Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables

This is quality punk. I enjoy how it sounds influenced by surf rock and Buddy Holly. The lead vocalist is putting in the work. Great track lengths. "Ill in the Head" reminds me of particle board painted black and breaking down. I will give a shout out to the instrumentation on "Holiday in Cambodia", I had hoped that it would just be an instrumental track. Also DK reminds me that the soundtrack for Donkey Kong Country for the SNES should be on this list.

Punk Classic! No weakness, no equal, and nothing can compare. So viscous, so real, it takes your breath away. Top 5 punk album of all time, and true pioneers of musical sarcasm, hypocrisy, and social commentary. God Bless Dead Kennedys!

I really like the stuff they're saying I just don't love the way they say it. Maybe if I was feeling more energetic but currently I like the album theoretically a lot more than I like it musically. Favourite song: California Uber Alles Least: Forward to Death

Early Bay Area Hardcore Punk. The debut from the Dead Kennedys is everything you want from punk anti-establishment and satirical at its finest. Holiday in Cambodia is a classic. And California uber Alles is a takedown of the establishment. They were against all politicians but also just songs about themselves and how they were feeling. It was fast not the fastest but it was melodic and they sounded good. Jello’s vocals are different but it fit the music. I thoroughly enjoyed this album.

Not at all familiar with Dead Kennedys other than a passing knowledge of them up to this point. And after listening to this album, I find myself wanting to like this more than I do. Music that speaks truth to power... and does so with cutting tongue in cheek sarcasm is right up my alley. But unfortunately, I find the music itself to be mostly repetitive and not that engaging to my ears. That said, the cover of Elvis Presley's Viva Las Vegas was really fun way to end the album. I put this at a two, with the socially conscious lyrics bumping up to three.

Clever and well-played, this is quite a surprising hit for me. The tongue-in-cheek nature and bite-sized tracks with wacky energy really appealed to me. 1 listen Favorite Tracks: Holiday in Cambodia, Kill the Poor, Let’s Lynch the Landlord, California Über Alles, Viva Las Vegas (Cover)

Dead Kennedys are not for me.

Love it!

Buen nombre para un grupo punk. Eso es, punk de verdad aunque un poco tardío.

trendsetting but a bit repetitive

50 mins full of politics and PUNK. Dead Kennedys do all things that a punk band can easily do but in a well order and way PUNK. Love how they showed their political views during the album, pretty interesting. Their sound seem like less distortion than other punk band which is fantastic to listen. The side B is both too good and disappointed at once. I wonder why some songs like police truck or the prey and the single version of holiday in cambodia hit not in the side A or even extend "In-sight", I can see a lot of potential of that song.

An early punk album that’s produced well and is more than just people mashing loudly on two chords? Have I stumbled into some alternate universe?! What happens when people who actually know a thing or two about music theory try their hands at punk.

Of course, I was familiar with the Dead Kennedys as pioneers of American punk rock. But after listening to “Fresh Fruit...” I have to admit that punk was rightly considered a European phenomenon well into the early ’90s. The Dead Kennedys may have the better sound and be very musical, but their ironic, intellectual style makes them, to me, a high school band trying to imitate British or German punks. Not bad, but not the revelation I was expecting either.

Jesus. Blistering. Usually not one for hardcore punk but this is an exception to that/standard-style punk, but this is awesome. I love the surf sort of influence at the points and the weirdly gothic noises on "Drug Me".

The best hardcore punk album I've heard from this list yet, as it has the clearest sound, the most memorable and catchy moments and the one I have the most fun with. The energy on this album is off the chart, but that is really because it is hardcore punk and its frantic nature with super fast riffs and rhythms, angry vocals and super political charged and rebellious lyrics. Nevertheless, this album is not just straight hardcore punk, since it counts with some things that make it quite special. First of all, Jello Biafra's kind of goofy voice. He is a very interesting singer that sounds both very serious and incredibly sarcastic and silly. The constant use of vibrato and laughing make his performances feel like they lack seriousness and distant from the usual screaming found in this style, but he makes it work incredibly well, having as much energy as other vocalists, and sometimes he hits some very very catchy melodies, like in the opener "Kill the Poor" or the fantastic "California Über Alles". He even sounds like Sponge Bob in some moments. Then there are the tiny touches of surf-rock. Here and there they throw these little melodies that are incredibly reminiscence of that style, which make their sound more melodic, memorable and unique. The most notable parts are the bridge in "When Ya Get Drafted" and the keyboards in "Drug Me". Now into the bad parts... there is actually none. "Ill in The Head" might be the weakest song with its very unpleasant dissonant melodies, and there are other cuts that come as more straight forward hardcore punk that are not as memorable as the highest points. Nonetheless, they don't stop the album from being super fun, energetic and a fantastic experience overall.

Enjoyable punk with a righteous political edge that is very timely right now. I like the hints of surf rock/ pop and would like more of this and appreciate the running time. Get in say what you gotta say and get the fuck out of there.

Proper satirical punk. Best version of Viva Las Vegas.

Höchstens gut für Lyrik, Inspiration. Ansonsten ist es einfach nicht mein Genre. Es geht viel um antikapitalistischen Utilitarismus. Neue Perspektiven wie zum Beispiel: bei mir ist alles voller Ratten und alles voller Kakerlaken zu Hause. Also müssen wir den Vermieter wechseln nicht die Wohnung.

Energetic punk rock. It's even subtle sometimes. Favorite Songs: Kill the Poor ; Let's Lynch the Landlords ; Drug Me ; Ill in the head

The album grew on me as it went on. Nice punk energy, fast rhythms, some interesting guitar bits and of course all the satire and criticism in the lyrics. Holiday in Cambodia is definitely a hit. It does make you want to kick some trash cans and riot a bit haha, but that energy doesn't always translate into super good compositions. I get its relevance in punk, and I enjoyed it, but musically I don't think it quite reaches a 4/5.

Pretty decent some classics but not more than an average score

It's punk in a way I don't find the enjoyment in. Mostly it just feels that the theme of the music is to make noise at the fastest tempo possible. Too much for today.

Undeniably influential album and some good punk energy. Definitely some important themes, and a few classic tracks too. Overall though not massively for me, the vocals aren't my thing and although I enjoyed the energy of the music, I don't think it's something I'd really revisit.

Fantastic album! Really fun. can hear how this influenced a lot of newer bands. System of a Down being one.

was it my favorite? no. was it fine? yes. bonus points for fun album title

early early drittes album, jello HARDCORE holiday in Cambodia banger! c

Great

not as good as Joni Mitchell’s Blue

Not a fan of this at all. American 80's punk is ick

Sounds like shit, kicks ass, takes me back to blasting this on the blown out speakers in my hand me down Saturn in the high school parking lot.

Milking the Sacred Cow was the Dead Kennedys compilation album that made me a fan. I think it works great because Dead Kennedys as a band have enough conceptual north for the compilation to feel like a cohesive project. They have a knack for making a very catchy, very musically ambitious single, so catching those within an hour was a fun way to connect with the band. I think this being their debut is impressive, it does feel like a well created half hour, so I think I tie the two projects for a high recommendation, especially since this is a shorter project with less obvious bangers. On my first couple of listens I was a bit let down, though sure, I was also expecting a lot from them. This one gains points when you start to understand the lyrics. The sarcasm, wit, tone and energy. Jello's voice is weird and nasal but he really dominates his vocals for the essence of the band to come through. On the other hand, when we're not making timeless classics, we sound pretty dated, lyrically we've aged odd as well. It's not that the political incorrectness is cancel worthy today, it's more that the figures and issues they point out are typically things the government has decided to bury historically. It takes a more cult mind to understand the depth of their lyrics without doing a bit of research, and I think that's another conceptual win for them. 3.6/5

This is a great album, pissed off at everything, but also slower and melodic than a lot of their contemporaries. EBR coaxes some beautiful tones out of whatever he plays, displays his affection for early rock and roll riffs, but still knows how to hit the gas and make it dirty. Holiday and California are both classics, but jello finds many institutions to skewer throughout. And maybe no one in the scene had a voice so distinctive and suited to kicking back against society.

the lead singer sounds like rfk jr.

Meget enslydende punknumre.

Awesome album but not great and Im a fan. Love it still know its not a 5

How different my life would’ve been if I’d heard Let’s Lynch the Landlord when I was 14.

Classic

Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables Dead Kennedys 1980 Genres: Punk Styles: Hardcore 1. Kill the Poor (★★★☆☆) -Contexto: Sátira en primera persona, con tono sarcástico, que celebra una bomba que mata gente pero deja intacta la propiedad (el debate de la bomba de neutrones de la época). Critica la lógica de las élites que valoran más los bienes que a las personas. 2. Forward to Death (★★⯨☆☆) -Contexto: Tema muy corto y veloz. Por el tono parece un ataque a la mentalidad de rebaño y a marchar en manada, pero la letra es escueta y no puedo afirmar más que eso. 3. When Ya Get Drafted (★★⯨☆☆) -Contexto: Tono burlón y antimilitarista, sobre el reclutamiento obligatorio y la presión social hacia el servicio militar. Salió en el contexto de la reinstauración del registro para el draft en EE.UU. 4. Let's Lynch the Landlord (★★★★☆) -Contexto: Fantasía exagerada de venganza de los inquilinos contra el dueño que sube alquileres. Es hipérbole satírica sobre la bronca por los alquileres, no una propuesta literal; el título es provocador a propósito. -Fav 5. Drug Me (★★⯨☆☆) -Contexto: Habla alguien que pide ser sedado para no enfrentar la realidad. Por el tono es una crítica al escapismo con pastillas y drogas. No tengo certeza de comentarios de Biafra sobre este tema en particular. 6. Your Emotions (★★★☆☆) -Contexto: Tema muy breve y de tono sarcástico, dirigido a una persona y sus reacciones emocionales. La letra es difícil de interpretar y no quiero forzar una lectura. 7. Chemical Warfare (★★⯨☆☆) -Contexto: Tono oscuro y amenazante, con la guerra química como metáfora de un mundo hostil. No tengo certeza de la lectura exacta, así que no la afirmo. 8. California Über Alles (★★★★☆) -Contexto: Sátira del entonces gobernador Jerry Brown, imaginado como un dictador "hippie fascista" si llegara a presidente. Tono irónico y paranoico: critica el autoritarismo disfrazado de new age y buenas intenciones. Fue su primer single (1979). -Fav 9. I Kill Children (★★⯨☆☆) -Contexto: Narrador psicópata, en primera persona, que se jacta de odiar a los niños. Es sátira de shock sobre la crueldad, no una postura literal, y es de los temas más polémicos del disco. 10. Stealing People's Mail (★★★⯨☆) -Contexto: Un narrador cuenta con gusto cómo roba correspondencia ajena. Es una burla del voyeurismo y del chusmerío, con música alegre que contrasta con el tema. -Fav 11. Funland at the Beach (★★⯨☆☆) -Contexto: Escena absurda y siniestra ambientada en un parque de diversiones de playa. La letra es muy críptica y no puedo darte una lectura fiable. 12. Ill in the Head (★★⯨☆☆) -Contexto: Tono oscuro y algo errático, sobre un estado mental alterado. La letra es ambigua y no voy a inventar un sentido. 13. Holiday in Cambodia (★★⯨☆☆) -Contexto: Sátira dirigida a jóvenes universitarios privilegiados y de izquierda de San Francisco: les dice que vivir bajo la dictadura de Pol Pot los haría madurar rápido. Tono sarcástico y amenazante, y mención explícita a los Jemeres Rojos. 14. Viva Las Vegas (★★★☆☆) -Contexto: Cover de la canción de Elvis Presley de la película de 1964. Versión punk, irónica y descontracturada sobre el kitsch de Las Vegas. Es la única que no es de la banda. -TOTAL = ★★⯨☆☆ (2,89) -Debería ser un 3 por promedio, pero es un 2 porque no lo disfruté tanto como para volver a escucharlo eventualmente o a algunas de sus canciones.

Fantastic album. Iconic vocals and guitar riffs. Bass is great but not a big fan of how it's mixed, but that's splitting hairs.

This is an album that will change your life. Raw, uncut, crazy, energetic

Kuolleet kennedit soitteli vähän parempaa punkeroa. Lisäksi bongasin levyltä kolme kipaletta jotka eläkeläiset ovat versioineet.

Rähmäsen kuulosta punkkia. Vähän muistutti mielenkiintosesti System of a Downia välillä, liekö SOADin pojat kuunnellu tätä. Pari tuttua hittibiisiä, lähinnä kitarasankaripeleistä tuttuja. Kerrankos sitä kuunteli.

5/10 Very standard early-80s punk. It's exactly what I think of when I think of the genre: brash vocals, heavy guitars, crashing drums with liberal use of cymbals, subversive lyrics. Unfortunately, I just don't really enjoy punk, so this album is just okay for me. (Also, not a fan of the slurs on the album.)

-Tracks longer than 3:59: One -Long tracks interesting or special: That’d be a no. Although Holiday in Cambodia, which I was familiar with and skipped to, is the only track I could kind of listen to once the noise intro was done. -Album shorter than 58 minutes: Yes -Will listen to album again: Nope -Overall: Hope there wasn’t a major change in the later part of this album that I missed because I had to turn it off. While punk isn’t my favorite genre, there is stuff I like, this wasn’t it. 1/5

Класний альбом. Панк-класика, яку досі із задоволенням можна послухати. 4.5.

Переслухав прям із задоволенням. Класика!

Legends but there are others that have done what they do much better.

It's fun, but punk isn't really my vibe.

It's the Dead Kennedys, it's what you expect, and as their debut it's pretty raw, basic and genuine punk. I like the messages and sentiment more than I like the musicianship, lyrics and tunes. I still like the music well enough, the energy and palpable anger goes a long way, it's very infectious. Overall I enjoyed listening to this but I don't think they will ever be one of my favourite bands.

Some of it I get. And some of it is really excellent. "Kill the Poor" and "When Ya Get Drafted" really land. "Let's Lynch the Landlord", "I Kill Children", and "Stealing People's Mail", are juvenile at best. Could Be a 5 star. I'll give it an elevated 4. I wouldn't listen to the whole album ever again, tracks at most.

Musically better than the average punk act, lyrically radical and super fun to listen - what's not to like ? It's really a great punk album with a good number of demented bangers, like "Drug Me" or "California Über Alles". Reaching a perfect balance between political, unhinged and effortlessly cool, it heralds skate punk almost ten years before NOFX and The Offspring, all while adding a layer of weirdness and complexity that can be surprising for a hardcore band. The production is also remarkably clean for a 1980 punk album. Not really part of my personal pantheon, so it's a subjective 4* for now ; but it could easily deserve more, and I may review it again before finishing the list. 8/10

Punk's not dead! I listened a lot of punk in the days and the Dead Kennedy were among them. Good memories!

Musically, one of the punkest hardcore bands, but lyrically, one of the most hardcore punk band. In my high school band, we used to cover Forward to Death from this album, and along with Bad Brains and Black Flag, the Dead Kennedys clearly haunted a good part of my teenage years. Unhinged, hugely influential, and an absolute reference from a time when the US still seemed to have a conscience.

What we talk about when we talk about punk.

I was previously familiar with Holiday in Cambodia but not the full album. This is a punk album. The instrumentation is fine, albeit unremarkable, but I really don't care for the vocal style. I would not come back to this one.

Leuke energie!

Ik kreeg er stress van

wow, i guess this one is now my fav punk album

One of the great punk records.

Not my thing

Great west coast punk.

No amigo, el punk en inglés no es lo mío

Pretty good! If you're in a mood for some punk music, this is definitely something I'd recommend.

I'm scared to know how many christian parents heard their kids listening to a song called I Kill Children where the guy talks about wanting to kill children. That being said, this album's pretty entertaining. They're definitely taking a much different approach to early hardcore than some of the more overtly angry acts like Minor Threat but (and I have absolutely no backing behind saying this) I feel like this goofier approach probably would work better to get people to listen to punk messages. A common reason why people can't get into hardcore is that it's too angry or too heavy for some people, so throwing out the anger and replacing it with songs like Chemical Warfare and Funland at the Beach definitely could pull in an audience that normal hardcore otherwise wouldn't. I mean, my mom loves the Dead Kennedys, so clearly that niche works.

Punk needs an almost tongue in cheek aggression and mockingness that this aces. Incredibly strong debut album. Sound isn't my favourite style but they do a lot with it. Strong 3, weak 4. Good album and should be on the list

This was a 30 minute headache, I can only be thankful it was that long Fave track: Let's Lynch the Landlord. Only for the title really

It's punk music then you get a track you recognise in the form of Holiday in Cambodia at the end. Shout out Guitar Hero 3, what a game. 3/5

Not bad, short & punchy songs. 2.5 stars.

Punk might be the most annoying genre

Już chyba wiele razy wypowiadałam się tutaj na temat tego jak punk bazuje raczej na emocjach niż na samym tworzeniu muzyki. Chociaż tutaj akurat muzycznie jest całkiem dobrze, ale najlepiej jest tekściarsko. No to jest moja muzyka, mój vibe i tyle. Long live the punk.

California uber alles

Solid album Standout songs: Kill the Poor Chemical Warfare Stealing peoples mail

ברור שזה אלבום טוב אבל לא מספיק נהניתי

vocals are too quick for me but the electric guitar and drums are amazing

Ok, this is definitely a step in the right direction, surprisingly. Going in, I didn’t really think I was gonna like this album. I’d heard of the Dead Kennedys and knew that they were an essential punk band, but being someone who isn’t a big fan of most punk music, I wasn’t really all too excited to check it out. After listening to it, I can see aspects of the album that I don’t really enjoy, but I thought it was better than I had thought it was going to be. First and foremost, it is an album that you have to be in the right mood for, if you’re looking for something with more dynamic shifts and melodic songs, you’re not gonna find it here. Now, for those who do stick around, you’ll probably end up finding something you enjoy. Dead Kennedys brand of political and social satire is one of the key things that makes their music their own. Songs like Let’s Lynch the Landlord, my first standout track, has that use of satire showing someone pissed at their landlord, all with a raucous energy and a great vocal performance by Jello. One of the best songs in terms of both lyrics and instrumentation on the album is the classic Holiday in Cambodia, which pairs political lyrics taking shots at self righteous people who think they’re activists, with great guitar parts played by East Bay Ray. The guitar playing on the album is relatively simple, but here, it’s taken up a notch to include a guitar solo. The rhythm section on the album shouldn’t be ignored, as the bass playing by Klaus Flouride is one of the things I like most on the album. Good bass playing can turn a normally standard punk song into something a lot more memorable, one of the best examples on the album being the intros to California Über Alles and When Ya Get Drafted, the latter being my third standout track. My fourth standout has to be their cover of Elvis’s Viva Las Vegas, a great, fun way to close the album, and the warping of an Elvis classic into a punk song works surprisingly well. I do feel like some of the tracks can kind of wear on the listener, especially due to all the songs being blazing fast, such as Your Emotions and Chemical Warfare, which I feel like are kind of forgettable. Overall, I do feel like this album is kind of a grower for me, considering my own tastes, but I definitely feel like this is a good punk album and gives me something else to enjoy in the genre. Now, I’m not looking forward to death, but to the next album.

Oh been bopping this for forever. Perfect punk album.

Great energy but the vocals can get pretty grating. Still some fun guitar parts.

Pretty terrible.

Kill the poor - 4 Forward to death - 3 When ya get drafted - 4 Let's lynch the landlord - 3 Drug me - 4 Your emotions - 3 Chemical warfare - 3 California uber alles - 4 I kill children - 3 Stealing people's mail - 3 Funland at the beach - 4 Ill in the head - 3 Holiday in cambodia - 5 Viva las vegas - 3

By this point I know where I stand with most punk.

This feels so stereotypically British 😭. I don’t know how to explain it. I know the Dead Kennedys are a British group but this goes beyond that. Also not sure why we’re killing children on this album?

I’m just not in the market for rotting vegetables…I mean punk these days. It’s seminal, it’s energetic, I’m sure it’s something that would reward closer attention. I just don’t want to listen to it.

Ok

Crikey, this lot don't waste time, do they? 15 songs, 35 minutes, done, thank you very much, goodnight. For a quickfire thrash it is enjoyable though, but just when you're getting into a song, they're cueing up the next one.

One of the most interesting punk albums I’ve heard Favorite track: Holiday in Cambodia

There are how many Britslop bands on this list and you could only include one Dead Kennedys album? Where is Plastic Surgery Disasters? Their actual best album??? Anyway this album rules, Jello Biafra uses a naughty slur on the hit single though which definitely didn't age well. Surf rock for freaks and punks. 9/10.

That was pretty good.

Not for me, Jello sounds like Tiny Tim without the helium, but goddamn if politically I don’t respect what he’s doing.

1059 - "Here's your juice box and orange slice. Thanks for coming."

crazy and true. some of the best punk on this list

A true classic, probably my favorite American punk album.

Enjoyed

I liked it.

для любителей панка. слушать сложно.

I don't think there's a hardcore band out there whose lyrics still ring true as much as the Dead Kennedys'; they are THE defining bold statement, anti-establishment band. While I've always preferred 'Plastic Surgery Disasters', this album still kicks so much ass and is still just so sharp, blood-pumping, hilarious, absurd, and on-the-nose. Jello Biafra is such a great vocalist; his drunken vibrato is one of this album's many defining sounds. It just sounds like the guy is taking the absolute piss out of whatever he's talking about. It's striking especially when he's singing about killing "The Poor" or "Children" on those particular songs; it's obvious to anyone that he's being satirical, but his delivery is quite literally the opposite of sensitive towards these very sensitive topics (I mean, the ending of 'Chemical Warfare' is distasteful and super cartoony for no reason - I kinda love it). The guy doesn't sugarcoat or hide his feelings behind abstractions; it's one thing I'll give him. 'Holiday In Cambodia' being maybe his most furious presentation of that, you can feel this guy's anger at privileged middle-upper-class children radiating through your speakers. And he also has no right to be able to write such incredible melodies that are genuinely this catchy, with hooks you REALLY don't want stuck in your head, like with 'Let's Lynch The Landlord' or 'California Uber Alles'. I hate to say this, because it's a statement associated with the absolute worst artists I know, but Biafra really didn't care if he offended his listeners, and he was doing it well before it was "cool" (or uncool). In typical hardcore fashion, the playing here is super fast and raw, but it's definitely more dynamic and dare-I-say melodic, especially when compared to its contemporaries like Minor Threat. The basslines here really pop; they're super melodic and very groovy too, like the intro to 'California Uber Alles' goes disgustingly hard. And there's a screeching, haunting feel to the guitar riffs here, the extended noise-filled intro to 'Holiday in Cambodia' being the best example. The recording isn't the cleanest, but the talent of all the players isn't so obviously hidden behind heavy effects or anything; their musicianship is (rightfully) put on full display at nearly all times. Landmark punk music that's just oddly accessible. That's not to say it's trying to appeal to the masses or anything; the lyrics certainly weed out a whole lot of potential listeners. But the playing here is surprisingly non-amateurish for punk; the hooks are oddly sing-alongable, and you'll get an out-of-place surf-inspired solo here and there. All that said, this is certainly one of the greatest places to start in the very vast and daunting genre of Punk Music.

I have heard this one and I own it. Or at least I used to own it, because it’s missing from my collection and has been for a while, so it might have gotten lost in a move or mixed into a roommate’s collection or “borrowed” by a roommate and never returned. So it’s been a long time since I listened to this. Jello’s voice can get to be grating after a while but the album isn’t long enough for that to set in. Dead Kennedys is a great band to listen to if you’ve been on a binge of hardcore punk because there’s a lot of humor involved even if they’re talking about serious stuff, so it doesn’t feel like you’re being yelled at all the time. Also they never fell into the rigid structure that a lot of other bands did and it’s fully apparent on this album, they came right out the gate with a surf rock influence and some psychedelic elements, and the rhythms and melodies are varied, and they kept on with this development through their whole career. I think I like the single version of California Uber Alles better than the one on this album but the version of Holiday in Cambodia on this album is better than the single version. Great album nonetheless.

Solid punk album. American, Ramones influenced punk. Runs the risk of several tracks being almost too similar to distinguish, but overall I liked the album. Probably a 3,5 for me - bumping to 4

One of the finest punk albums ever made

Never been a huge fan of punk but this is good stuff,

Love the DKs, great album. 3 stars. Tom.