Reviews (page 4 of 15)
My heart jumped when I saw this album on the list. I haven't listened to it for a number of years. There was a time in the late 80s when I had this on a permanent rotation - it's a perfect mixed up teenage angsty blast of sexual tension and longing, in pop form. If you told me I would love a song with a xylophone solo in it I would have laughed in your face, but it has one and I love it. It's short and there is not a duff track on it.
I once had the pleasure of telling Gordon Gano at length that I have never met anyone that knew this record and didn't like it, no matter what kind of music they were "into."
One of the most singular albums of the 1980s, a landmark of the then-nascent alternative-rock underground and the definitive statement on what adolescence feels like (or at least did back then). This is a no-brainer that never fails to sound good whenever I put it on.
My favorite Gordon Gano story is the one where he performed with a Violent Femmes cover band at a Denver music festival maybe ten years ago. Turns out he was dating the lead singer of the band, not sure the exact timeline on that but ... lol.
If the debut elvis Costello lp was the soundtrack to late 70s uk teen awkwardness, this was probably the US mid 80s equivalent. One of the finest debuts that sounds like nothing else, past or future.
A couple good songs on here but mostly annoying lyrics over the top of pretty decent instrumental
Such a strong and complete sound. Heavier on the jazz influence than I realized. Prove My Love so good.
Man I forgot how good this was
This is flawless
Of course I know Violent Femmes, but this was my first time listening to this album front to back. I thoroughly enjoyed it, but it’s definitely one that is best saved for the right mood. The raw emotion behind the lyrics and shaky vocals really come through with the acoustic imprecision of the instrumentation. Definitely an album I would like to add to my vinyl collection.
No es muy mi onda la verdad pero igualmente es un buen album. Proponen buena melodía y quizá aunque las letras son interesantes, es un ritmo bastante alegre. Buen album para pasar el rato.
Favourite Songs: Add It Up Prove My Love
Have some cool tracks
Incredible. Perfect teen angst album. The cut and dry production leaves so much room for the songwriting to shine; something that an album such as this really needed. Blister in the Sun is here too. Highlights: Add It Up, Prove My Love, Gone Daddy Gone, Good Feeling Lowlight: To The Kill
It was terrible but not complete dogshit -
Blew me away on first hearing and it still does
Etwas kraftlos
no me termino de cerrar. al principio me hizo acordar a los beatles pero muy oscuro
This is normally not my bag (at all) but this album in particular has some nostalgia value. On top of that though, I do find it to be enjoyable listening for the most part. The voice is grating at times but each song has some unique flavor to it, and I’ve always loved the last song. captures that 5:00 AM comedown feeling perfectly. Also the song before it has an extended xylophone solo, so it gets the bump from 3.5
Neat to hear a band cutting an album in the early 80s with a half foot in the 1950s and a foot and a half in the 1990s. Other than the surprising recording date and me not liking Blister in the Sun as much as I remember I really didn't care for any of this. Three minute songs shouldn't feel this long.
This album rides a knife's edge between whiny sad boy and entertaining. It mostly does it well, and there's some fun solos and instrumental work
Unexpectedly catching, love it!
God that was unbelievably frustrating to listen to. Nothing there was even worth a second listen, but because I don’t rate music low it naturally rounds up to a 40, even if I feel like it’s a 0 at some points.
Good album
Violent Femmes was the collective noun for Len Houmous’ wives 19-24. 4.3 6/12 Prove My Love
no.
Good
Great album, no skips and some underrated highs
The lead singer's singing style just did not land well on my ears. I liked the punk sounds more than the folk sounds. I got trying to hard to be cool/deep at times.
Perfect? Yes.
9.75
Classic. Banger after banger. Grew up on this album and still absolutely adore it.
You know what rules about this album? Literally every moment of it.
Fantastic. One of the best we've listened to yet. The chorus for "Prove My Love" is irresistible
desert island album
This is a fun album with some iconic songs. Btw 3 and 4.
Kind of wild that almost all the classic Violent Femmes songs are on their debut album. It's good.
My aunt used to play this tape in her Ford Escort when I was a 10 year old boy. Some 30+ years later this still holds up for me. I really enjoyed this acoustic punk. Some of the songs seem a little unfinished or not well conceived re lyrics but maybe that adds to the charm.
One of my favorites so far! Really loved this one
hit after hit!
Did they perfect a form first time? “Blister In The Sun” and “Add It Up” get the red carpet, but the whole album’s banquet, weird yet catchy, chunky bass, creepy vibes, I ought to check out the later records to see whether or not this made them obsolete.
This was an instant favorite when first heard 35-odd years ago, although fell out of rotation quite quickly, probably through overplaying. Listening again, the sound is very distinctive (that bass!) while the lyrics veer uncomfortably incel-wards in a few places. Obviously highly influential; my eldest acknowledges the similarity to her beloved "emo circus boys" (as I call them) Panic! At The Disco and My Chemical Romance (while I now spot the obvious lineage from The Modern Lovers). I met Gordon Gano once, when he was playing guitar for an MTV reality star (a strange career move) - an odd chap with *zero* interest in talking about this album! If you're intrigued enough to care about their later work, I can recommend about half of the Jerry Harrison-produced (and more expansive-sounding) "The Blind Leading The Naked" (which I still play regularly), but that's about it. Fleeting 5.
There are some very good bits, but also some dross.
On The Femmes' debut record, their reliance on acoustic instruments to perform their punky tunes frankly comes across as annoying shtick. There are some solid songs here but this is a ratty and ugly-sounding record.
Have I listened to this album before? Yes How familiar am I with this album? Very familiar, I know all the songs How do I feel about this artist? I really like the Femmes Favorite song(s)? Please Do Not Go, Add it Up, but I was singing along to the whole thing Overall Thoughts: I love the way Brian Ritchie play bass guitar. A good bass line is crucial to a good song for me, and I feel like there’s so much music where the base gets lost. The Violet Femmes are fun so I can actually hear each individual instrument and I enjoy that in music. Good album, every song is great.
Quite fun. Sort of like the Modern Lovers if they were punkier. Nothing too life-changing, and apart from Blister In The Sun, nothing too memorable.
This takes me back to my teenage self in the 90s, even though this came out in 1983. There's something unnerving about Gordon Gano's voice and all the songs are vaguely sinister. It's all so good. I can't give it anything other than 5 stars.
++
Not my thing but for this genre I thought it was well done.
Singer can’t sing for shit, the lyrics are really stupid, and the instrumentals are AWFUL. None of the instruments are in time with each other and also doesn’t line up with the vocals. Like some of the other reviews say, it just sounds like they’re randomly banging on their instruments to make sound. Just bad.
28/03/26 a execução instrumental é punk acústico é boa, o problema é essa voz rebelde off beat de um jeito ruim - ela enjoa depois de duas músicas um desperdício de potencial na minha opinião
Played with all the attitude of the fiercest punks, The Violent Femmes play one acoustic banger after another. If it just had Blister in the Sun and Gone Daddy Gone it'd be a classic, but the other songs aren't that far behind.
Didn’t realize this was the origin of college radio rock!!
This sounds so much like the 90's, it's a bit trippy. Very much ahead of their time.
1st part better than the second
I like 👍🏼
I love the Violent Femmes and I love this album. I love the raw chaos, the rhythm, the humour in the lyrics, the diction, the sound. The blend of sarcasm and sardonic observation of human themes is a perfect fit for my tastes. The polarity of Blister and the Sun and Confessions speaks to the schmorgazboard offered by this artist.
Sympa. Sans plus !
I enjoyed it! Very good!
The Violent Femmes...they bring all their equipment on the bus. And you can't f*ck with the Violent Femmes. You cannot f*ck with this band!
I know “Blister in the Sun” and one or two more sound familiar. Decent album, not sure I could listen to for a prolonged period.
opgewekte muziek (of toch meestal) met duistere teksten.. yummy
Band sounds familiar but....1983 NEUROTIC YES THAT DESCRIBES THEM SO PERFECT 1: OMG YES. the strung out anxious high happy too much song. love it 2: how have i not listened to this full album before? awesome 3: 4: 5: hmmm im meh 6: missed it. started sweet but then eh 7: I like this tho 8: funky arrythmic 9: i do really like this song 10: good feeling song :)
Suspicious lyrics.
Now this is more like it, I only knew the very famous opening track, Blister In The Sun, which is a bit of a classic of any indie rock club I ever went to. This also doesn’t feel like it came out in 1983! I wasn’t quite sure how the album would hold up but after a few songs, it was clear how well this was landing, Add It Up being a particular highlight.
pretty chill. My god finally putting a name to that opening track was a mind blown moment
It's interesting
Very fun
Blister in the Sun (12 songs, 43 mins)
peak
I love this album. It'll not be for everyone but reminds me of a particular period in my life and some close friends. But I do love the rawness and general sense of being on the edge that runs through this album
Not particularly keen. Stylistically it's OK, but the vocal whine really put me off. I won't listen to this again
meh album. ziemlich raw aber hat mich nicht gehooked
faixas favoritas: confessions, prove my love, gone daddy gone (adorei o xilofone dessa!) no geral folk não me agrada muito então é um álbum bem ok pra mim
Enjoyed this more than i thought I might, although the last track is a bit creepy
Albúm que rememora los inicios del folk y post-punk. Una mezcla de ambos. Le doy un 9 🙌🏼✨
Punky folky classic
I like this. Kinda gives me punk velvet underground vibes.
Required a 2nd listen. Found it quite irritating 1st listen. Heard first song before, and Gnarls Barkley's version of Gone Daddy Gone Lou Reed vocal vibes in some parts. the backing vocals bring a lot. Grew on me.
Fairly decent album. Heard the first song before More bands need xylophone solos imo Not violent enough though
Really enjoyable listen. Blister in the Sun was a constant on the radio in the 90s but I really enjoyed Good Feeling.
I'm not sure where you'd situate these guys in the genre landscape, guys had a such a unique sound - punk sort aesthetic filtered through almost like acoustic skiffle or something. At least 3 songs on this album that I'd call hits, a few others that I knew as well, some I didn't. A lot of this is just fun, youthful energy that you can clap and dance along to (Blister in the Sun is actually a great karaoke song). The bass playing stands out from an instrumental perspective, whether electric or acoustic upright. Good Feeling has almost a Velvet Underground feel. A fun and enjoyable listen almost all the way through.
Best Track - "Blister In The Sun"
3,8/5
This was a touchstone record of my college days when “the femmes” were a weird underground band from Milwaukee. I saw them in 84? in a Des Moines dive bar and many times since #johnsvinyl
Dark as hell, with some songs sounding like pretty rad party anthems.
So, I've been curious about this album/artist for a while. I was watching Sabrina the Teenage Witch (the 90s version) a few months ago and they mentioned these guys. At first I thought they were girls, then I realized they weren't and got a little sad I wasn't about to be introduced to a new/old woman lead rock band, but after my initial disappointment I've been curious about how they guys sound since that episode. I guess it's time to find out now. (if they played music in the episode I have no memory of it) 1. Blister in the Sun - These guitars sound very familiar? I must've heard this somewhere before? I like the sound tho 2. Kiss Off - Ooh, I actually really really like this one! 3. Please Do Not Go - Okay...wasn't expecting a bit of reggae? lmao, I mean I do kinda like it still but HUH? the "BYE"s lmaoo. I actually like this a lot, it's like perfectly weird 4. Add It Up - Mixed opinions on this one. Like the sound tho 5. Confessions - mixed opinions again 6. Prove My Love - lowkey beatles inspired? This one's cute, i like. 7. Promise - The 3rd verse reminds me of Geese so much. I really like this one 8. To The Kill - 9. Gone Daddy Gone - Eh, not vibing with this one at all. First one I don't care for in any sense on here 10. Good Feeling - Cute 11. Ugly - eh but okay lol 12. Gimme The Car - not vibing with this one either ngl, but it's a bonus track so meh Lyrically The thing about albums like this, I LOVE how much emotion is poured into them. As a safe, emotional outlet for things, it's fucking fantastic. I truly hate the idea of some asshole feeling like this type of music empowers them to commit crimes on their peers or assault women. That's my main hang up with music like this, even tho I seriously doubt that's the intention of the original creators. That's why I can enjoy it, cause I recognize it's not a call to violent action. My fear is some may take it that way. Sonically I LOVED the sound of this, for the most part. It's so interesting being able to hear it's inspirations, like the Beatles, Bob Dylan and Ramones, as well as future acts that were probably inspired by them like Car Seat Headrest and other midwest emo bands. This sound is so cool and simple, but chaotic at the same time. Yeah, I had a lot of fun with it I can see this having HIGH replay-ability for me 4.75/5 It's possible I might regret rating this so high in the future, that I might change my mind on that. This is literally just a silly website (which is actually very helpful, ty creator) so oh well If one day I'm like "well, actually this is more of a 3"
Of all the albums I've got so far, this is the one I most want to put in a time capsule and send to my teenage self. It doesn't feel as impactful to me now as it probably would have then, but I like these songs and love the acoustic bass sound. Very ahead of its time for 1983.
Blister in the Sun is an awesome song and the rest of the album is pretty solid too. Punky and with a driving beat throughout, a solid album!
Um disco punk que transpira ser dos EUA, seja nas qualidades, seja nos defeitos. Muita energia e isso chama atenção, porém cansa rápido caso cê não esteja no clima. Algumas músicas se destacam por manterem o ritmo altíssimo ainda que não sejam curtinhas, mas nada realmente memorável caso cê não tenha vivido os anos 80. Valeu a ouvida, mas não sei se vale a repetida
Pretty grating, and when you think you it can't get any more grating, they've got a xylophone song that sounds like a level from Crash Bandicoot. Good Feeling is a decent closer with a nice enough arrangement, but it's too late. It's far too late.
Weird
Gas
An old favorite. I think this site is literally just feeding me back my Spotify, because other than Willie Nelson, this is all stuff that I already like or is in my wheelhouse. Give me more weird stuff.
First track is a cracker. Really enjoyed the other songs. 3.5 stars.
Didn’t know this came out in 83. Always associated it with early grunge in late 80s. Classic record. Kiss off, gone daddy gone, please do not go are near perfect songs. Gone daddy gone just sounds like a guy ritchie movie montage. Really surprised by the amount of blues influence.
P nice
I really really like this, and can't believe it's from 83, it feels like such a modern indie album
Good stuff 4
Classic
alright
Мені дуже сподобалося музично. Звучить досі свіжо і тим паче не відповідно до часу, коли альбом вийшов. Водночас рівень інцельства в текстах дуже високий. І це вже не сподобалося. Місцями прямо на межі мого рівня толерантності.
Не знаю навіть що ставити. Такий собі емоційний, raw альбом. Але не зачепило.
Well, well, well 8.5/10
One of my top albums ever!!!!! I love everything about it! Even the songs I think are ok I listen to and I’m like holy crap I love this one too!!! His voice could be annoying but for some reason it’s one of my favorites! Also……one of my top live shows ever too!
It’s a classic! I knew most of these already, but they’re all great!! :)
I already know this album. And I already love this album. I own a vinyl of it! First of all, it’s way ahead of its time. It sounds like an album from the mid 90s, it’s actually from the early 80s. Additionally, it is probably the most punk-y acoustic album I’ve ever heard, and that’s a great thing. It’s a straight conversion of teen angst into an album. The lyrics are all introspective, and though they’re not always the most insightful, they’re performed with such angst that they feel stronger than they really are. On a few songs, the lyrics are strong enough that they don’t even need the boost, but they get it anyway. The way the following lyrics are performed perfectly describes what I’m talking about: “You know that I want your loving But my logic tells me that ain’t ever going to happen And then my defenses say I didn’t want it anyway But you know sometimes I’m a liar” It’s not a particularly unique lyric, but the emotions it conveys are so intense that it doesn’t even matter.
Difficile à coter, y'a des moments où l'énergie est incroyable et y'a des tounes pas mal ordinaires. 3.49 étoiles
slay absolutely slayed
Darn, I thought I was going to like this more than I did having listened to select Femmes tracks in the past. This one is a pass for me outside of a few OK songs.
Of course Blister in the Sun slaps, I really liked Prove My Love too
Exceptional Album, reminds me of years spent figuring out life as a young person.
One of my all time favorites
I feel bad for the man who can't get just one fuck. All the fuckers in the world and his luck is so bad that he can't even get a single fuck. Not a one. Imagine waiting your entire life for just one fuck. Day after day. Week after week. Month after month. Year after year Not a one. Imagine what that must do to a person. I mean can you even imagine?
amo este tipo de discos que me atrapan desde el primer segundo!!! porque es muy difícil que me pase y no se como no lo había escuchado antes
This album is just so fun! It’s energetic. Even the sweet moments hit hard. Gordon Gano shows you that your voice doesn’t have to be perfect to make good music. Conversely, there are plenty of people with beautiful voices and amazing technical skill that will never write songs anywhere as wonderful as these.
Some hit or miss, good music, very relatable lyrics.
I cannot stand the Violent Femmes. I can sing along with almost all of this album because it was so overplayed on my local radio station. I do not understand why people found this artist entertaining or enjoyable to listen to.
This is one of those albums that make me reconsider all of my opinions. This album has all of the sloppy production, not-quite-on-pitch vocals, and other earmarks of early punk-adjacent music that annoy me in other albums - but here, somehow it all works. Gordon Gano's hitched, nasal delivery perfectly fits the simple, angsty, sex-obsessed lyrics, and Brian Ritchie's acoustic bass work is frankly phenomenal. I can't tell you why this album succeeds for me where so many others fail, but it does.
Immaculate Vibes!!!
Lazy but fun folk punk-wannabes. "Blister in the Sun" is the song people have heard of. I also like "Gone Daddy Gone". I actively dislike "To the Kill".
its like hes shakey talking to sing, i feel like this guy would excel in a different genre. Personally i do not perfer folky stuff. also didnt know these songs were this old. Good instrument in "To The Kill"
Didn’t listen to it
goiod
I’ve heard of the Violent Femmes for years, though I didn’t know their debut came out in 1983. I think they’re folk? Maybe folk rock? Track one is Blister in the Sun, and it's probably the one Violent Femmes song everyone has heard, though they didn’t know it’s the Violent Femmes. I feel like I heard it a lot in the late 80s or early 90s. Maybe the Kids in the Hall used it? It sounds like a Kids in the Hall song. It’s a fun little song, but in a one-hit-wonder way. Our good friends at Wikipedia tell me the Violent Femmes are a folk punk band. I love that term. Folk and punk don’t seem to fit together. Blister in the Sun was a single off the album and is likely the best song on the album. Track 2 is Kiss Off. That's a punk song title. The band is playing punk rock, but on acoustic instruments. It’s wild. I’ve heard some bands that were labeled punk rock, but they didn’t sound like this. Oh, snap, I think the singer of the song is offing himself with pills. It’s the big Kiss Off. Track 3 is Please Don’t Go and it’s not the old blues song, Baby Please Don’t Go or the KC & the Sunshine Band's Please Don't Go. Both of those are better songs. I swear, these guys sound like the house band for Kids in the Hall. I miss that show. It was so weird and kooky, and for me, it rivaled Saturday Night Live. This song is pretty good. I like the harmonies on the chorus. Still all acoustic. Track 4 is called Add It Up and the lead singer sounds very whiny. It’s not like he hasn’t been in earlier songs, but now he’s begging for just one kiss, then just one F, and you know what F he’s wanting. The song isn’t bad, but he just sounds lame. It sounds like he’s writing about the angst a teenage boy feels when he can’t get no satisfaction. I’m sure it resonates more with a younger fellow. Track 5 is Confessions and I’m really starting to get annoyed with the vocalist. Each song seems to have been written by a horny 16-year-old boy, and it’s a lot of complaining. Again, I left teenage angst behind years ago. Track 6, Prove My Love, is a pretty good song. I like the groove it’s got. The bass player is the hero in this song. It seems the Violent Femmes are still together. I wonder if the singer sounds as whiny or if his voice has matured over the years. Track 8, To the Kill, is just a mess. There are points in the song where it sounds like I played the bass or guitar. And I can’t play. It’s just a bunch of random off-key notes. Maybe it’s jazz punk? I’m not sure why this is a must-listen album yet. Turns out, most of the songs sound like they were written by an angst-driven teenager is because they were. Lead singer, guitarist, and band songwriter, Gordon Gano wrote all the songs when he was 18. That explains all the teenage frustration and anger. Track 9 is Gone Daddy Gone and I immediately recognize the music. It’s got a xylophone playing, which you'd think would be bad, but it's not. Willie Dixon, the legendary bluesman and songwriter, gets a credit on the song as they took lyrics from his song, I Just Want To Make Love To You. This certainly is a most upbeat song. Gnarls Barkley covered it, and I’m sure that’s why I recognized it. I love Gnarls Barkley way more than the Violent Femmes. And we're finished. This wasn’t a slog, really, because most of the songs were short, but I just wasn’t into this. I think I’m so far past my teenage years that I don’t connect with all the whining. I will say Blister in the Sun and Gone Daddy Gone were pretty good. But you don’t have to hear this to keep living.
Favorite Track: Blister In The Sun
bastante bueno, se nota que es recontra indie pero muy buen sonido y una voz distintiva, musica q se siente nueva para el año en el q salió
Album #31, Violent Femmes, Violent Femmes ⭐⭐⭐ I’m anticipating downvotes. I was really excited when this came up. It’s been on my personal list for years and, on paper, it should be right up my alley. The good stuff is this. I love the uniform sound of the album. Frenetic, stripped back three piece indie rock. There is a sloppy but tightly rehearsed energy to the album. There’s great backing vocals too. It’s a homage to classic rock and roll and I love that. “Add It Up” is particularly mental. “Gone Daddy Gone” is great and “Blister in the Sun” remains an absolute classic, probably the best song on the album. “Good Feeling” is also a wonderful last minute change of tone and pace for the closer. The musicianship is top notch. It’s hard to play this sloppily. The bad is Gordon Gano. His voice grates on me. Something about his register really hits a nerve in my tinnitus stricken ears. Also, and I don’t really mind rip offs, but his whole approach is a Jonathan Richman rip off. A quick Wiki states that he was going for a Steve Wynn of The Dream Syndicate, but he’s not Steve Wynn, he’s Jonathan Richman, and something about it bothers me. I don’t find it sacrilegious or anything, it’s just that Richman reeks of cool because he doesn’t give a shit, but Gordon’s lyrics, (to be fair, written at 18 years old), portray an angsty teen that cares too much. Not that Richman didn't write schmaltzy songs too! But there was a satirical edge to all of it. With Gordon, the style doesn’t match the substance. It’s really hard to explain and I'm ill prepared for my rational to be torn to shreds. Overall I was disappointed. I had hyped this one up in my head for a while without ever listening to it.
Really love this album, but not the gimme the car song. That one is icky and always was. Violent Femmes we're our hometown band when the world felt a little more small and seeing Milwaukee on the alt scene felt like it was so special. Miss those days a lot!
couple of ok songs, but in general I don't like punk and apparently making it more folksy doesn't help.
Feels pretty barebones with minimal production, which really complements the vibe well. Short and sweet. I thoroughly enjoyed my listen.
weno weno weno
Punk! I like it, has everything a good punk record needs.
I’m happy this album exists and I’m happy to own it (even though side 1 needs a really good clean), but I don’t feel I can rate it more than a 3. I have no problem with the style, nor the production, nor the lyrics, nor the arrangements, I just don’t find myself wanting to come back to it very often.
Rather disappointed that I don't like this, after gauging the fairly positive reception for this album. The rumbling bass work, which sits prominently in the album's mix, was a nice flourish, and the songs themselves are easy enough to get on board with, but the deal-breaker was the vocals, which I absolutely cannot stand. The sort of whiny American nonsense which makes me want to flip a table.
Incredible debut by Violent Femmes, it was due a listen to this record, and it blew me away, so great to listen to it fully and immerse within the folky punk sound and clear vocals. Great from beginning to end.
Me aburrió bastante, no es mi estilo. Me gustaron las guitarras, no mucho las letras. Además después de reprodujo Country Death Song y me traumatizó.
It was ok
Very angst. Too horny. I can see how moms in the 80s would hate this.
I will definitely be coming back to this! I enjoyed the elements of folk overlaid with the humor of punk in the '70s and '80s.
Fun. A couple of AMAZING songs.
8.0/10 Really liked this one! Familiar with their hits but other songs on the album are also great.
This sounds like it could have been released yesterday
Great sound. So fresh in those years of its Appeareance.
No. 371/1001 Blister In The Sun 4/5 Kiss Off 3/5 Please Do Not Go 3/5 Add It Up 4/5 Confessions 3/5 Prove My Love 4/5 Promise 3/5 To The Kill 4/5 Gone Daddy Gone 4/5 Good Feeling 4/5 Average: 3,6 Unique listen. Never heard such a mixture of folk and punk before. Cool experience.
Aged really well compared to the rest of the shit coming out of the early 80s.
not violent, not femmes… just plain white men music
Not really for me.
underwhelming still
I’m caught in a pickle here because the opening song is a classic song that I’m glad I finally figure out who sings it but other than that there’s a couple other songs coming in to the album that I’m glad I discovered too, but the rest of that it was just such a chore to get through all the songs kind of have the same similar theme, which I usually like, but at this point it just didn’t work out so I don’t wanna give it a one, but I think it kind of earned a one so we’re gonna give it a two but I don’t think I’m ever gonna return to this album Again unless I want to listen to the first song we’re gonna be a little nicer and give him a two, but if I listen to it again, it probably could get a one. There’s some gems in the deluxe edition too kind of just lost its luster glad to be able to move on
Side A: 5/5 Side B: 3/5
Blister in the sun is an okay song, rest of the album sounds very similar, lacks variety and vocals can get annoying. 1/12 songs liked
I’ve heard it before and I own it, in fact I’m on my 3rd copy. First on tape from Columbia house for a penny, which eventually broke, second time on cd which was borrowed by a roommate and never returned, and third time from a download. It’s hard not to look at this through the lens of nostalgia because I listened to this tape a lot in high school and know all the words while not really liking them for a few songs; we didn’t have the word incel back then but the lyrics for a few songs gave off incel vibes to me when I was 15. Gano seems like the type of guy who never got over his high school crush not having sex with him freshman year. If you don’t let that color your interpretation of the more innocent sounding lyrics it doesn’t ruin anything. The songs still sound great and not dated as other early 80s stuff and none of these are filler. I can’t help but love this album. Bumping it down a point for the aforementioned incel vibes.
I feel like this album was on repeat in my social circle when I was in high school even though it was already considered old at the time. At the time I was pretty burned out on it so excited to listen to it with a fresh ear. OK, this album is better than I remember! As overplayed as Blister in the Sun is there are so many other good songs on this album.
Ears are bleeding a little as I bash my speakers in with a baseball bat that I may find some sort of reprieve in the sound of static hiss and sparks as the noise dies.
Man I fucking hate Blister In The Sun. This is the music equivalent of slam poetry: just because the barrier of entry is this low it doesn’t mean everyone should be able to make music. An album responsible for the invention of folk-punk, one of my least favourite genres of music. Just awful. I was ready to say ‘well at least they bring good energy to it’ but half of these songs are too maudlin and moapy.
I'm not sure what genre of Rock this falls under. Folk Punk? Is that a thing? Well, Violent Femmes made it a thing. Favorite Track: "Add It Up".
Not a fan of the sound, but the singles were good.
Hell yeah, Weezer if they were good.
Iconic album with plenty of great songs but it just kinda dragged in the middle.
Was waiting for an excuse to finally listen to this album and the Femmes in general. Good album.
When I’m out walking 🚶♂️🚶♂️🚶♂️ I strut my stuff 💃💃💃
I think I like it. But I probably wouldn't listen again.
I found this to be pretty forgettable.
Leí folk punk y pensé era chiste. Pero de verdad son eso. Me gustó, se disfruta el álbum. No es espectacular pero entretenido album. Los gritos del tipo me hacen acordar a Julian Casablancas. Y amo como en todo el punk siempre hay cosas de Iggy. Incluso en el folk punk 7/10
-they don’t make loser music like they used to -the end of Prove My Love sounds like another song that I can’t place right now -overall a fun album
Like every folk punk band since, they have some crazy bangers but many songs are just not super fun or interesting or nice. Highlights: "Blister In The Sun", "Please Do Not Go", "Gone Daddy Gone", "Good Feeling"
Went into this hoping for cool punk rock women because of the name, was severely disappointed by a vocal performance and lyrics that got on my nerves v e r y quickly. 'Please Do Not Go' is the most pathetic thing I've ever heard.
Difficult one to rate because the lyrics were sometimes so incredibly unsettling, but I guess that's the point. I didn't mind the listen for the most part, and some parts I actually actively liked while some others I got that unsettling and 'make it stop man ffs' feeling from.
Pretty iconic album. When I think of folk punk, this is the album that comes to mind. It's a little silly or annoying at times, but mostly this is good, entertaining stuff. 5.0/5.0: Iconic
always liked them but never listened to a full album. this was great as expected
Album 114. Violent Femmes (https://open.spotify.com/album/1IgZxMsdWaIoYyMUGrO53Y?si=f3dR0vbbRAK7MwoQoU_4Nw) — Violent Femmes (1983) It's not supposed to be the kind of music I like, but surprisingly I enjoyed it, maybe because of the acoustic sound. And it's pretty catchy. Not great, but really good, especially for a raw debut album. I'd like to diversify my playlist with some tracks from this. 3/5 Liked songs: — Blister In The Sun — Confessions — Gone Daddy Gone — Ugly
not invested at all sorry
Had high expectations because the only song I knew was blister in the sun and I like that song. But turns out that song is the only reason this song isn’t getting a 1 star. Thought it was terrible the lead guys singing is jarring and there’s absolutely no redeeming qualities in terms of production or instrumentals.
Love this album, have not listened to it in a long time, but very early 2009 I was obsessed
those lyrics were questionable but liked the first song
Better than Coldplay
Add It Up wasn’t bad, but I had to stop mid way through the album, just not for me. 0/5 ⭐️
Ugh.....no. 80's hipster garbage. Hard pass.
Solid fun! ★★★★
Não foi um bom dia pra ouvir esse album
Ferskir
Fyrsta lagið vegur ansi þungt. Heldur hrá fyrir mig að öðru leyti. Skil samt smá hvað er verið að gera.
A great example of early indie rock music. It’s such a good record!
I’m partial to quality vocals. Gordon Gano does not have them. Not that this is a bad record - far from it. I listened to music like this maybe 10 years after it came out, but it didn’t sound dated and still holds up. The bass lines are well composed and the drums keep the music interesting, at times teetering between a hot mess and sheer genius. Back to the vocals, they fit in context with the style of music, so ultimately it’s a reasonable sacrifice to make. I’m a sucker for quality tracking on an album. The last song on the original side A (Confessions) ends the side with a great instrumental break before wrapping up. I could stop listening here and come back later. Side B kicks off with Prove My Love which sounds like early rock n roll with an edge (Ramones anyone?) and sets up the rest of the record, which culminates in a slow ballad (Good Feeling) that is so very different from everything else, but in a good way. A great end to a solid album. 3 stars
Maybe if I was like 13yo I would like this
Blister in the Sun is not great. There are some decent tracks here besides that
I liked this one a lot! I wasn’t too familiar with this band, but I recognized a few tracks! It’s a good folky punk band, I quite enjoyed listening through this one!
I genuinely don't think we'll ever get another band that sounds quite like Violent Femmes. I saw them perform this album in it's entirety love. I don't quite remember the show too well on the account that I was absolutely shit faced drunk; which is, in my opinion, the most optimal way to enjoy their music.
Mid album at best, way too much spoken word, okay melody but generally not my style
Confessions made me laugh
Wasn’t terrrible, I can see the appeal, glad I listened to it but I may never revisit it
Best Song: Add It Up. This song fucking rips. It sounds like they're all playing angry and the vocals have the right vulgar edge that the rest of the album ought to have. Worst Song: Gone Daddy Gone. It pains me to say that the xylophone absolutely did not work here. Overall: Intensely moody. Sometimes that moodiness feels visceral and honest, but sometimes it swings too far and it dips into something that sounds juvenile and petulant. Musically, it has a raw nonchalance that grew on me over the course of the album.
Really good kinda punky folk. Every song here is quite good with classic songs like Blister in the Sun. Very unique album and just extremely memorable.
Another example of being experimental going right. Best-Gone daddy gone Worst-Prove my love
What kind of bullshit incel music is this and who is it for? A singer who can't sing and a band who can't play their instruments. This is one of the most incel-core records I've ever heard sung by one of the most insufferable voices I think I'll ever hear in my lifetime. Easily one of the worst albums I've ever heard in my life.
- Wait, when was this released? - I have never wanted to learn bass more - And just when you think they can't rock or any harder, out comes... A xylophone?
Un album que me anima; tocan lo justo y cantan sin más. Distinto
Unknown band. Some good tunes. A few not so good. Overall, an OK album.
Knew more than expected. Good overall
The music off the album is nice and uplifting but it is violently 80s and I listen to a lot of 80s rock and trash so I don’t mind it but this album was like I was walking down the hall with a trapperkeeper and a walkman
This album was definitely ahead of its time! It has such a 90s vibe to it that I was astounded to learn it came out in the mid-80s! I recognized a few of the songs and of course the sound was familiar. In general, it wasn't really my cup of tea though.
Dreadful outdated pseudo new wave tosh not deserving of inclusion on this list
Good. I liked opening songs. It was definitely closer to my genre than the last albums. I enjoyed
Surprisingly good.
First time listen, and I wasn't too impressed by it even if I usually like folkish/punk music. Musically it sounds ahead of its time but somehow still sounds badly produced, and the whole thing off key. Perhaps I need more relistens to enjoy it more.
I don't think I've ever sat down with this full album before. I feel like everyone knows "Blister in the Sun," but I was surprised to recognize a second song off this album; there's a cover of "Gone Daddy Gone" that plays on the radio at my job and I thought it was kind of a good song. Now I hear it here in it's original context and know it's a certified classic. The whole album does an amazing job of matching the sonic atmosphere of going over to a friend's dorm and him and his band are doing a goof-off session, except instead of something you'd laugh at for a minute and then be bored of, you get some really fun and catch song writing. I had the same kind of feeling from Freewheelin' Bob Dylan at first, and I think its just me readjusting to garage and or low production records. This feels like they recorded demos at full fidelity but as a compliment instead of an insult; really raw and catchy and fun to listen to even when the lyrics are kinda goofy. Tragically none of the members are actually femmes so 0/10.
7/10 lots of fun rock folk songs
I really enjoyed this very much. It's really homemade in the production, but there's still a lovely quality and consistency to it. I think maybe the best known song (Blisters in the Sun) isn't super representative and probably does the rest of it down a little.
3.5
3.5
Yeah this is an album it takes me back to Albuquerque. Probably more towards '87 or '88 when I first heard it. But it's one you just can't help but fall in love with. My favorites are probably the normal ones, "Blister", "Kiss", "Add" & "Gone", but the rest of the album back it up... Would have been nice if "Gimmie The Car" was on there as well. But it's on my CD so as far as I'm concerned it's there. (9.9) ★★★★½
The epitomy of 80s teenage angst. An album far ahead of its time. 4 stars
This has long been one of my favorite albums, ever since I was introduced to it as an 18 year old. I think it's really cool in the way that it takes folk and blues and turns it into this style of angsty punk, but in sort of a geeky way. It also reimagines the bass as a lead instrument that does most of the heavy lifting here, mostly due to the sparseness of the guitar and drums. Brian Ritchie is possibly my favorite bass player ever. I think the songs are great too. Tons of classics, including "Blister in the Sun", "Kiss Off", "Prove My Love", "Good Feeling", the Willie Dixon-cribbing Xylophone freakout "Gone Daddy Gone", and the tour de force "Add it Up", which proves two chords and a killer bassist is all you need. 5 stars.
Cool groovy horndog acoustic post-punk (at least for one song) that was the precursor to acts like Neutral Milk Hotel and lyrically bands like Weezer. Opener Blister In The Sun is an outright classic with super prominent bass riff and is like a sunny horndog version of Digital by Joy Division. All the stuff after it unfortunately is a lot less catchy and lot more nasal and whiny and it’s not until closer mope piano ballad Good Feeling that there’s a significant change up.
Add it up = banger, playful album
Took a few listens to understand. Now I understand
Incredibly fun, raw, horny, full of teenage angst. Honestly I can't believe that this was recorded in 1983
pretty good
This album is ahead of its time, birthing folk punk far before it became a genre. Always a classic in my mind. Happy for its inclusion on this list.
Rate 6/10
too folk and indie
Violent Femmes’ self-titled debut is one of those rare albums that’s instantly fun and endlessly replayable. The songs are catchy without being slick, raw but creative for their time, blending punk attitude with folk hooks in a way at the time probably felt totally new. Almost every track had personality and even decades later, it still sounds fresh and unmistakably its own — nothing else quite captures that same energy. An easy five-star classic.
Certainly different from anything I'd ever normally listen to. Admittedly I never would have guessed this album came out in 1983 - it sounds like something out of the late 2010s indie scene, so props for it aging well. That doesn't mean I enjoyed it a whole lot. Outside of the opener the album feels disjointed and whiny without being nearly as catchy after the opener. Points for creativity, loss of points for not being good
Very mild, pleasant, diddling music. 3/5
Интересный альбом, мне зашло
Not good
I've listened to this record so much since I was a teen I replaced it with a new fresh copy a couple of years ago. Back to back bangers all the way through.
Favorite songs: Blister in the Sun, Kiss Off, Add It Up, Gone Daddy Gone, Good Feeling Gimme The Car: Oof.
Not a big fan of the music type, interesting lyrics
When I first listened to Blister in the Sun, I thought to myself "yeah this is a sick song, I'm gonna go listen to the rest of the album - I bet it's great!" Boy was I in for a disappointment, because this is shite. I recognise it's significance and the fact folk punk had probably never been done before, but Jesus the only song on this things that's enjoyable is the first one. After that it's just an exercise of looking at the time and wondering when it will stop.
Pretty good, pretty forgettable. Took me a lot of attempts to get through this so I can't really give it a positive review. Highlights: Blister In The Sun
Ok
I don't remember a part of life that I didn't love this album.
Wauw wat een album, je hoort hoe grote bands als foo fighters hier naar geluisterd hebben. Ook weer een parel terug gevonden die lang vergeten was en waarvan ik niet wist dat dit de band was van dat nummer.
Not a bad album. Interesting music and interesting voice.
Blister in the Sun is just so iconic - a staple of every indie 2000's movie. Overall the album had a range of songs that I thought were well written and songs that sounded like they were the ramblings of a very drunk and/or unwell man.
I liked this album. I wanted to like it a bit more than I did but I think I just wasn’t in the mood. Will listen again.
Strong start Instantly forgettable middle order Xylophone interlude Wagging tail Epstein esc finale
Nice. Jangly, odd pop. Kind of raw? Nice.
Is it crazy to say that I like Bridge over troubled water better? 👀
Wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy this after the first couple of tracks, but as the album went on my impression changed. Still probably wouldn't be something I return to anytime soon, but there were some tracks I legitimately enjoyed. Better when they have the bit between their teeth. Favourite Track: Add It Up
Let me come clean with what I'm bringing to this: I've come to really hate "Blister in the Sun", its a catchy tune but it annoys me. Like, a lot. So I knew this would be one I'd have to remove the biases. The album doesnt get much better from there, it is this sort of weird Gen X campy rock that doesnt even know if its ironic or earnest and rough, they actually have a decent sense of melody and musicality but i just hear this and dont really know what to do. Sounds like Lou Reed filtered through a less self-serious and campy Gen X filter. It's a solid 2.5 that I'll round down because some my other 3s were a lot better than this.
So kind of them to cover Trixie Mattel <3 Acoustic punk - very cool! Also doesn't sound like 1983. Kinda grating if you listen to it all in a row tho imo... did not make it through the whole thing...
La la la la la la this makes me wanna get wasted and do some stupid shit 5 out of 5, yay
Mal von gehört, aber aus gutem Grund nie wirklich in meine Playlists geschafft. Hat mich nicht abgeholt. Nicht weils schlecht ist, aber weils für mich einfach Gedudel ist, was ins eine Ohr reingeht und ausm anderen wieder raus... Hätte lieber ein anderes Album gehört.
Classic album that feels timeless.
good
Listnable, I like the simple and clear instrumentals and sometimes funny lyrics
I knew the opening song. I didn't realise these guys were from the early 80s, I assumed they were late 90s/early 00s. I think I detected elements of a Velvet Underground sound here too.
Dope
This was a fun album ... Acoustic Punk?
Not quite as good as pixies
Favorite track(s): Blister in the Sun, Kiss Off, Add It Up, Prove My Love, To the Kill
It’s HARD to have a better debut album than this one. “Blister In the Sun”, “Kiss Off”, “Gone Daddy Gone”, and “Add It Up” have only gotten better in 40+ years since the record dropped.
expected more
Before listening to this I know 2 songs, one that I really like and one that I absolutely LOATHE, being "Blister in the Sun" and "Gone Daddy Gone" respectively. Upon listening I'm struck by how "ahead of the time" this is. It's got kind of a 90s energy which is shocking since it came out in the early 80s I still really dislike Gone Daddy Gone though, I think the xylophone just irks me This album also rivals "Pinkerton" in terms of "weirdo loser who can't talk to women" energy but I do unfortunately like music like that. Loser core type beat y'know?
reminds me of cherry pie weirdly
Listen to first half. Fun, clever songwriting, striped back sound.
This album, by and large, is just a fun time. It feels like the band was really enjoying themselves putting this together. It's definitely a style that has to grow on you. The vocal performance is unique and certainly not near being technically great, but it feels like maybe it's simply what it should be for this acoustic punk vibe. I am curious what a better performance could have done for these songs though. It loses me every once in a while trying to be too different seemingly just for the sake of it, but it doesn't happen often enough to completely ruin an otherwise good album. It's no great shakes, but there are a couple great tracks on here - and it is, as previously stated, a fun time. 3.4/5
Good to hear this again. Was regular rotation in highschool and college.
The standout blend of distinctive vocals and punchy acoustic guitar makes Violent Femmes (1983) a truly enjoyable album. It felt remarkably ahead of its time back then, and I was eager for more. Unfortunately, their subsequent releases never lived up to that brilliant debut.
Some classic songs, some not.
Love this album. Takes me back to crazy fun times.
A little one note in approach. I liked it, I like music that sounds like this. Lyrics were ok, musicianship suited the style.
tt ttt t ttt ttt t t t t t t
Pretty good - this guys voice annoys me and some of these songs I don’t like but the good ones are great. Low 4
Mmmmewh
It started off strong with Blister in the Sun, but I honestly did not enjoy this. It got more chaotic as it went, and the subject matter is not my cup of tea.
I was sick when listening to this album and the singer sounded a lot like me. Very idk raw? sometimes it was like he just started talking over the music but I thought that was pretty cool. 6.1/10
As other reviewers have noted, this does not sound like a record from 1983. I had heard 'Blister in the Sun' before but would not have known the title or the artist, so that was fun. Some fun, energetic songs with wry lyrics, but the lead singer's voice grates in parts.
20 years too late to be relevant to the second-wave rock 'n roll it attempts to emulate.
My enjoyment of this album kept on growing all the way through the runtime - and I'm sure I'll like it even more on second listen. I could not believe this came out in 1983! I'd have put money on it being mid 90s or later. Very solid throughout. Favourites: Add It Up Prove My Love Gone Daddy Gone
I didn’t get through the whole album. Blister in the sun is the best one and that’s been a banger forever
I really enjoy the guitar and rhythm usage throughout the entire album. I felt like the pinnacle of an angsty teen as I leaned back in my bed, legs curled up, looking out my window as I devoured this album. I feel like this is an album best enjoyed in the summer months with its light, bouncy sounds. I think this is one I’d like to procure. Overall, this brought me back to high school a bit and I liked it a lot. Favorite Songs: Blister In The Sun - only one I recognized by title, classic. Kiss Off - enjoy the start and count off in the lyrics Add It Up - went between “like this” and “yikes”, but good beat and silly lyrics Prove My Love - fun start and bop of a song Promise - ‘…you know that I want your loving, but my logic tells me that it ain’t never gonna happen and then my defenses say I didn’t want it anyway’ Gone Daddy Gone - really enjoy the xylophone riff and bass drum and instrumental parts of this, lot of summery vibes in this one song Good Feeling - feels a bit like a sunset Ugly - see title! also, the beat!
- Ugly og den første er veldig bra - Fengende annerledes
i hate blister in the sun so much so my hopes were not high but i actually loved this
Surprisingly "millenial" album in my opinion, mixing the self-depreciating humour with genuine dark moments. Something like trauma response of the aforementioned age group. At the same time lively, disturbing, and deadpan depressing. Reminds me also of top form Velvet Underground.
Опять человек не умеющий петь и опять гитара поверх голоса
I only knew one song from them before this, interested to hear more. Very summery vibes. Really good overall ! Fav song is ‘Please Do Not Go’.
Album #42 Violent Femmes: Violent Femmes The Violent Femmes ' self-titled album is one that, in theory, should be an unbarably cringe listen. An acoustic punk album, with songs from the point of view of the most annoying guy you knew in high school, performed by an overly dramatic and whiny vocalist. There are some really good bands/albums that I’ve hated for less, and yet this is one of my favourite albums of all time, at least in the top 50. Somehow, through all of the madness is one of the most fun and engaging albums of all time. I have been hesitant to recommend this album to people because of the sheer improbability of its brilliance. I keep thinking that I must be crazy and this is actually terrible, and whoever I show it to will think less of me, but then I am validated when I hear them singing Blister in the Sun the next day. If you have ever experienced angst, you will resonate with this album, and even if you haven’t, just ignore the lyrics, and the songs are so energetic that they will still bang. I am not entirely sure how else to describe this album; it really is just an absolute singular, no other album quite possesses its aura. It will make you feel things that you didn’t know music could make you feel. Add it Up, Kiss Off, and To The Kill will absolutely hype you up. Blister in the Sun, Gone Daddy Gone, and Prove My Love will have you dancing and singing. Please Do Not Go, Confessions, and especially Good Feeling will have you entirely lost in memories and solemn self-reflection. One of the easiest listens, most consistent albums, and pleasurable experiences you can have with music. Nothing more I can say, the album is ethereal and hard to describe, which is how I know it is perfect. Best Tracks: Good Feeling, Add it Up, Blister In the Sun Worst Track: NONE Score out of 10: 10
Pessoalmente não faz muito meu estilo. O álbum é muito regular e não tem nenhuma música realmente ruim, porém acho que eles pecam um pouco no excesso às vezes. Pra mim os pontos altos são "Blister In The Sun", "Add It Up" e "Gone Daddy Gone", porém as demais não ficam muito para trás.
What a way to start. Kind of tapers off for me tho and the last song was a bit sus.
j’ai adoré, je pensais pas que c’était ça et je suis pas déçue
I personally didn’t really enjoy this album. This type of music is just not my favourite.
I liked how this album was catchy and unique. However, there wasn’t as much variety as I would have liked to have seen, but it was a good album overall.
Woof, So this is where the Whiny Emo bands got everything from. The lyrics from Add it Up? MAAAAYYY be a bit problematic... I used to think I was the kind of person that would listen to all types of music. This process has shown me that I absolutely do not listen to all types of music.
Great album… but trying to be judicious in the rankings. Very solid 3/5
Reading some of the other reviews, it seems like a lot of love for this album is drive by the lyrics (which really capture teenage angst) and nostalgia. Unfortunately I miss a lot of lyrics unless I’m listening carefully, and have no nostalgia for this band. That said, it’s pretty good! Only knew the first song. I can see why it’s loved, but it’s not for me. 6/10 Pretty Good
What a strange little album. Sounds like someone formed a punk rock band with old acoustic instruments lying around grandma’s house. I ping-ponged between liking and hating it. I think it’s worth hearing at the end of the day.
approvo, diverse canzoni sono sul mio genere, o almeno quello che mi piace al momento
so confused how that’s an 80s not a mid 90s grunge album
Acoustic punk is something I never knew could hit
A group filled with men that make an album filled with whiny called Violent femmes. Irony isnt dead. There isnt anything here for me to enjoy. Just felt wrong complain about the girls that reject you all the time. Incel theme album. The sad part is the the instrumentals arent even that bad.
Pretty interesting record. Never thought acoustic punk could work, but it does. It is kinda raw, but that is punk for you. Also sounds pretty new for it being released in the 80s The songs didn't make a huge impression on me though. Not a single one really got me moving in my seat or really pull me in. Just a good 7/10
Pretty fun listen, has some comedy, feels a bit punky but then acoustic. Just a nice and fun album for me. The kind of album I cannot imagine putting up myself, but never minding listening to either. 7/10
love love love this album so many hits for me - every song is good! my Milwaukee people :) is prove my love better than blister in the sun?????
A classic, Ive loved it for years
Bastante divertido, punk acústico, cantante horny o algo
DUDE I love kiss off. EVERYTHINGEVERYTHINGEVERYTHING yeah this album probably inspired a lot of stuff im into, i think they’re so fun and awesome. Definitely can’t deny how unique this was for its time. Please please please do not goooOOOO. I love how rly raw it is like whole house lonely. whole house angry. I know dat right.