying to error on the side of pessimism. Their quirkiness hurts them in some songs, like Kiss Off, where I was starting to lean toward a six. But overall, the quirkiness pays off. And there is a good enough balance and good songs throughout the album to bump it to an 8.

Slow rock with acoustic guitar, piano and speak like vocals. Basic lyrics. Not interesting.

not for me but appreciated

They call it alternative, and I can agree with that. It's sometimes catchy, and I am pretty sure my local pub plays this in their playlists.

First is the best by far. Great songs but they never could back to that level.

Really bad proto-punk. Can hear a lot what would come in the genre here. Might have enjoyed it when I was 14 but no chance now. 1.5*

Blister in the sun is annoying as hell but the other songs were very fun. For punk.

Nerdy and immature, perfect for this brand of folksy punkish rock. Of course we all know the one song on here but the rest are equally as nerdy and absurd, I loved it.

Super incelly. Also sounds a lot like emo, but it's from the 80s. Super fun to listen to!

this is surprising to ME but i liked this... i started getting bored in the last half but then gone daddy gone came on and i liked it again

this has XYLOPHONE SOLOS like what more could you possibly want!!! kinda wild it came out in the early 80s when it sounds like it was made to be the soundtrack to literally every cool alternative 90s teen movie

boy did add it up get oedipal in a hurry

i will probably not listen to this again but i found it so compelling, how did this come out in 1983 when it sounds like it could have been on an oc soundtrack or on a side stage on warped tour

😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔

Very folky and punky

Pretty jammy album considering how simple it is! And there's some classic stuff on here, too. Runs a little long for what it is, but pretty enjoyable.

Horrible

Like! 4/5

Good and fun

I read the global comments on this album, and made a TLDR as some of them are really on point: Acoustic punk, Mick Jagger impersonation, sometimes Mick Jagger impersonating Bob Dylan, for some reason not made in the ‘90s. I did not like it.

Amazing stuff. Takes me back to Tony Hawks Underground 2 times

They have a very specific and very likeable style, and they absolutely beat you over the head with it until you get bored. I enjoyed (nearly) all of the songs, but got tired and bored by the time I reached the end. I can't help but compare it to the last album I listened to as part of the project, Since I Left You by The Avalanches. Very different music suffering from the exact same problem. 2.5 stars. Rounding up because the individual songs are good, they were just doomed to live in a boring album composition.

First heard this in the early 90s as a tewen and the Femmes were actually my first live rock gig. This is a cracker album. Not one had song! Although Side A is markedly better than B to be fair... All the bangers come right at you straight away. 4.5 stars (slight bias for nostalgic rating)

In high school, my friends used to play this album obsessively. We learned how to play it front to back, because it’s all pretty easy to learn and sounds good on an acoustic guitar sitting on the ground between rows of lockers. At the time, I felt like I liked this album, but I never loved it. Not as much as my friends, at least. Now — and maybe it’s nostalgia talking — I feel like I’m rediscovery a gem I previously underrated. Obviously, the singles are amazing and timeless, and I always had a soft spot for deep cuts like “Kiss Off” and “Add It Up,” but now I think most of the deep cuts outshine the singles! It’s an album with a specific energy and feeling, but the band does a LOT within that sandbox. I’m a sucker for a punk band with a vision, and while I kind of hate the scene that Violent Femmes inspired, this album is truly timeless. It’s a short and fun vibe that I think almost anyone can enjoy. It’s a little crass and a little snarky, but that’s mainly what I look for in an album, anyway. Great reminder to spin it more frequently!

Fresco y crudo, me cabe

Ok

The lyrics on the Violent Femmes debut were written by a horned up 18yr old Gordon Gano. The lyrics are immature at times and that’s ok, the sound itself is pretty innovative for its time. Gano’s snotty vocal delivery is distinct, they’ve got the punk flavour with more of the jangle indie rock sound which would have absolutely had an influence on indie rock bands to come. Fun stuff 4 stars

Not my type of music my type of music

lovely

Quite a unique album. I've heard Blister in the Sun a few times before, but nothing more. I think I'll revisit it one day, I quite enjoyed the vocals and the music itself. I think I need to stew on it more before I fully figure out my thoughts on it, but it was enjoyable.

Awful

Good album. Famous for “Blister”, but the other songs are interesting as well. Can see how it would have influenced a lot of music in the 90’s. 3.5/5 Probably will listen again

Solid! probably nothing I’ll revisit too often but I had a great time listening

Really enjoyed this album. It has a unique voice and style that’s kinda infectious. Could see teenagers feeling these songs at the time it came out.

Just an all-time favorite, so much uncomfortable angst with such exciting instrumentation and volatile vocals! I love every track on this thing and have been hooked on it for ages, rarely finding anything that scratches the same itch (even within their own discography). Plus I always associate Add It Up with Tony Hawks Underground 2 which gives this bonus points!

Shocked by how modern this sounds. Loved it!

i don’t quite know how to explain but there’s nothing that recaptures the angst and heartbreak of being a teenage for me than folk punk…

Lead singer has a Mick Jagger feel to his delivery. Love the unplugged bass throughout. Blister In the Sun Add It Up Confessions Gone Daddy Gone (featuring xylophone)

I think I’m familiar with the greatest hits offerings that the album didn’t really wow me.

This rocks!!

This was more enjoyable than I was expecting it to be. Straddling the line somewhere between folk, alternative, and punk. Solid entry (albeit a little strange depending on the track), but I feel that The Violent Femmes are an acquired taste and I don't think it can be elevated past a 3/5 for me.

I have hated Blister in the Sun since I first heard it, but I decided to give this an objective listen because that's what this list is all about for me. After some thought, I have decided that I hate the rest of it too. The music is uninspired, the vocals are from a whiny 5 year old and why is there acoustic guitar in every damn song that's front and center in the mix? My disdain for this musical style runs deep. Here's hoping this is the only album on the list.

Always great, best xylophone solo in a rock album ever

A classic. Saw them in a ballroom with about 500 people circa 1986

Wow this album was ahead of its time. Yet somehow it's exactly what you would expect to follow the punk movement of 1977. This album is more refined and still more punk than most punk. Easily 5 stars.

It's not bad - kind of rough and all over the place. The Xylophone doesn't fit in Gone Daddy Gone at all. Vocals are pretty repetitive, beats and guitar are very simple. This is done way better by other contemporary bands (e.g. Gang of Four, Feelies). Gets a 2 for Blister in the Sun and Prove My Love.

Música minimalista, mal tocada y mal cantada. Punk mal hecho. Tampoco me parece que los temas sean tan originales.

So many hits

As much as I like “Blister in the Sun”, I didn’t think I would appreciate much more than that. I was wrong. Fun guitars and a vibe that makes you wanna rock! Reminds me of a couple guys grabbing a guitar and playing at a party… including getting a bit sloppy and bouncing back strong! Not all tracks are great, but fun nonetheless. High 3/ Low 4, depending on my mood

Awesome!

Didn’t love it

Interesting mixture of punk and indie

Ah yes, my forty year hate affair with this record continues. I have hated this album passionately since it was the number one favorite at all 1980s camp socials. It never failed to make all the girls shriek. All my punk folks say that I will never truly understand punk until I can wrap myself around this album, so I have tried time and time again, and…we’re just going to have to agree to agree on this one. I mean, I get punk that is angry and passionate, and I get punk that is sarcastic and nihilistic, but I can never figure out which way they’re trying to go here. Plus, Gano’s vocals are just so flipping awful, and that stupid acoustic guitar…I guess everyone’s gotta have a most-hated album, and this one’s mine.

Interesting. Best track is Blister In The Sun 3/5

This album is packed with pretty much every Violent Femmes hit. Kind of sad for them, but totally a lightning in a bottle, flash in a pan kind of thing. Catchy, silly, fun album. A 4.5+ for me and my tastes.

The only band to make an acoustic bass sound good.

. Kind of disconcerting to realize I know all the lyrics!

I think the violent femmes are my James addiction, Jordan

nulla di che, non sopporto la voce del cantante 5/10. non sono riuscito a finirlo proprio non la sopporto e mi annoiavano un po le canzoni

Catchy poppy punk

This is so good and hornier than I remember which might actually dock points as it's a bit on the concerning side. GONE DADDY GONE lives in my head rent free probably forever. 4.5 for me, but going:

What an album for 1983! Starts off with a banger and just keeps it rolling. The final track (Good Feeling) is such an appropriate change of pace.

Starts in a folky stile and ends up verry punky. I think this early work represents discussions of the musical direction.

-great bass (I love the bass on this album in fact) -singer reminds me of Jeff Mangum from Neutral Milk Hotel (perhaps this is where he was inspired), and Lou Reed as well -catchy -album for the rejected boys (and girls if you want) finished listening to it -favourite songs: Blister In The Sun, Add It Up, Confessions (<3), Prove My Love, Gone Daddy Gone -least favourite song: To The Kill

The upbeat songs are really good, but all the slower songs just don't hit, uneven

Absolutely timeless.

A classic that I never really got into, but has some strong material and the band had a unique sound.

Although I never really listened to them outside of radio plays, this is such a classic album, and I'm impressed at how many of the songs I already knew, and enjoyed. And while I get it that they grew tired of being compared to Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers, it's pretty hard to avoid the comparison. I'm also really impressed to find out that all the songs were written by Gordon Gano when he was a high school senior (and even more impressive that only a few seem like they were written by a teenager). I also had the chance to hear them play in 1994, and while the venue wasn't a great one for music (RFK Stadium in DC, part of a massive lineup called "HFSFest"), they put on a great show, and at one point a bunch of people were dancing to their songs in a weird conga line in a nosebleed section of the stadium. I'm pretty sure their setlist included mainly the songs from this album, which was fun.

Jonathan Richman's angsty quirky spawn. I like their homespun sound and I think there was a xylophone in there at some point. And, as with Jonathan R., I enjoyed a song or two and then felt happy to move on (though I did listen to the whole thing).

It's a fun listen. Enjoy.

very good

Great how it spearheaded indie , things like dashboard confessional. Keeper

Solid punk-ish album, never felt bored, was surprised when it was already over. Apparently the songwriter wrote this all when he was 18. That gives it a punk ass youthful energy, but also a bit of immaturity.

Very solid, thoroughly written songs. The details audible in the music despite their lack of electric instruments, really give it this satisfying sense you can feel their fingers working their instruments; that alone significantly adds to its punk factor. Mix in catchy melodies and choruses, a refusal of simple strum patterns, and angsty, untrained vocals, and you get a warm, folksy punk album. I think the album slumps a little bit after "Add it up".

Love this. Hadn't listened to the full album in a long time, so I'm glad this came up.

Didn’t expect folk rock. Reminds me of AJJ.

Did not resonate with this at all. I can admit there's some quality here, but it did not satisfy me in any particular way. I think it's vocal performance/production issues for me. It sounds to me like an album full of Talking Heads' "Swamp." Sad to say it's 1 star.

Great songs and energy

I knew I liked the Violent Femmes but I absolutely adored this. Rare that I give a 5 on this project but this deserves it. 5/5

I had not idea this album was almost as old as me and was released in the early 80s. I remember Blister in the Sun being popular in the late 90s after being in a movie and at the time assumed that it was "new" music. But turns out these guys were about 15 years ahead of the time, which is phenomenal. After Blister, I found the next couple songs a little boring as they're not much different musically from Blister, but then Add it Up sucked me in and I've really enjoyed the rest of the album. They absolutely nail the folk-punk thing, which is really fun, the bass is killer, and I like the rawness of the recording. I think this is one I'll go back to.

Interesting, but half of the songs I'm not really into.

Alternately entertaining and tedious. Could have used more distortion!

This was really cool, enjoyed the acoustic approach to punk and felt I heard more of the lyrics than would be normal for punk music.

It's weird, it's artsy and it kicks ass. They do so much, with so little. I love it.

Thick with college memories, and it still clicks.

Don't really understand why these guys got so famous. Even their hit is annoying

Pop folk punk perfection. One of the greatest albums ever made front to back, not a weak song on the entire album.

Sounded samey, listened on shuffle by accident and cba going back in on it.

That Banjo-Kazooie ahh xylophone solo in Gone Daddy Gone

The only knowledge I previously had about the Violent Femmes is that they were in Sabrina The Teenage Witch. I’ve now learned that they’re a pretty depressing sounding band, not really what I’m looking for to get me through the day.

acoustic folk punk. lively sounding recording of basically three guys busking. unique singer's voice. most songs very hooky and interesting to the ear. quite up my alley. last three songs are a strong finish.

I didn't realize this album was released in the early 80s - not the 90s.

These guys must’ve gone against all of the trends of 80s production. I would’ve guessed 90s. It was an interesting sound but I didn’t like all of the songs.

A few great tunes, not much of a vocalist. Some great lyrics. saw them live, it was fun, they still tour, as Chryssie Hynde said, you only need one big album to have a career.

There are a couple good songs on here like "Blister in the Sun" and "Gone Daddy Gone", but most of the rest of it isn't anything to write home about.

This would have to be one of my top 5 albums ever. I remember being introduced to this by a classmate at college(high school for the USA people) whose older brother had a copy. 5 stars

First time I've heard this, recognized the opening song, decent

Impressive album. I didn't realize who this artist was until now, but made the connection after that first song. I've had them on my list to explore for a while. Quite a few songs on this album were pretty good.

Legendary release

Honestly, way less interesting than i thought it was going to be. It's still good, just not close to a 5 or 4, okay, standard. its cooky, but at times its cooky for the sake of being cooky. dont know how often i'd come back to it after today. I think there are way more interesting albums from 83 than this

Gen x uni student music

Favourite song - add it up

Love it or hate it. Get it or think it is garbage. If you were a teenage boy in 1983 you probably love this album as I do. I think it is a masterpiece piece but this pretty much defines my middle school and high school years.

Good.

The tone is set with the opening bars on the album. Eclectic post-punk.

Awesome album, very unique. Acoustic punk rock?

It’s ok

I wanted to like this album. The instrumentation is great. The band is clearly talented. It's the lead singer that ruins everything. I get that the vibe is punk and "who gives a shit," but that doesn't necessarily mean it's good for the ears. Even their hit, "Blister in the Sun" is worse than covers I already have on my phone.

3.45

Snotty punk

I really don’t like this album

Timeless

Violent Femmes Blister in the Sun is another Durham memory trigger, watching Gross Pointe Blank on VHS and listening to the soundtrack. Clearly the standout track on here, a great song. Is it about wanking? I never felt like it was to me. They have a distinctive sound with the acoustic bass being almost the lead melodic instrument and the no frills drumming. It does give each song a very similar sound and feel, but after a few listens I realised I really liked that sound and their style. A kind of wonky slightly off kilter jittery indie pinkish pop that I found very endearing. I think they must get a lot of Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers comparisons as there are a lot of commonalities; unexpected slightly caustic lyrics: a punk sensibility but on acoustic instruments and an overall very singular style. And I presume they were very influential, especially on the 80s and 90s US lo-fi stuff. Kiss Off I liked, echoes of Solitary Man in the intro and Please Do Not Go too, even if on first listen it sounds like it might be a rewrite of Blister in the Sun. Add it Up has more than a hint of One by One by Foo Fighters. I like its energy and its build towards the end. Confessions is a nice change of pace until the last minute or so, I do like the chaotic ending. Prove My Love is probably the 2nd best song behind Blister in the Sun, as another great bit of catchy indie pop. Really enjoyable. Promise is a bit Prove My Love part 2 without being as good although I do like the musical hook. To the Kill I liked a lot on repeated listens, has a kind of insistent groove to the music and like the melody of the chorus. Gone Daddy Gone is a bit of a re-has of Add it Up, although I liked the xylophone as a slight differentiator. Good Feeling I really liked, I really enjoyed the wonky sweetness of it and the fiddle is a nice addition. Overall I really enjoyed this. On first listen it felt quite samey but I really got into it on repeat listens and a few songs really stood out, Add it Up, Confessions, Prove My Love, To the Kill and Good Feeling, along with Blister in the Sun. In terms of a rating I’m stuck between a 3 and a 4, but I think I’ll tip over into 4, mainly as I enjoyed it for it’s offbeat energy and distinctiveness, and that I’m certain it will be a grower as I’m definitely going to revisit it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sometimes reminded me of The Beatles, sometimes of Nirvana. Fun, but lacked a little cohesiveness. First listen was the most fun, rather than the reverse as with the other albums.

There songs sound quite similar to each other, gone daddy gone is my favourite.

Had I heard this when I was seventeen, I think I would have loved it. Hearing it for the first time in my sixties, I can't say it does much for me. The singer is too intense at this distance. The band are really tight though and the song Good Feeling is almost touching.

Yeah this was a lot of fun

Yes you know these songs.

could i write poetry to this? y

I know lots of people (especially Gen-X'ers) consider this a classic. I never saw it as anything more than an OK album by a novelty band. I pretended to like it when I was in college so hipster girls would sleep with me. Ironically, that seems to be what a good portion of this album is about...the struggles of trying to get laid. Now we have apps on our phones for that, so we no longer need the Violent Femmes. Two and one-half stars. The added half-star is for the fumbling, ill-informed sex that happened thanks to this record.

Why can't every album be 30 minutes of nothing but bangers???

Every song is great.

You know, folk punk works way better than I would have imagined. There is still lots of room for improvement here, the vocals are really whiny, and there are very few layers musically. But I can absolutely here what they were going for here and there is a lot of potential.

That was a time😂🙃

Not for me. DNF.

This sounds ahead of it's time, it is fantastic

Blister In The Sun is ok, not a fan of the rest.

Pretty good!

Such a solid album, with so many distinct songs. A fun album, and xylophone (marimba?). You cannot fuck with the Violent Femmes! Ok, that's not on this album, but it fits.

Reminds me of Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers. Killer bass. 4.5 stars

This may well be up in my top ten albums, certainly in part for sentimental reasons. It definitely plays a role in the soundtrack of my youth. In high school I was the antithesis of cool, but I had a friend who drove an old yellow Saab with a broken muffler, and as soon as you heard that motor in the neighborhood, you knew she was coming to gather you and a motley group of friends and drive around town listening to this cassette over and over again while making fun of all the other "cruisers" on "the strip." For this while I felt very cool. The album was also very popular at my college and I recall one classmate whose claim to fame was having attended the same high school in Milwaukee as the Violent Femmes. When "Blister in the Sun" played at a party everyone would go nuts. Still I only ever heard this album as something friends had, rather than anything in the media. I think it was in the movie "Reality Bites" when I first heard a Violent Femmes song outside of my circles. It's been fun to hear it become a classic over the years, and it still makes me feel cool.

On the day that this was our assignment, I couldn't get through it. It was just grating on my last nerve. I did understand that it was more me than the Violent Femmes (it was not good accompaniment for my stack of grading as tall as the house). Now that the bulk of grading is behind me, I can't say that all the grating has stopped, but there is something cool here.

My sister went to music camp one summer. When she left for camp her favorite album was the Xanadu soundtrack and when she came back it was Violent Femmes and she thought it made her better than the rest of us. I hated it so as not to give her the satisfaction. But now I think she had a point. The tunes and lyrics are catchy and the acoustic sound is unique and intriguing. There are a lot of songs I really like on this album. I think there is room in this world for this AND Xanadu. Sorry sister.

Of course I’ve heard Blister in the Sun… a true classic. The rest of the album was better than I expected.

I listened to this album three times in a row when I was sick in high school. I threw up and couldn’t tolerate his voice for years after. His voice still gets me a little nauseous. But this album has a few great songs. In particular a big fan of Gone Daddy Gone and the xylophone solo

I really enjoyed this. The mix is unusual - really thin so that the bass stands out a lot. Fun album. Will listen again.

Can definitely see its influence. Need some more listens

Solid album!

Great American punk alternative album, think it’s ahead of its time and clearly highly influenced by Lou reed, which makes it right up my street. Added to my frequent rotation,

I liked it! Solid album, huge banger to start the album off, and catchy tunes sprinkled throughout. The two extra songs (Ugly, Gimme the Car) turned me way off haha, but the 10 songs on the original album were all good.

Classic

I was not aware of this band, but I think I’ve heard Blister In The Sun before somewhere. Really liked the album, especially Add It Up, but the better songs are all in the first half in my opinion.

It was okay, nothing to go crazy about though. Simpsons: No

Quite liked it but not enough for a 4.

When this popped up I thought to myself,I don't have bloody clue who this band is. So when I put it on I was pleasantly surprised to recognise the first song. They have got a very distinct sound, which I didn't love but didn't hate either. This album felt like a poor rollercoaster. There were ups and downs but I was glad when it was over. Will probably listen to blister in the sun again but non of the others

Listened through it a few times. Really liked it, feel I’ll listen to it more and like it more and more. Could be a 5 given time.

kiss off: interesting bass line or wtv instrument that is. lot of talky vocals. add it up: lowkey thought this was some dude being angry that he's a virgin. its not. confessions: instrumental breakdown sounds like a bunch of teenagers fucking around with the instruments. gimme the car: nearly thought the beginning riff was smells like teen spirit LMAO. it is not the same tho. - [ ] ehhhh so i did not like that. it was just boring to listen to. and no hate to violent femme fans but um. cool band name, i thought the music would actually sound like the name lmao 😭. like the dude's voice sounds the same in every song. he doesnt change it up at all its just the same kinda talky, annoying sound. not an album that really has a catchy sound yk. its very repetitive and like 3 songs in i wanted to stop listening to it. so there.

I'm well aware of 'Blister in the Sun', 'Please Do Not Go' and 'Good Feeling' but I've never listened to a full Violent Femmes album, should be good! This is a lot of fun, high energy stuff. Way more interesting and rocking than I was expecting based on the songs I do know by them. Really fun listen, will definitely revisit. 4/5

Retro and dated, and not in a good way

Prima. Paar uitschieters maar niet heel bijzonder

I know they were huge in the 80s (when I was born!), but I can't help but thinking that this has all the earnest lack of pretense as early Green Day but without the benefit of being particularly enjoyable to listen to. ...okay, fine, it's kinda enjoyable, just with some ups and downs - and hugely influential, obviously. That gets it an extra star. Four stars, that's IT

Setting: Once on Friday night while driving to Sig Ep Charlie's house warming party (which was fine and very grown up). Once this morning while getting ready for work. Mood: Both neutrual. So I loved this album. I knew Blister in the Sun and Gone Daddy Gone already, and was happy to find I liked the rest of the album almost as much as those two. I'm generally a fan of this album's quirky artsy Gen X vibe (reminds me of Pee Wee's Playhouse), and this is a fine example of that artistic style. It made me reconsider how I've been rating things though. I love the album, but I like Sam said about OK Computer, I dont know if it matches up to an unquestionable 5 star like Otis Blue. I think I've handed out too many 5 stars, and want to start saving those for when I think something is truly, truly exceptional. If I were re-doing it Id re-rate the following from 5 to 4 stars: Head Hunters, Songs From The Big Chair, Out Of The Blue, Ill Communication Album Cover: A-

Mood: grimy Setting: cleaning the house I had obviously heard Blister In The Sun before. I expected the album to seriously drop off after starting with that. However, I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed almost all of the songs.

I don't really love this type of music, but the album was fun. I like a lot of the guitar licks, the acoustic sound, and the goofy vocals.

I had heard Blister in the Sun so many times and never knew who it was by. If I had to say who wrote it and when, I'd have guessed a 2010 one-hit wonder indie band. I enjoyed this album a lot. The vocals were raw in a way that wasn't off-putting, and the guitar / drums were engaging throughout. My favorite songs after Blister in the Sun were Please Do Not Go and Add It Up. 7/10. I'd listen to this again.

nice

There’s a lot to like here and a lot of charm. I love the use of acoustic bass as well as more gentle and subtle drum touches against propulsive folk punk. Some of it becomes a bit samey for me, but what stands out most to me about the Violent Femmes’ debut is that it sounds anywhere between 10-20 years ahead of its time.

Bass guitar goes craz vocals are funny ‘Please Do Not Go’ more funky vocals *Add It Up starts off hardddd + guitar solo dayummm Confessions is giving wild west emo the beatssss goodness end is obnoxious lol i dont think i like the bg vocals in these gimme the car is smth 5/10

Quite good folk punk album. 3/5

This album seemed to be written by a high school geek that could not talk to a girl. Underwhelming album

Blister in the Sun is a classic song and a strong kick off to the album. I love the punk rock sound here. It makes me think this was probably a major influencer for some of the big 90s punk bands like Green Day and Blink-182. There's a folk type of flavor to it that makes it sound unique. Solid album front to back.

I had heard of the Violent Femmes before but I'd never listened to them or even knew what genre they are. I've clearly been missing out, thought this was brilliant! The first track sounded familiar but the rest was completely knew to me and right up my street. Fav songs: Prove My Love, Blister in the Sun, Promise

Wild that was recorded in 1982. Always thought this was from the early 90s. Such a unique sound between the vocals, the active bass, and random instrumentation.

4.25

It’s great!

would give a 3.5 if possible, would probably have enjoyed more when i was like 17 but still an enjoyable album. reminds me of crywank a bit but more polished. would listen again.

I did not care for most of the songs on this album. The whole album was very rough around the edges, the singing in particular I found to be mostly annoying. I was tired of the album around half way through it. It felt like there was a lot of potential but it didn’t work for me. I did enjoy the last song on the album though. 2.5

This is class - the bass is sick

Fantastic album, sounds like it could be modern really enjoyed it.

A little bubblegum for my liking. Definitely fits in it’s own microcosm of 80’s indie pop but man does this record drag for me

Such a classic album. It traces the path from Television to the Pixies, and so much else in between and beyond.

This felt like a great 80s-styled 50s throwback. Much along the lines of many of the 80s throwbacks today. Nothing special, but definitely good.

Solid

This is a catchy album that definitely feels like the early 60s. I wasn’t living then but judging by the music, it was a real wild time baby. It’s a good album for what it is, but it’s definitely a one pony. Well nostalgic and interesting. Get pretty old pretty quick. 2 1/2 out of five.

I have heard Blister in the sun before

very fun. really good. folk-punk rocks!!

Yeah liked this one

Got this on the eclipse of 24 so that was pretty cool. Also fun punk album as well.

Violet Femmes more folk/country songs I enjoyed, but the rest not so much. Gotta go with 2/5.

Quirky. Original when it came out. Unique forty years later. Great songs. A bit one-note. But always worth a listen.

Had a buddy learning bass guitar ruin Blister in the Sun for me. The rest of the album isn't too bad, just nothing much that stands out imo.

Violent Femmes are great. This album has a ton of their classics and is solid from start to finish. Love it.

Opening tune is from my favourite ever film, but it's not actually that amazing. Rest of the album is similar - sounds weirdly jaunty but also fucking furious, if a glockenspiel solo can sound angry. Better than 95% of us alt rock from the same period - looking at you B52s, you shitwads

3.6 - this was not I expected. I’d only heard blister in the sun and good feeling which are great. But the rest of the album was a lot more raw and heavier than I was expecting. Didn’t hate it though

I definitely thought this Blister in the Sun riff was a Blink 182 song. And Gone Daddy Gone - I remember that from the Gnarls Barkley cover/sample... didn't expect that to turn up 9 tracks into this album. Weird one. I didn't really like it. 2.4/5

Do one

When it arrived on scene I was in a musically different universe and could not care less about this weird acoustic punk stuff. Now, more than 40 years later I am soo sorry not having listened to this in my younger days. Great songwriting, raw energy and enthusiasm and an artistic decision on sound that cannot be called but brave, I cannot but admire what the then 18! years old Gano has pinned down. Absolutely enjoyable from start to finish.

I don't think anybody has ever captured the feeling of being a horny teenager better than this album. I can feel the loneliness, sexual frustration and jizz-covered napkins through my headphones. Hypnotizingly unhinged. From the "one day away from a mental breakdown"-type vocals on "Blister in the Sun", to the crazy xylophone solo on "Gone Daddy Gone", this album is a fucking trip man. Like the musical equivalent of being held at gunpoint by some freak with his dick hanging out. We all know the feeling. It's either this or Metallica's "Ride the Lightning" for my top 80s album. But honestly, I keep forgetting this one's from the 80s, because it sounds like something that would get released today and nobody would bat an eye at it.

Not listened yet

Nice and original (ish). One of few albums where I think the bad vocals compliment nicely and work. I will not hold it against him then.

This comes to me as surfer rock, and I dont like it a lot. It is laid back, but not too musical.

Xylophone Solo

This is just so freaking charming and well done. Amazing what a guitar can do.

Not a bass drum in sight

This is a bit rubbish.