Reviews (page 5 of 8)
Alright 3/5
ist okay
7/10 Buen album, buenas canciones aunque algunas partes son bastante pj, pero no baja el nivel
3/5
Good punk album, even if some of the tracks bleed together for me. Some real dark song titles too. Highlights: “Your Emotions”
Dead Kennedys have always been too hardcore for me. the riffs are too dissonant. the vocals too… whatever that is. its just scratchy noise rock to me.
They were lowkey spitting with all those things they said about landlords, but it really isn't my favorite style. Vocals and instrumentals just weren't as interesting to me as the lyrics.
4.5/10
I knew a couple of songs on this but didn't know it was by them... weird in a good way
68/100. I’m not a huge hardcore punk guy, but I found this enjoyable. It’s intense, sharp and full of biting social commentary that gives the whole record a real edge. The energy is constant and a bit chaotic, but that’s the appeal.
Some classics on this one for sure. It’s solid start to finish but I’m just not the hugest fan.
Fast, somewhat smart punk. Some standout tracks but a lot fall well within the confines of punk. Has two of the best punk tracks ever. 3.5 rounded down Heard before? Some Owned: No 59/244 (24%) Will I get: No
6/10
Not really my cup of tea, but I can see how this helped define punk music at the time. The lyrics are every bit as relevant today as they were in 1980. It's just a bit too sonically harsh for widdle ole me.
A rolicking rocker
fun album! started feeling a little repetitive maybe because i’m not into the punk sound but enjoyable and short :) me when there’s a track called “let’s lynch the landlord” and honorable mention to “kill the poor” lol
Listening session: march 12th, while commuting to internship Listened to before: no Thoughts: never heard of Dead Kennedys but I quite liked that the album is short but dense with political punk songs Favourite tracks: I Kill Children & Holiday In Cambodia
I love to kill the poor, do drugs, and lynch landlords, so this is perfect for me
first listen fun but so messy in tone
Wasn't bad at all loved a couple of tracks some not so much but nothing negative
The Dead Kennedys are undeniably a great and iconic punk band, but it took me a while to come around to the point where I would throw their records on from time to time. This listen of Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables hasn't really changed anything for me. Jello Biafra's voice and the vocal decisions he makes range from fantastic ("California Über Alles")to "eh". Lyrically, the songs also range for me, but I do enjoy how fearlessly the band takes on political topics. The music itself is punk music, and I'm already a fan. Good album. I enjoy it and I do think people should hear it, but I probably won't me throwing it on again soon. Highlights: "California Über Alles", "Holiday in Cambodia"
Like it 3/5
Neat album, I think it could have been even more forceful. Maybe that’s me having more of a modern view for this album, but I feel like there’s a cost of grit that should have been there to give the album more punch. A song like I Kill Children doesn’t feel as harsh as it should to me, it just feels fast instead of aggressive. Otherwise an okay album, but this missing quality is noticeable throughout the record. Faves: Let’s Lynch the Landlord, Viva Las Vegas (Cover), Chemical Warfare
Very eccentric album, not sure for me. Kept me intrigued. 5.9/10
Not quite my taste but interesting listen
I can hear how the music I like was influenced by this, but with the news and current events and ice it was too much for me now
2,5
mittelmäßiger punk in ausreichender länge
I am not a massive fan of more original punk records. The album was good but I would not choose to listen to it often. I was a bit surprised by the use of the N-word in the single version of Holiday in Cambodia, I am not sure if it was used in the official release. Good album overall, not a favourite of mine though.
6/10
This a rebellious rock album that has punk type vibes to it and i enjoyed it. Glad i listened to it, and it was a fun listen but i probably won’t be going back to it. The best part were some of the outrageous lyrics and song titles.
Pretty alright punk.
Album 1050 of 1089 Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables - Dead Kennedys (1980) Rating : 3.5 / 5 Another dive into punk territory, and this one delivered more than I expected. It’s got the energy you want from punk - fast, sharp, and unapologetic - but it also has personality. It doesn’t just feel like noise for noise’s sake. There’s intention behind it. The tracks are tight and punchy, with Jello Biafra’s distinct vocal delivery front and center. Whether you agree with every message or not, there’s no denying the band knew exactly what they were doing. The guitars cut through cleanly, the rhythm section keeps it driving, and the whole thing feels alive. It’s not perfect. It’s rough around the edges - but that’s part of its appeal. Punk isn’t supposed to be polished to a shine. This album feels like it belongs exactly where it sits in music history: bold, a little chaotic, and completely sure of itself. A fine listen. One with real spirit.
I understand this album must have been pretty disruptive when published in 1980. However, even if I enjoyed it and I think it's a good album, when rating the music itself, I feel like 3 stars are ok.
Good punk
I liked this more than i thought i would.
bit naff but holiday in cambodia is a banger
All due respect to our punk forefathers as one of the iconic bands of the '80s, and to Jello Biafra as one of the great punk iconoclasts. Their legacy is secured, despite their later infighting, litigation, and embarrassing tours. That established: This is a chore. I now remember why I own this but have listened to it maybe three times. Jello's preening affect quickly grates, even if his words hit their mark. These days, I'll save "Holiday in Cambodia"—which is legit great—to a playlist and skip the rest. (OK, "California Uber Alles" too.) 2.5, rounding up to 3.
Such a ridiculous voice by this lad. Definitely one of the more fun punk albums we have listened to, may have helped that I already knew a couple of songs with California Uber Alles and Holiday in Cambodia. Also his voice just made me so interested in how he would sing next.
Not quite what I was expecting. This is Dick Dale ft the Wildhearts with Action Man on vocals.
Excellent punk music. Makes me wanna play Tony Hawk.
Joe told me he got really into this album earlier in his life. That got me excited and I thought I might love the album. Then he told me he didn’t think I’d like it, so expectations were greatly lowered. Ended up in the middle at a solid 3.
Expected this to be a 1 or a 2, but I kinda liked it.
Very important to have songs like this on the list. This is fast and furious. Aggressive, important in the current climate. Good
J'aime bien l'idée mais pas si ouf
System of a Down wannabes
Great lyrics and energy I just wish his voice wasn’t so goofy. The messages would hit a lot harder. Based politics tho
Reminds me of skateboarding
algumas músicas são maneirinhas, é meio mamonas assassinas/ rock/ banda de garagem / estados unidos músicas 1980 particularmente não me agrada muito, mas é interessante ouvir de vez em auando
Hellllll Yeah, bon punk bien complet. 3/5
Three stars for politics and for not being the worst punk on this list
Listening Notes Definitely thought the Dead Kennedys were an English group... San Francisco punk! No doubt this is an extremely influential album, I can hear so many groups' sounds Makes me wanna play THPS Standout Tracks "Kill the Poor", "Chemical Warfare", "California Uber Alles", "Holiday in Cambodia" First time? Yes Will it go into your rotation? I'm convinced... more punk it is
"Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables" is a high-energy album of hardcore punk. Perhaps the highest compliment I can pay the album is that it captures the specific, snarling spirit of British punk from the same era. The undisputed highlight is "Holiday in Cambodia." It stands as the best track by a wide margin, featuring an excellent surf-rock influenced guitar line that provides a glimpse of the band’s true musical potential. Vocally, Jello Biafra is a mixed bag. He is at his most effective in his lower register; however, when the tempos accelerate and he shifts into his signature high-pitched warble, the effect can become grating over the course of the album. The record’s biggest hurdle, however, are its sonics. To put it bluntly: the production and mixing are awful. The sound is tinny, thin, and abrasive. While some argue this was an intentional aesthetic choice or a by product of a DIY budget, it makes for a difficult listen. One can’t help but wonder what this album could have been if it had been handled by someone with the technical prowess of Chris Thomas and Bill Price. The "wall of sound" those producers achieved for the Sex Pistols is sorely missing here. Ultimately, the Dead Kennedys are not quite for me, but I can recognize why they are considered iconic and why this album maintains its place on the "must-listen" lists. Three stars. Side one 1 "Kill the Poor" (4/5) 2 "Forward to Death" (3/5) 3 "When Ya Get Drafted" (3/5) 4 "Let's Lynch the Landlord" (3/5) 5 "Drug Me" (1/5) 6 "Your Emotions" (3/5) 7 "Chemical Warfare" (3/5) Side two 1 "California Über Alles" (4/5) 2 "I Kill Children" (3/5) 3 "Stealing People's Mail" (2/5) 4 "Funland at the Beach" (3/5) 5 "Ill in the Head" (2/5) 6 "Holiday in Cambodia" (5/5) 7 "Viva Las Vegas" (3/5) Total - 42 Average - 3.00 205/1001 115/205 albums reviewed were new to me.
Not my choice
Very OG punk. Sounds exactly like Sex Pistols to me… I like the bass in the third song. Very political? Nearly every song sounds the exact same bro. Fav song is ‘Let’s Lynch The Landlord’.
Like finding a piece of cold pizza on the floor - its rubbish, but somehow I harbour thoughts about giving it a second go
Not bad at all. Some catchy songs here, but a lot of the tracks sound very similar. There is not much variety. It was fun, I would probably listen again.
Predominant American punk album in my eyes. Not necessarily well made but it's place is pretty important at least in punk history. A few song on here have a real good punch and I enjoy being caught off guard with it from time to time. Definitely one of the sole American punk albums that emulates the same level of energy as British punk.
Fun stuff.
Good energy and humour but a little one note and repetitive.
I think i recognized some
Eh-angry
Felt kinda like an extension of the Sex Pistols. Not AMAZING but decent.
musically sort of difficult to listen to but extra extra points for their message and passion!
Pretty transgressive, for what it’s worth…. Has a classic guitar hero song, though!
I knew California Uber Alles and Holiday in Cambodia, and liked both, especially the latter. It turns out I like a few more than that, and I like the cover art to boot. The guitar tone is great, and they are tight. The main thing that tempers my enthusiasm is I don’t really like the vocals most of the time. It kind of feels like what Jello Biafra thought punk was supposed to sound like, kind of aping Sex Pistols whine and warbling.
I always like listening to old hardcore. Holiday in. Ambrosia was part of guitar hero. What a great game and it really exposed kids to lots of music.
listening when: first thing on sunday morning before pilates thoughts: omg tru british punk rock. i loooove rating: 7/10
It’s punk. It’s brash. It’s quick. It’s not that deep. It’s not Mozart.
Production and drums typically terrible for punk of this era but at least the Kennedys were trying something different. Vocals are more new wave. Some of the instrumentation and song structure was pretty interesting like on Drug Me. I don't really want to listen again but fair play, better than guy Ramones.
I enjoyed the music and the messages of these tracks but I never really got into the vocals. It's a very distinctive style that maybe I'd grow to like on more listens, but I don't know that I liked the rest enough to persevere. I enjoy other versions of holidays in Cambodia and California Uber alles is a classic, but the rest didn't quite hit right for me.
Fun sound and I appreciate their messages. Don’t love the singer’s style/voice.
3/5
I thought this was going to be loud and boring but I kinda of liked it. Like the Sex Pistols but better.
Not the biggest fan but I understand their influence
Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables is a strange one because i feel like i should like it more than i should. One thing i will say is that it is some of the most chaotic music i have ever heard. Throughout every song's relatively short runtime, This album just hits you very hard with the guitars and the fast melodies. It definitely is very surprising but you eventually get used to it over time. This chaotic nature was something i definitely enjoyed about this album. But other than that, I'm not all too sure of anything else that stands out about this album. It is a very solid album but i just don't think there is a special reason for me to recommend it. Best Song: California Uber Alles Worst Song: Chemical Warfare
Pretty cool album but I don’t know if id listen again
Energetic! Chemical Warfare is quite something. Holiday In Cambodia was my favourite.
Solid songs, but the big hits i already knew where the best ones. I'm sure I would grow to appreciate the lyrics more over multiple listens.
musically, not particularly my taste, but the lyrics are pointed and well thought out. Given the time period this came out, I imagine these lyrics rubbed people the wrong way, but they were counter culture and trying to poke at this crazy world we live in. I probably won't revisit for the music, but will revisit for the quotes
Correcto
later
6.93 - just not really for me… loud and meh. Fine musically though. Best: Kill the Poor (7.4), Forward to Death (7.2). Worst: Chemical Warfare (6.2)
Typical old school punk. Fast, short, loud, superficially political.
Fast paced but a tad repetitive, overall not bad Standout Songs: Forward To Death Let’s Lynch The Landlord California Uber Alles Holiday In Cambodia
Some bangers on here, but by the end of the album it starts all sounding the same. Still a very good album and is going to make me dive more into early punk.
Pretty good punk album, kinda spoiled growing up in the post 2000s with hindsight of better things to come
Całkiem zacne, ale takie 3/5.
Well, now I've heard that.
There is no surprise that I do not like this type of music. But I will say of the genre, this is the most appealing. Kill the poor still sadly feels relevant today.
This is the album I have engaged with the least. I get the idea, they’re very loud, in your face and well, political. which is good! but the way it is presented really is not for me. that being said I see some foundations for bands such as the Dropkick Murphy’s so it gets extra points there
Great album
Once upon a time there was a punk rock band that wished so badly to sound like the Undertones and lived happily ever after when they got to be even more famous
Better than a lot of the punk that comes up on this list. I appreciate the clarity of the singing, so I can actually understand what the hell the vocalist is raging against. There’s good diversity, not just droning guitars. The sense of humour is on point. It’s pretty decent! ✨
Politically charged punk. Cool, man.
Energično, zanimljivo, kreativno za razliku od mnogo drugog punka, ali svakako mi ovo nije nimalo drag žanr pa ne ide skroz. Ali ima rijedak slučaj dobre punk pjesme trajanja oko 5 minuta.
This becomes a difficult listen purely because of how raw it is I think. Like it becomes a little outdated just because of the recordings even. But I think it has a couple good tracks on it that could still survive the test of time now, and I’m sure this went on to follow sex pistols in inspiring punk artists. I also quite like the rawness of their tracks just being to the point in terms of what they’re trying to say about society. Good for what it was.
very fun album. I love the hardcore pace and the sense of humor.
I see the influences to maybe System of a Down and Dropkick Murphy’s and that is -to me- actually a perfect description of DK’s sound. A little manic but makes a statement.
Meh
Solid. Can't understand a word
The subject matter on this record is sadly still so relevant. It gets a tad monotonous after so long of a similar sound, but the impact this had is still evident in modern hardcore punk.
high 3 some good punk here, not tooooo samey
Punk classic
Very punk! I enjoyed the vibe and I would listen to different bands with this style/genre, but none of their lyrics/topics particularly spoke to me today.
This was tough at first, very jarring and screaming guitars were hard to adjust to. After getting through the album, it’s obvious the influence they had on bands in the heavy realm I like, with plenty of riffs and vibes being repurposed elsewhere, ie system of a down and green day. Didn’t love it but I appreciate it.
they definitely are angry and a little bit crazydoo
This is obviously essential punk-listening. Its message is legendary and instrumentation is tight and angry, a West coast style that is more like the English Sex Pistols than the East Coast Ramones. I wouldn't say it's not necessarily a "new" sound in 1980, but it is well done and would certainly resonate. This seems like something I would have loved when younger but I never got into DKs because I'm just not a fan of Jello Biafra's voice. The way it kind of falsettos and sometimes warbles (see "California Uber Alles", which is maybe the most memorable song), it's kind of annoying or goofy.
They’re from the yay area (San Francisco). Falls into the Raomes category of sounding British but being from the US. Good length.
Always kinda surprises me when an albums best song is at the very end. Most albums just start throwing filler at you and that’s when I kinda tune it out so when holiday in Cambodia came on it kinda caught me off guard
An American take on the Sex Pistols. Political and sometimes funny. Musically a bit more sophisticated than the Ramones.
Heard it before. A classic punk album. Holiday in Cambodia is such a banger 3/5
This is an interesting one. Though the songs are about heavier topics, the music feels less emotional and more clean and technical. Musically interesting with lots of complex and precise rhythms and very quick tempos. I like the character of the vocals, and the song titles are definitely entertaining. The funniest song title is Stealing People's Mail. I agree with James that I'd have to be in a very specific mood to want to listen to this album - amped and maybe a little angry. I liked the little waltz interlude in Chemical Warfare. Also the Viva Las Vegas cover was unexpected and funny to me. 7/10.
This was a very interesting album. I've heard a lot about the dead Kennedys. But, I've never listened to one of their albums. I wasn't the biggest fan of the vocal style. But, the instrumentation was pretty cool
This album is a very mood dependent listen. Low energy? Its probably going to annoy the hell out of you. Angry, high energy, or looking to get hyped up? This album might hit hard. The high speed drums, singing, and guitar does not let up at all during this listen, which can be entertaining if the mood is right. Bonus points for the edgy song names, which kept cracking me up. I preferred this more in comparison to Wild Gift by X, it felt like The Dead Kennedys leaned further into the punk genre which I appreciated. Would maybe check out more of their music, not sure I'd revisit this album anytime soon though. Favorite songs: Kill the Poor, Drug Me 6.5/10
Not my kind of stuff but ok
It's nice to get, once in a while, an album that I know I'll have no opinion on whatsoever.
234/1089 - So this is where the Pokémon battle themes come from.
I just don’t get punk but I like the attitude.
Energic punk rock, just the way i like it
Ah, now this is my youth right here. Well, post youth really, since I found them later after overcoming my obsession with death metal and other extreme music. In my youth I was into (among other things) Finnish '82 punk, basically where our hardcore scene started, but also G.B.H. and Cro-Mags. American hardcore punk was another beast, I can't describe why, but for the most part it didn't grab me like the Finnish or UK stuff did. DK was never on the forefront of my fandom, but they had a place in there. This was when taping from friends was a way of life. When ever someone bought a new LP, you'd go over with your fresh tape to get a copy and vice versa. I've no idea of what I had taped, what I overtaped or lost, so I'm working from memory here. My biggest problem is with Jello's style of singing, while I accustomed to it, I don't like it, it's almost like he is too sarcastic at all times. Anyway, back in the day I did buy the Bedtime For Democracy LP, by which I was mildly dissapointed, and later found a cheap 12" of Holiday in Cambodia (a Cherry Red release).
A more refined never mind the bollocks, again I do like this album but I think there are too many songs where some start to feel the same
I’m not a big punk guy, but I know what I like. I listened to this album during work & nothing really stuck out to me. It all sounded the same & the singer, while definitely unique, didn’t appeal to me in the least. After listening a second time, with the lyrics & background from Wikipedia, I became a fan. The reason this is in the 1,001 Albums You Must Hear is that the Dead Kennedys are essentially our Sex Pistols, though DK arguably has the better musicians. DK can also match or even better the Pistols with lyrics. Jello Biafra, the lead singer & songwriter of most of the songs, was very into the national & world issues of the day. You can tell from the first song, which is called Kill the Poor. As in, drop a bomb on the poor & clear out real estate that the rich can buy & use. The songs are satirical & hilarious, but Biafra still makes his point. Other songs on the album are, Let’s Lynch the Landlord, I Kill Children, Stealing People’s Mail, Ill in the Head, and their biggest “hit,” Holiday in Cambodia. It’s amazing, or sad, how we seem to have the same issues today that Biafra was writing about in 1980. I think this album is worth checking out for historical purposes & the lyrics of the songs, but it’s not my kind of punk.
Good early punk. I love listening to something like this and hearing direct influence in band like NoFX later on. Not something I'll go back to often, but I very much appreciate it for what it is. I've always been a sucker for Jello's voice. Solid 3.5.
The music, the lyrics, the vibe = I love it all. It’s the heart of punk. I just can’t (I know this is lame) can’t do the vibrato… Said another way, I just wish the lyrics were sang the same way as “Stealing People’s Mail” on every song.
Punk vibes for days
Sex Pistols remastered or what?! But I like it. Weak three stars for this one. 2,5
3.75
good old fahioned punk. Great to exercise to
Classic punk. It's always good in short bursts.
While this band certainly isn’t my typical jaunt, it makes me feel a little less alone(?) because I’m living the exact same timeline that Dead Kennedys was in 1980. I guess things don’t change… strong messaging.
This was fine for a punk album, and I was fine to be done with it. 2.9
Epilépticos, me subieron la presión y hasta mi reloj se adelantó.
J - 3/5 Best Track - "Holiday In Cambodia"
I think at least one of these songs has been on every time I've gotten tattooed. That's pretty much the only scenario I like punk, so I'm not rating this too highly. I knew DH Peligro, the drummer. He was a really kind, sweet guy. Very unique dude, fun to hang with. He passed away some years ago, one of those tragic cases that just couldn't stay sober. You could feel that frenetic DK energy in him.
Hell yeah to punk. I’m all for this band having a message. 🖕
Something I can drive to work to.
I'm not the audience for hardcore punk, leaning much more into the post-punk category. The Ramones is one thing, but most of the '1234, chugga chugga' just seems to go in one ear and out the other for me. I did like the longer tracks, which are of course the more well-known. This is a foundational album, but it isn't part of my own foundation. That said, it seems like essential listening, so it merits at least a 3 from me.
I was surprised to hear what I could only describe as some solid influence to SOAD’s signature sound!
agree - listen before you die but this isn't definitive for dk
They're not musically sophisticated, but they're never boring. I feel like if I were into punk at all, it would probably be something like this.
Look Ma, a punk band with more than 3 chords. With a song with surfer influence. With tempo changes mid song. With short songs - only 30m total! Only - kill the bad drummer! (Oh look they exchanged him afterwards) And, are the lyrics all meant serious? The moment I started to don’t take them seriously I started enjoying the album. Still: Not my taste. But one of the better punk albums for sure.
Loud jangly and fun. Better musically than I expected. Found myself bopping along to more than few tunes. Not a relisten however.
Accelerating
Goeie punk muziek. Laatst live gezien in New York. Was hard.
I appreciate the energy but not my vibe, another mid 3
Always had a distant (positive) relationship with Dead Ks. Their more speed, Hardcore punk stylings. I enjoy but usually in small doses, a whole album in 1 sitting gets a little don't really know, much or samey. 3 Stars. Is it just what I have been given to date, or is there a disproportionate amount of punk in this list, I mean I like punk but the % seems high for me at a quarter of the way through.
Really hard to take this era of political punk seriously after the SNL skit "Punk Band Reunion at the Wedding". This is my first album in the 1001 Albums project and I can already see 10 minutes in I'm going to need to find ways to put myself in whatever milieu the album was released in. I think that may be the entire point of this project and why I want to partake. However, having said that, repetitive punk with one-note political statements is absolutely not my vibe in 2025. That's ok, at least it's not hot new country. Thank god the songs and album are short. Ready to be done half way through.
There were some nice guitar moments in this album.
Reminded me of watching surf and skate vids in the '90s
Irónicos, satíricos y por eso únicos y necesarios. No siempre se les ha comprendido, lo que les valió bastantes problemas. La voz de Biafra (con un tono similar al de M. Stipe por ejemplo) es marca de la casa, la entonación es similar a la de Paul McLoone de los inigualables Undertones. Este disco y Bedtime for democracy son sus mejores álbumes. Aquí destacan las obvias California Über Alles y Holiday in Cambodia, que junto a Too drunk to fuck son sus más conocidos temas. Kill the poor es otro pepinazo.
I last heard this in about 1984, in a certain boy's basement. It so wasn't my thing, and still isn't, but I still rate it. American punk done right, with humour, anger, and massive energy. Best song for me is California Uber Alles; what a song.
Simply for it's real punkiness.
It’s shocking how prescient Fresh Fruit got Rotting Vegetables still is today. Everything is there, anti-war, anti-fascism, wealth inequality, housing etc. Topically very important, musically good enough. 7.1/10
Dad- 3 Mom- 5 Mike- NA Lori- 5.5 Michael- 8 Miles- NA Cole- NA Avg- 5.38
powerful and consistent narrative, good vocal, but the instrumentals are repetitive and lacking much depth
Very cool. Favourite song Drug Me. Did not listen to whole album
Good short, shouty punk rock.
When ya get drafted made me think of system of a down. Fun, good energy, maybe a little underproduced but that's on par for punk of the era. 3*
These songs are ON POINT. This band has something to say and that is awesome. The music itself was really not for me. I had a hard time with the rating as it was a 5 for lyrics but a 1 for sound. Rating: 3
Decent listen.
You went to school for a year or two. If you never heard Punk, this is probably what you think it sounds like. Congratulations you’re right. Not the best, not the first, but pretty great and influential.
The cover of the album is from riots that resulted from a 7 YEAR!!! prison sentence given to the guy that assassinated Harvey Milk and the then Mayor of SF. His defense was he was depressed and was eating too much junk food. I think the stupidity of that is important context for this album. This guy sings like an idiot because the world is a dumb place. Maybe? I like the tone but not sure I'll come back to this. Happy to have heard it and finally have some idea of what the Dead Kennedys were about.
Kinda grew on me over the course of the album, but the shitty audio quality is hard to overcome, esp on the vocals. More intelligent and creative than most punk, political without feeling preachy. This is really a 2.5 but bumping to 3 because I do think the Dead Kennedys is one of the best band names I’ve ever heard. Chemical war and holiday in Cambodia are solid.
Im finding myself to be a fan of older punk rock. Maybe its also the bay area bias coming out. Biafra's voice is... crass, but punk exists in this weird place where it doesn't really matter. Heck, sometimes its even annoying. Overall, somewhere in that way overdone 3 star rating. Ideally a 3.5 Best songs: Lets Lynch The Landlord California Uber Alles Holiday in Cambodia Viva Las Vegas Fuck Dan White!
Love the angst, don’t love the music unfortunately.
Falling on the border of like & ok. Not crazy about the vocals, but I loved the energy from rhythm & drums. Mostly it made me want to listen to suspect device.
Interesting.
I could see this album making a lot of kids in the 80s hate the world.
SOAD-like, maybe worth a relisten
This was a nice change of pace. Holiday in Cambodia is a THPS trip down memory lane that I'm always happy to take. Short enough and meaningful enough content to be a valid piece of content on this list.
3.3
Pretty good punk record
This is definitely not usually my sort of thing, but I enjoyed it more than I thought. I also put it on in work and the person with me who does like this genre thought I was cool for like 30 minutes.
If only the vocalist wasn't so extra annoying ...
It was fun, but noisy. Not my thing but I appreciate it.
Was fun to run too.
At first I was excited because it sounded like the Ramones but a little more raw, but as the album went on I got over it and the edginess pretty quickly
12/04/25 I've never listened to Dead Kennedys before, this was okay.
I always associate the Dead Kennedys with the alternative scene. This album confirms that. Full of energy and going wild. Best song on this album? Your emotions! Most hilarious song? Viva Las Vegas!
Mildly frantic and messy but not necessarily in a bad way. I think I quite liked it but my head is still spinning from the mayhem. Plus Guitar Hero nostalgia for Holiday in Cambodia
Having grown up on Green Day, I found I was really able to appreciate the sound of this album. Though I'd never heard of Dead Kennedys before, I could immediately recognise certain similarities and patterns from Green Day's music, which I later confirmed with a bit of googling. Who would have thought! While this album is a bit more hardcore than what I'd usually go for, I still liked the overall sound and the style of Dead Kennedys.
Felt like a Holiday In Cambodia.
Good
Certainly not a chore to listen to, but I'm not a huge punk fan. I normally like to hear distinctions between instruments instead of a wall of noise and yelling. That said, Holiday in Cambodia is an excellent song. And Viva Las Vegas was an interesting choice. Not bad though
Classic punk.
This album and band are "important" but also "not super easy to hear." Everyone should spend some time understanding the messages, but wow: the delivery is hard to take. Jello Biafra's spoken word stuff is a bit easier to stomach.
Short and sweet 3.5
I used to read Sounds every week as a spotty youth and always remember an advert for Holiday in Cambodia by the Dead Kennedys, which I thought was a great name for a band and a great song title. Being a metal head at the time i never sought out neither song nor band. So here I am 45 years later finally hearing the Dead Kennedys. Did they record it at the wrong speed? The Elvis cover of Viva Las Vegas is a massive improvement on the original.
Yes, I appreciate this should be on the list. Do I love it? No.
Ik luister albums altijd op een gaar setje boxjes vanaf de computer, waar ik een paar meter verderop in een groot kantoor aan het werk ben. Zelfs dan hoor ik dat dit niet de allercleanste opname is. Mijn geluid is altijd wat blikkerig en schel, maar nu is dat dus extra. Blijkbaar hoort dat bij punk, het mag vooral niet mooi zijn, maar moet extra lelijk. Gelukkig kende ik al wel Holiday in Cambodia, en zolang je maar wat herkent en weet dat het nummer dat je kent nog gaat komen, blijf je wel makkelijker luisteren. Ik vind dit ook niet echt slecht, het is verder wel vrolijk boze rockabilly, voor van die punkers die liever een vetkuif a la Elvis of John Travolta hebben dan een hanenkam en veiligheidsspelden door hun oor. Muzikaal kan het allemaal beter, maar het kan ook zeker slechter. En in een half uurtje is het weer gedaan met de pret. Dit soort muziek luister je als je jong bent en recalcitrant. Nu is het niets meer dan een soort nostalgie, toen ik nog wel eens na een concert in de Melkweg in cafe the Minds schuin tegenover krakerspand Vrankrijk een flesje Budels heb gedronken. Holiday in Cambodia onthoud ik, de rest vergeet ik weer voor een vergeetbare 3.
Punk. Gut gemacht, aber eben nicht mein Geschmack.
This is so rough and punk. The lyrics hit hard and the rawness really ramps up the emotion. Classic punk album from a classic punk band that has influenced so many other huge bands that have come after.
Pretty cool
What a silly album. I recently decided that punk was not my genre of choice, but I must admit this was not that bad. Very political, naturally, but at least it managed to keep my interest up throughout the record. Maybe it's Mr. Jello Biafra's (what a stupid name) singing style that makes me feel like they don't take themselves too seriously. I like that. Also, the energy in the songs was actually captured in the recording, which is quite rare. I actually got a bit excited there, for a few minutes, to stand next to the scene and dance to their beats and throw rotten tomatoes at pictures of the president, or whatever you do at punk rock shows.
An album that succeeds in being a fun punk album! Just enough variation that stops it from getting repetitive and boring. Just a lot of attitude of the album. Besides the classics like "Holiday in Cambodia", I really enjoyed "California Uber Alles". Political and fun, an album that makes you want to drink cheap lager at a basement concert. I mean how can't you not like an album with tracks like "I Kill Children" and "When Ya Get Drafted". I even like the Elvis Cover! My only gripe is the mixing which sounds a bit flat (i know it's the style but still). Strong 3!
punk lives. But I'm still never going to be a punk boi
Great subject matter but not really the kind of sound I want to listen to most of the time.
Rough, fast, no fucks given, pushing boundaries, lampooning Elvis - this album has all of the characteristics of a perfect punk album. I can’t exactly say it’s good, but it holds a special place for attitude and energy.
Despite knowing their name since I was a long-haired teenager, I'm pretty sure this is the first time I've actively listened to the Dead Kennedys (and was disappointed to discover that they didn't appear on the "Repo Man" soundtrack). I'm quite relieved that I didn't miss anything by this long-standing omission, and a bit surprised that the album sounds *exactly* like I thought it would. I suspect when it was released it wouldn't have sounded like a parody of what punk rock should sound like, but I fear that's what it sounds like to me. And I'm inclined to agree with the reviewer cited in the Wikipedia entry for this album, who theorized that the album's relative popularity was due solely to "Holiday in Cambodia" and its distinctive sound. The rest of the album is largely undifferentiated hardcore with largely unintelligible but clearly excoriating, incisive and sardonic lyrics. (There are a couple of tracks with some interesting parts that might have inspired that Faith no More spinoff/nightmare Mr. Bungle, though: "Chemical warfare" and "Ill in the head".) I didn't know much about Jello Biafra before getting this album, and now that I've read up on him, I'm glad I didn't know what a jerk he'd been to his bandmates and others before I listened to much of the album. What a strange (and largely distasteful but passionately antiestablishmentarian) man, and a strange artistic and political career; I can't imagine that the Dead Kennedys could really shine without him.
I dont get it. its definitely not for me, and every DK fan I've met is kinda an abrasive dick, although truthfully there arent many I've met. It sounds okay musically, but lyrically and vocally its pretty bad, I'm sure the messages are there but I'm not going to go any further than a single listen.
Whether you like this album/band or not it’s impossible to talk about it without sounding like a self important twat. So let’s just say… 3 stars. Good enough. Viva Las Vegas is a hoot. On to the next one
My first time listening to the Dead Kennedys (and a first dive into hardcore punk in general) and, even if not all the songs clicked with me, there's a couple of all-time bangers on it!
🎧Decent punk album
Ok punk album
Slightly underwhelmed by this well-regarded American punk. Couple high points, especially Kill The Poor and of course California Uber Alles, but maybe their later stuff is better?
This was fine, but punk really isn't my forte. I typically tire of the genre after about 3 songs.
Punk has never been my thing. This album is OK. I enjoyed a few songs more than I expected to.
I didn't like the vocals, really. It just didn't sound as forceful as I was expecting. I guess from hearing covers of "Let's Lynch The Landlord," I was expeceting a deeper voice. But besides that, the punk feel of the album was good: hit you with a 2 minute song, and then you're out. Top tracks: "Let's Lynch The Landlord," "Stealing People's Mail," "California Uber Alles," "Viva Las Vegas"
Pretty good. Dated for what it is but not bad 3/5
I enjoyed some of this but I also found some of it a bit grating. What I found most interesting is how I felt like I knew this a bit already because I've heard things that clearly must be inspired quite a bit by Dead Kennedys. 'California Über Alles' sounded a lot like a System Of A Down song, so they were probably inspired from here. Standouts Kill The Poor Let's Lynch The Landlord California Über Alles Holliday In Cambodia 3/5
2.5 not what i like the most
punk a wonk
Dead Kennedys are cool. Early punk rock. Full of angst and they probably hate their parents and eat the rich.
Holiday in Cambodia and the Elvis cover are great. The rest is a little too DIY for my taste.
Punk Pur, zum Teil anstrengend zu hören und mit provokanten zeitkritischen Texten. Aber muss Punk nicht so sein? Es sind 45 geballte Power die den Stil solide spiegelt.
Meh
Frenetic fun. I don't think I could listen to this on repeat
Lively, quirky sound. Welcome to pop up in my play list now and again.
I was looking forward to this but was surprised that I found it quite dull. California Uber alles is a certified banger though.
Wow, I didn’t expect to see this on the list! It’s not my favourite but undeniably a classic of the genre. It’s funny to hear it again after so long as I’d forgotten that it’s way more Lo-fi and melodic than I remembered. Hardcore punk from this era is usually a lot more abrasive but the vocal melodies really carry this record. Holiday in Cambodia and California Uber Alles still sound great but overall the album drags a bit. It’s kinda crazy and depressing how some of these themes persist to this day.
You can hear a few bands I like in this album. Drug me - system of a down anyone?
хз.. ну я не очень люблю вот чисто панк, понятно политика, окей, это высказывание, но эмоционально мне он не зашел Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables — дебютный студийный альбом американской панк-рок-группы Dead Kennedys. Первоначально лонгплей был выпущен в Соединённом Королевстве (2 сентября 1980 года на лейбле Cherry Red Records), после чего последовал релиз в США занял 40-е место в списке «40 величайших панк-альбомов всех времён по версии журнала Rolling Stone» в нем 15 треков но он длится 35 минут. как…?
I used to own In God We Trust and did not listen to it much because ultimately it’s not really enjoyable in repeated doses. This album is similar and while it may be fun to hear a song every few years it’s just not something I want to immerse my self into.
Can definitely respect it for how crude it is for the 80s
It was an ok punk album from someone who is not a huge punk fan.
Really good for what it is but not the type of stuff I get excited about
Decent, few songs on here.
Was not in the right mood for this one, but always enjoy their cover of Viva Las Vegas.
piacevole, strano ma vero, anche se probabilmente non sceglierò più volontariamente di ascoltarlo
6.5/10 Highlights: Holiday in Cambodia California über Alles Let's Lynch the Landlord Kill the Poor
Just bog standard punk noise, isn't it? Mostly blended into one sound. Bit of fun though I suppose!
At least it's short. California Uber Alles and Holiday in Cambodia were alright
I had fond memories of the Dead Kennedys. However, I must have forgotten how punky they are. This is particularly evident on this album. It's definitely fun at a wild party in between. Right now it is too exhausting for me. 3/5
Classic British punk. A lot of the messages still ring true today. Thtat being said, the punk sound/style often isn't the most pleasant thing to listen to (as intended I guess).
A bit mental, might have to come back to it another time.
Dead Kennedys are a few punk bands that wanted to convey their message. Not just playing loud and shrill to annoy the establishment, but good songwriting and playing.
This has all the right stuff.
This is pretty good and I can hear all the punk bands I like that were obviously highly influenced by DKs.
Very punk
Fullt godkänd.
Not keen on this one. I was born after the punk era, and it always feels like artists are trying too hard to outshock each other. The album has good moments (I enjoyed 'Stealing people's mail') but the line between irony/satire and nasty is thin on some other tracks. Think you had to be there.
I have a hard time differentiating a good punk album from a bad punk album. This was fine, didn’t hate it, but probably won’t listen again
Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables is the debut album from the Dead Kennedys, who may be the definitive, American hard-core punk band. The band makes thrashing, guitar driven punk, with politically focused lyrics from their front man, Jello Biafra. The band's short career was defined by conflict, and their aggressive and intentionally confrontational work, like "Let's Lynch the Landlord" and "Kill the Poor," suggest why the band's songs provoked such strong reactions. The album also includes what may be the band's best known songs, "California Uber Alles."
This is pure, breakneck speed 80s punk. I get why it was popular at the time, but I've never cared massively for punk as a whole. I like elements of punk, but not all of it. Trying to be unbiased is difficult, but I don't think I care for Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables at all. I recognise the talent involved and the relevant political lyrics, but it isn't my scene.
sounded like the punk band in Everybody Wants Some! which i suppose makes sense
Liked this. Enjoyed the aggression and the brevity. The album is short and too the point. 3.5/5 Probably will listen again
Don’t know how this passed me by, great album
3.5 love thw DKs
Pikkusen hyperaktiivista punkkia. Mutta hyvä ja koominen meno. Parhaat: California Uber Alles, Holiday In Cambodia, Chemical Warfare
Not bad. Punk 80s. Sent messages.
So apparently punk is not the genre for me. I started off liking this but the novelty quickly wore off. To be fair though, it is the best American punk offering I’ve had so far, so there’s that
I mean, it’s an interesting album to listen to and I know it’s a classic in the punk/hard core circles. I’m sure there is some parody or something involved, but it’s hard to get behind a song called I Kill Children. It sounds better musically than I expected, and the Viva Las Vegas cover is pretty awesome. It’s a shocking album to listen to, which is the point, and it’s effective at being shocking, but I’m not sure I gained anything else from it.
I liked about half of this album. The rest was ok….ish. After a while, Jello’s voice can get annoying. Plus any comparison to the Sex Pistols is a big negative for me. Fortunately, a lot of the songs are really short.
It's so frustrating how this album is so held back by such shitty production. There is not a single song on here that doesn't go insanely hard, but most of them just sound terrible. 3 stars for an album with amazing potential.
The vocals really set them apart from much of the other punk I've heard. Distorted guitars and a quick pace is nothing new to punk, but Jello's vocals come across clearly and add melody that some of their peers lack. The drummer has an intelligent approach, finding tasteful accents in the guitar and bass work that otherwise weren't emphasized. Does anyone else hear Sparks in the vocals ("Kill the Poor", "California Über Alles")? The sentiment in "Let's Lynch the Landlord" is ageless, as class warfare is probably the most common theme throughout all of human history. Think the playing is speedy? "Drug Me" speeds up speedy, and I love the chaos of "Chemical Warfare" with its change in speed and rhythm, aforementioned tasty drum hits, and various start/stops. We finally see what the guitarist can do in his solo on "Stealing People's Mail" and the strange scale of his riff in "Ill in the Head." True to punk form, there is a consistent anarchy present, challenging norms and asking why things are the way they are when they could literally be anything else. Covering "Viva Las Vegas" shows they are influenced by more than punk and willing to try their hand at some other genres. It keeps the album playful. This album comes and goes like a whirlwind. They don't mince words, riffs, or time; Dead Kennedys run on the field, bludgeon everyone they see, and salt the field on their exit to find more victims.
Sneering lyrics railing against war, classism, capitalism, environmental destruction. Sticking it to the Man and squares everywhere with random acts of postal theft. This is the link between Buddy Holly and System of a Down. But this didn't measure up to either of those, for me. Jello Biafra's messy and frantic vocals are backed up by simple yet energetic, crunchy instrumentals. I know Jello has plenty to say, but I couldn't help but feel like he was the weak link in the overall sound. I know sounding pleasing isn't exactly the point of this, but there were plenty of songs that I enjoyed the riffs but couldn't get into the vocals. If I must choose highlights, it might be Holiday in Cambodia and that psychobilly cover of Viva Las Vegas.
Ok
Lively album but mostly just noise. Didn’t love it, didn’t hate it. Initially had the original version on which sounded very flat - the 2022 mix sounds much better.
It’s ok, Elvis cover was unexpected
Snotty, darkly humorous and tight as a drum. The Viva Las Vegas cover is a grungy twist on a classic.
dai che magari oggi imparo il punk rym 3.97 > 15 brani > 36 minuti > classico momento punk sentimento apprezzatissimo ma musicalmente per me non si va oltre al 2/5 anzi facciamo 3/5
Significantly more musical than I was expecting a punk album to be. Really enjoyed the politics and the number of sub-three minute songs. Hard to make it much past 3 in a genre I don't particularly enjoy, but this is up there.
Ragey and effective.
All over the place. I prefer the singles versions of the big songs. But you just gotta love Jello.
6 / 10 Punk Rock, demasiado estresante de buena mañana.
Der er nogen rigtige bangers! Virkelig skelsættende tænker jeg, men det lyder også lidt "bare" som Sex Pistols der spiller hurtigere i mine 2024-ører
Kort og godt! Gode sangtitler 😄
3.5 stars
I was new to most of this, having only heard Holiday in Cambodia before. Theres some interesting political satire on this album and a couple of catchy tunes, particularly Kill the Poor, but I can’t say I loved any of it. I am not the biggest fan of punk though
Quite enjoyed some of this, but also some of it I didn’t. Just a solid three. Simpsons: No
It's alright, solid 3. Shout out to another Guitar Hero track, Holiday in Cambodia.
This was better than I expected. "Holiday in Cambodia" is the only song here that I had heard before. I liked the cover of "Viva Las Vegas."
I always wanted to like the Dead Kennedys. On paper, I should like them, they are right down my alley but Jello gets on my nerves. Like dude we get it, you have ADHD just take your medicine, bro. Plus, none of these songs were even on Tony Hawk.
I have had a mixed relationship with punk found on this project, but there is just something about Dead Kennedys that get it right for me. Yes, they're slamming on their instruments, but there's actually some rhythm there that makes their songs kind of catchy. It seems like quite a feat that a punk band would achieve such a good balance of punk spirit vs album production value on their first album. I would say that these guys definitely mastered using shock value as a way to communicate their message. Many of the song titles and lyrics draw you in with little hooks that are meant to cause a stir, only for you to realize that they're incredibly socially conscious. In fact, on social consciousness, I would say they rival most other major punk acts. By the end of the album, their cover of Elvis's "Viva Las Vegas" even seems sarcastic and tongue-in-cheek. Also, I laughed when I discovered that these guys were American. I always assumed by the way that they sing that they were British or Irish.
Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables is one of the better 80s punk albums we've had, better than the Ramones, and it's very easy to see the influence it had on bands for the next thirty years. It's not just your standard repetitive sound for 40 minutes, there's variety, there's subtlety, and there's a fuckton of energy. Chemical Warfare is a great track among those I didn't know, obviously the big tracks are all good, doesn't give me a huge lasting quality to get a 4 but a sound 3 for sure.
A better version of punk but still not my favorite.
A lot of the songs sounded too much a like but I liked Your Emotions and the message behind it.
Brit punk. This isn’t doing much to change my mind that there is only one punk song. This is a more listenable than most, plus one star Landlord has a nice solo. Ok overall a more listenable album than much I’ve heard from the genre. I probably didn’t enjoy the overall listen, but I didn’t dislike it either Holiday in Cambodia had actual depth and range to the music. No surprise it’s the one I’ve known this band for.
What to say? Super political punk music. Jello is an interesting dude for sure. I will probably never listen to this again.
First punk album that I’ve gotten that doesn’t make bad music. The lyrics are some of the most questionable and maybe evil, but I think the music was a lot of fun to listen to. There is a song called I Kill Children. I thought of it more as a tongue in cheek kinda thing. Critiques of warfare and maybe capitalism. It was difficult to catch everything said. California one was the best on the album. Standouts: Kill the Poor, Chemical Warfare, California Uber Allies, and Funland at the Beach.
Fun
Very high 3 but not a 4
sterk 3'er. California über alles var lættis
Well, it’s a collection of short and snappy political punk-rock tracks. This isn’t really a good thing for me, as whilst some tracks are good fun, I feel like as a vessel for a political message, this album doesn’t feel right. Perhaps it did at the time of release, as I feel the same about the album that it is most compared to, Never Mind The Bollocks.
Viele kurze Tracks, ein bisschen hektisch. Viel Gitarrensound, prinzipiell ok aber nichts so beosnderes. 3/5
punkt halt lol biz monoton
Pretty good' especially as a punk genre group. With I paid more attention to them when they first came out. Funny, the fast paced energy, they play like they hav to get the song out as fast as possible or die!
One of the greatest punk albums of all time. Production is terrible and the musicianship is spotty at best, but that suits the genre. Political commentary and satire are top notch.
Pretty intense listening, had to really pay attention to catch the lyrics. I've never been a big punk fan but this album actually had me chuckling at some points on the way home. The lead singers voice reminds me a lot of System of a Down. Loved the short, punchy tracks, most of them were less than two minutes and I think they were the best ones.
Holiday in Cambodia is an all time favourite. Remainder is offensive but I like it.
A bit silly but overall a fun listen
Didn't think I would, but I kind of like it.
My husband thinks I’m being generous with three stars, but my socialist inner rebel finds appeal in this stuff, even if it gets musically monotonous after awhile.
Great album. Probably could argue myself up to a 4 but I think I'm going to stick to a 3.
hell yeah dude
sorry for the lack of review i was too busy skanking
I have no defense but I actually kinda liked this
Music is awful. Message is meh
Gets you up and about. Fun but a bit repetitive. 3.5 starts, definitely better than the Stooges but not as good as Bob.