Reviews (page 6 of 8)
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.
It's good, Jello Biffa vocals are fun. I do listen to them sometimes but it's not quite the kind of punk I really like.
WE NEED TO PLAY NOW AND LOUD
Goddamn did these guys just not give any care about offending anyone and everyone they could (see track “I Kill Children” as reference). The band can often sound repetitive like they’re using the same riffs in multiple tracks, and thank god Spotify has the lyrics to tell me what the hell this dude is saying, but nonetheless a pretty entertaining listen. 6/10
im not familiar with Dead Kennedys until this album. I appreciated it. good stuff
Really fun but repetitive couldnt get hooked
unusual with short songs, a lot of songs sound pretty similar, pretty good though
Viva Las Vegas Weeeeeeee! 6/10
It's a decent listen but the punk sound is almost too raw at times. If you prefer that kind of punk than I can easily understand this being a top tier album for somebody. Holiday in Cambodia brought back some good guitar hero memories for me. 6/10
Dirty, loud, terrible audio quality, PUNK. 5/10
iconic punk. 3.1.
Just had Germs, now this - I'm on a roll with the early hardcore punk life. Whilst the Germs was loud and trashy and just a bit rubbish, this is loud and thrashy with better material. Great punk guitar work. Charismatic singer. Good songs underneath.
3/5 California Uber Alles and Holiday in Cambodia are both great examples of hard-core punk. The rest of the album is not as great.
There's snippets I find interesting ... but too chaotic for me overall. More cacophony than music overall
Head thrashing
Great lyrics and messages but music and over all feel didn't hit for me for some reason. Still enjoyed the listen.
Though I’ve always respected Jello Biafra and Dead Kennedys they’re not a band I have listened to a ton. Solid punk album with their blend of cheeky satire and politically charged aggression. Standouts are Kill the Poor, Lynch the Landlord and Holiday in Cambodia. It’s good and belongs on the list I just won’t return to it often. 3.5 stars
Decent, but very confused why it’s on this list.
I remember a kid in my high school in the span of one summer moving from Rush to Dead Kennedys as his go-to band which I just could.not.compute. Actually that's still pretty odd. But being older and more open to everything let's go - I'm not sure I've actively listened to them since the 80s so... Holy hell I remember "California Über Alles" This is SO not my shit that it somehow made me listen even more. I'm filing this in a specialty column. I don't really *like* the music although a lot of it is more complex and difficult than is apparent on a casual listen <n.b: not possible> ...Jello's vocals are...something. But this is the very rare attitude album that I sort of get. Fave part: the guitar work on "Holiday in Cambodia" Outrageous, unpredictable, obviously in-your-goddamn-face lyrics/subjects - it's nothing I'm going to think about and consider for a rainy Saturday afternoon sitting in the living room. But this might be a mowing-the-lawn or walking-the-dog while pissed at the world album, and honestly we need these on occasion. 6/10 3 stars
Fine. Did not impress me overall
No està malament, però no és genial. És el típic àlbum que escoltaria un parell de cançons però no tot sencer. Lorenzo prediction: 3/5
Interesting punk album with some tricks up its sleeve. I enjoy the genre but often feel albums burn themselves out of meaningful ideas even with sub-30 minute runtimes, but this one had enough in the tank melodically (not to mention thematically) to keep things churning from front to back.
2.5
I remember hearing Holiday In Cambodia on 2JJ & on the way home from work I dropped into a record store in Liverpool & grabbed this album. Side 2 is an absolute winner, beginning with California Uber Alles (giving it to Democrat Californian Governor Jerry Brown, who had run for President in 1980; he was Linda Ronstadt’s boyfriend for a while) & ending with a great cover of Viva Las Vegas. But Holiday In Cambodia is the standout - the “Pol Pot” refrain was inspired. The album only has one gear, but it’s a good one.
Kill kill kill kill kill the poor
Ok
Eh!
Hooky, irreverent and fun. This is one's punk/hardcore faves. The political and social satire, while biting and a worth a laugh, isn't exactly piercing or multidimensional, Swiftian in design (at least on the opener) more than effect. But what they gain in humor, they lose in the playing; it's too one-note musically to rate much higher. The Elvis cover is perfectly wonderful, but indicates just how seriously this was to be taken ... or how far it could go.
S/o Guitar Hero and s/o Someone recognizing how fun it is to say Pol Pot
Incredible how much punk has fallen out of favor over the years with regard to my personal taste. (Pop)/Punk used to be my favorite genres when I was a teenager, but neither style does hardly anything for me these days
Classic hardcore punk. Some decent stuff on this album.
Importante conhecer as versões originais dos covers que gosto.
I think I needed to be in a different mindset for this, ha ha.
J'ai encore oublié ce que c'était mais je fais confiance à la commu qui mes de bonnes notes
A post punk vision in the singles so much better than the almost routine rest. Sarky, amusing but weird from the 40 years on perspective.
I have conflicting feelings about the Dead Kennedys. I am a lover of proto-punk, punk, and hardcore punk of all types, but I'm also choosy about whose act I'll buy into. I truly appreciate how so many divergent UK + US garage acts all coalesced the spirit of disenfranchised rebellious youth with music to forge the genre; giving voice to the angst and anger felt by a generation seeking an outlet that could not be denied or ignored. Very into all of that and so grateful for the doors these intrepid early innovators opened. That being said, I've only spent a cursory amount of time with the Dead Kennedys. Had a lot of friends in high school that liked them, and repped their patches on backpacks. I love the lyricism, they give you something smart and biting to consider on almost every track. But their sound isn't as appealing to me as other punk acts. I love the goofy, zany, craziness of the Ramones. I adore the sneering yet wry style of The Clash. These guys just don’t have a similar kind of draw for me. There's something readily listenable about their music that I do vibe with, hard. And while I've enjoyed listening to this album the whole way through today, I don't feel overly compelled to spend more time with these guys. I respect what they've contributed to the scene, I like their sound, but I'm not gobsmacked mad about in any way. It checks a box for me. And that's fine.
too long. rollin is a classic but most the songs just sound the same. the outro is too long too. 10 minutes of shit talk🤷♂️
Okay punk. The Dead Kennedy's bring a well thought political platform to punk rock, but I find the delivery to just be so so. 3/5.
Not something I would normally listen to, but I respect the political messages and the intense sound. A concise, consistent album.
Dude, I'm here for the sentiment, their attitude, and energy, but Jello Biafra sounds like they spliced Bryan Ferry and the dude from The B-52's' vocal chords together in a back alley operation.
I know Dead Kennedys have their following and I can see the appeal, but the vocal styles are just not my thing. ALTHOUGH live the energy might be perfect, but the recording just feels a lil more silly.
Jos levyn sisällöstä karsisi puolet pois niin olisi kovakin kokonaisuus. Ensimmäinen kuuntelukerta meni vähän ohi kun iski paniikki järjestää itsensä Tampereelta Helsinki-Vantaalle ajoissa kun junaverkko oli poikki sähkövian takia. Toinen kuuntelukerta välimeren auringossa ei kokemusta muuttanut, joten laitetaan yläkanttiin kolmosena.
Ill in the Head Good guitars and songwriting. Can't get into vox
Good playing. Singing a bit too drama.
Critical, but...
I feel like I would have appreciated this more in person.
Pretty standard punk album, decent
Fast-paced Bay Area Ramones and Sex Pistols. A few songs have the California overtones. It is a snapshot of the frantic fears of the times. Would have been higher if it wasn't a derivative.
Good old-fashioned punk, could definitely listen to it again.
I listened to this high so I might’ve enjoyed it more than if I had been sober but I still got a little tired of it by the end. I’m sure this is an important album for punk just judging from the sheer number of t shirts and pop culture references originating from this album but that doesn’t fix the mostly annoying vocals that are on par for this type of punk album. The viva Las Vegas cover was odd but I suppose it somewhat fit with the rest of the album. Overall, this sounded like the most stereotypical punk album ever but is probably what a lot of people think of when they think of punk alongside the Sex Pistols so I suppose they get a pass unlike all the other endless punk albums on this list.
Don’t like punk but it was aight
Meget sjovt, men mest af alt ret stressende!? 2.5
Catchy. Love having 'warfare warfare chemical warfare' stuck in my head.
Agressive
p454. 1980. 3.5 stars. You have to be in the right mood for this, but if you are, it's the only other punk album you need.
I tend to prefer Minor Threat, Bad Brains, and Black Flag, but one can certainly not overlook the band with the coolest name in punk. Notable songs - "Kill the Poor", "Viva Las Vegas". Bruce Slesinger's drums shine on both.
Listen to the original mix. The 2022 mix isn't great. It's the Dead Kennedys, doesn't get much more classic punk than this. These are all classic punk songs, and are all very political. They're also very straight forward, you can figure out the message of most songs here by simply reading the title. It's brash, aggressive, and breakneck, the thing we expect from punk. It's a solid album, no tracks are really weak or anything, but it's a very straight forward album and a little rough on the ears at times.
Базированный правый альбом 7/10
Grand
Liked this more than I expected 3.5/5
Pirrandi en gott. Langar bara að vera late 70s pönkari úti í horni að vera fúl út í heiminn.
I'm no Kennedy head but you have to respect a 33 minute album with 14 tracks. And I do love the fuck you spirit throughout. Stealing People's Mail is a favorite. It's not an especially pleasant listen, but like I said, deserves respect.
Dirty
5 stars for the wicked band & tunes, -2 stars for biafra’s cringe politics & “zany” delivery
Shrill from the off... Growing on me around "Let's Lynch the Landlord" though heheheh A raucous anti-establishment from top to bottom! Makes you wish that this kind of content was a bit more popular in the capitalist-ridden year of our lord 2023. I honestly thought I'd hate this but it's an incredible album to stick on if you have a shit ton of energy, a hatred of corporations and an hour to burn.
Hard rocking thrash punk metal! This was just OK though, didn’t blow me away although Kill The Poor is an absolute tune!
Punk
Such a lot of fun. Short songs, raced through. Really enjoyed it.
6/10. Stealing People's Mail really made me think about that one scene in the Jim Carrey The Grinch movie. I liked the Viva Las Vegas rendition. Also not sure what beef these guys had with Jerry Brown
6.5/10
Great fun, love this era of punk
I do really appreciate how some punk songs end after 90 seconds cause that's all that's needed. 3.5/5
Loud, aggressive. Very loud, very aggressive, in fact. I don’t like Jello Biafra’s voice but I do like the tempo and sound of this album. It’s kinda same-y and it stumbles in places (like the ending of Chemical Warfare and the splitting headache it gave me), but the closing stretch won back most of the goodwill it lost. Best song: Holiday in Cambodia
Never been that big into the Dead Kennedys. Jello Biafra’s singing/talking I always found irritating, and they were a bit too overtly political for me. This album is solid enough, with some decent songs, but not one I ever seek out. There’s probably 20 other punk albums I’d rather listen to first.
I know a few of these songs pretty well, and I like them, but the ones I didn't know I thought sounded like amateur shit. Does that mean kill the poor is actually garbage? probably, haha. But it kinda had charm, painful singing and all. 3/5.
loud and punk was fun but got old quick
It worked to a degree. Could have used fewer racial slurs
That raw punk sound but more dangerous sounding compared to The Clash
I do not like punk music and was going to rate this a 2, but I LOVE the song themes and titles. Kill The Poor, I Kill Children, what an absolute riot. Funland at the Beach is hilarious. I enjoyed the listen.
Jää mulle lopulta vähän liian siistiksi ja etäiseksi, räkä puuttuu. Mutta! Suosikkibiisini Holiday in Cambodia pelastaa, kokonaiskuva hyvän puolella.
Easily the hookiest and most varied of all the punk records on this list. "Viva Las Vegas" is good fun. "Holiday in Cambodia" and the political satire, certainly trenchant then, remains apt today. Totally Pistolsy from the outset, but "Kill the Poor" makes clear it will be different, cheekier, and better played, too. But there's an unmistakable Valley Girl vibe.
This was okay, I think a couple of the stronger tracks are "Viva Las Vegas," which a cover (but another, grittier take). And then "California Über Alles". The rest just sort of fell flat for me.
I used to love the Dead Kennedys. Probably in my punk days. Even though I've always hated punk.
алкальбом: жигули у падика во дворе хрущевок
Ух, давненько я панкухи не слушал. И тут меня прям прикололо! Очень сильно! Крепко!!! Потому что это панк не отдельно в музыке или отдельно в тексте: это панк по настроению, панк везде. Такую музыку нельзя назвать изначально "текстоцентричной", потому что при прослушивании, как мне кажется, не-носитель разберёт меньше половины сказанного... Однако, как я уже сказал, текстово альбом тоже про панк: вокалист саркастически проходится по консерватизму, капитализму, насилию, Холодной войне; естественно, с позиции бунтаря. Слушать тяжело, но легче чем Black Flag какой-нибудь. Как мне кажется (жду потом рассказ от Тёмы), это - важная группа в контексте развития хардкор-панка, 80ый год как раз.
This is the punky shit I have waited for, great album, was on the toilet learning about some Ancient Roman drama during this, good vibes.
14 songs in 32 minutes with a checklist of bad behaviors and a frantic drive to wreck the stage. I'm not sure how to gauge the context for the Dead Kennedys, but it's not scary, dour, or even serious. It's more cheeky and farcical than rebellious or preachy. 'Viva Las Vegas' impersonating Elvis sets a campy exclamation point to the list.
I'm not punk enough to love the Kennedys. California Uber Alles speaks to me though.
Not my typical style but I could appreciate it to a certain extent I didn't think I was gonna make it through but it started growing on me and I ended up listening to it all Sometimes it's fun to listen to a little bit on insane music 😂
Favorite Song: Holiday in Cambodia This entire album gives "'Rock Lobster' on steroids" vibes. Also, phew, these lyrics are wonk.
Hard, fast punk. Dead Kennedys are political and opinionated but definitely have a sense of humor too. There are moments of weirdo theatricality that remind me of System of a Down. I like that they interject some strangeness into the music.
Classic 70’s punk that I heard in college.
Moar Punk! I learnt about California Uber Alles via the cover by Disposable Heros of Hypocrisy, I have a world map in my bathroom and think about Holiday In Cambodia everytime I look at that section of the map. This album seems to be a reaction to what was happening in the world at the time but sadly it's still happening.
Legendary punk group with some cool songs, most notably Cali Uber Alles, but lacks the melody of later punk from California that I more positively would react to.
More or less the same as the v20 other pink albums we've had so far
mye bråk, men kan backe noe
this album is at its best when it toes the line of political satire. Unfortunately half the songs don’t come close and then the others take themselves too seriously. California Uber alles is genius, but holiday in Cambodia is kinda cringe. best tracks: let’s lynch the landlord, California Uber alles, kill the poor
3,5 stars. Didnt really listen to punk before but it was alright. Holiday in Cambodia was the only track i knew but also the best.
Liked it more than I thought I would. Great lyrics and the instruments weren't mostly obnoxiously noise like some early punk. Some parts still felt like pure noise though. 3.5/5
Most songs sound like very similar siblings but of course I am pro „Lynch Landlord“. Faith No More and System of a Down would‘ve never been possible without DK 2.5
Twee dagen geleden noemde ik deze naam nog na het luisteren van The Undertones. Af en toe een wel erg schelle kakofonie. Met name een bepaald stuk in Chemical Warfare is een enkele reis naar tinnitus city. Holiday in Cambodia, California Uber Alles en Kill the Poor zijn voor mij de hoogtepunten. Met vlagen dus zeker leuk maar niet genoeg voor 4 sterren. Eigenlijk is de hele side A te schel en te meh.
Politiek beladen debuutalbum van de ultralinkse Dead Kennedys uit San Francisco (uiteraard). Definiërende punk dat duidelijk uit passie/woede is gemaakt. Goed, maar vaak te extreem in de muziek en/of de lyrics om gewoon naar te luisteren. leukste nummer: California Über Alles Hoewel Dead Kennedys een fantastische bandnaam is, moesten de band vanwege de controverse vaak onder een andere naam optreden.
chemical warefare
Doesn't sound like Slash is guesting on an Ocean Colour Scene song.
Fast paced. Fun lyrics. Not sure on vocal delivery.
I know this group by name, but only know a couple hits. Lucky for me, the two hits I know are on here! "California Uber Alles" from a Tony Hawk game, and "Holiday in Cambodia" from Guitar Hero. Pretty foundational punk stuff, leaning heavily into the angst and angry themes. Track titles like "Let's Lynch the Landlord" and "Stealing People's Mail" are gonna make me laugh no matter what. Sonically, it's not exactly the kind of punk that I prefer, but I respect what they did here, and the hits are undeniable. Favorite tracks: Holiday in Cambodia, California Uber Alles, Your Emotions. Album art: Car on fire? Black and white? Love the title font and color. 3.5/5
Bay area Fergal Sharkey does punk. Good stuff.
I first heard this band in college. I didn’t really like them and couldn’t understand their lyrics at first, but after a while I grew to appreciate them. I love the fast guitars.
Hardcore isn't my favorite, but there's some great stuff going on here. I've long been a fan of "California Uber Alles" and "Holiday in Cambodia," but this was the first time I got to hear the whole album. Overall, I think this album could use better sequencing because although it is pretty varied for a hardcore album, a couple of the back-to-back songs sounded too much the same for my liking. other than that, though, the band can play and they mix it up, and Jello's lyrics are biting and hysterical and (sigh) still relevant.
Sorry James perhaps this caught me off guard early in the morning but found this a bit much. Wasn't my bag
Classic Punk rock. "Kill The Poor", "California Uber Alles", and "Holiday in Cambodia" were some of my favorites.
Pretty raw. Enjoyed it
This was good, kind of fun
I enjoyed this album a lot more than I expected!
I'm a bit hit or miss on older British punk but Dead Kennedys are one of the good ones. Instrumentally complex enough to remain interesting and catchy, witty, politically savage lyrics.
Miserable lyrics but otherwise ok
Really really really punk rock. Would probably be great to see live with all their energy.
Not my thing
I knew nothing about the Dead Kennedys apart from being shit scared of a punk in the year above me at school. He had a mohican, wore size 10 DM’s and had Dead Kennedys painted on the back of his leather jacket. What was all the fuss about? This is pussycat music compared to Crass. You can hear the transition from the first wave of punk through to post punk. This is an album caught in No Man’s Land. It’s not dangerous, and it’s nothing to be scared of. It’s a good time fun album.
This was ok. I don't usually like punk, but this was fine. I wouldn't listen to it again, however.
to
I did not really like it, but also cannot fault it for not sounding like what I'm used to listening to or like to listen to more often. This album is loud, raucous, and unapologetic. As far as punk goes, the rhythms and structures of each song is more complex. Also, to me, they sound like a prototype of System of a Down, whom I absolutely love.
A band I have always heard of but never actually heard. I grew up in the San Fransisco Bay Area and always knew them to be popular but they were never played n the radio stations ai listened to. So, I was interested to hear this album. Standouts: Kill the Poor, Your Emotions, Chemical Warfare, California Uber Alles, Holliday in Cambodia, Viva Las Vegas. Others: Forward to Death, When You Get Drafted, Let’s lynch the Landlord, ill in the Head
Pretty damn solid punk record. It was barely over 3 minutes and it just flew by. A problem with it is the songs blend into each other a little too much, but the songs are still all good, and the few standouts are excellent. Good listen. 3.5/5
P good, one of the earliest punk albums to be worth some fun
I think I should’ve been listening to the lyrics
I know it's a classic, I even know it's good. But Jello's voice just gets on my nerves like crazy. Way too theatrical for punk, at least for my taste.
chaotic, love the titles
Hell of a rendition of Viva Las Vegas.
Twas a hard listen for me personally for the majority of it. With the exception of Chemical Warfare, and the nice pleasant surprise at the end of realizing this is the band who sings Holiday in Cambodia, and Viva Loss Vegas! Luckily they were somewhat redeemed for me by the many hours spent as a kid playing guitar hero 3 so for that I will give this album a 3. Just wasn’t very good for a lot of the songs in my opinion. Guitar riffs felt boring/monotonous after a while and the vocals just horrendous to listen to for the majority.
Three punk albums in one week… all from very different eras! This might be my favorite time period. It just feels so silly and unserious, and then you get behind the lyrics and there’s more to it. I think the singer alone gives this album an extra star, he’s so unique. Holiday in Cambodia is pretty amazing. When he started screaming “Pol! Pot!” I must have been at peak Dead Kennedys. I really wish this album were mixed better. It’s a shame that it sounds like a pretty lofi, live recording… some more fidelity would have done a lot for me. Thank you punk albums for being so short! In and out and done! Thats how it should be.
Was not felling it in the beginning but it won me over. Rocks hard
Liked this quite a bit actually, but it's definitely not something I'd want to put on whenever. 3.5 rounded down.
Great lyrics
This might be easily the best punk album I have ever listened to. Surprised how much I actually liked it despite it not being my go-to genre. Starts and ends with absolute bangers, overall amusing and full of life.
Pretty wacky. Exactly what you expect from DK.
is this allowed?
So, that's the thing about shock rock. It's trying to satirically shake people loose from their complacency long enough to get them thinking. Problem is the other, more likely, reaction is for a knee jerk reaction because they think it's literal. Offended and now further entrenched, they remain complacent and bolsters in smug judgement. But yeah, this is punk through and through!
I don't hate this although it sounds a lot like the same song over and over (and over). I do love Holiday in Cambodia, though. Probably one bonus star just for that song...
I like the political messaging but not a big fan of 80's Punk
A few really great songs. Not enough of them. Anyone else seeing this comment? :P
has a unique sound but besides that it just fits into the punk category and it doesnt feel extra special to me
Oh yeah. time for a holiday. tough no nonsense lyrics.
Interesting
yup, it's shock-punk!
beetje te veel
La versió del punk nordamericà més propera a l'europea. Aquí, però, el nihilisme anglés no té cabuda, i les lletres intel.ligents de Jello Biafra són una part tan o més important que la música que les encercla. Dos temes de primer nivell, 'Holidays in Cambodia' i 'California Über Alles' i la resta tot un push d'actitud i d'agressivitat per una década -la de Reagan i Thatcher- que tot just començava... però que ja apuntava maneres
Hef aldrei almennilega hlustað á Dead Kennedys, en hllustaði nokkrum sinnum á spoken-word plötu Jello Biafra, I blow minds for a living, í gamla daga. Þetta er ekki beinlínis minni tebolli, en vissulega hresst og alls ekki leiðinlegt. En ég þarf þetta helst í smáskömmtum.
I was never cool enough to be a hardcore punk but this has 2 classics and lots of great tracks.
The name Dead Kennedys was a good name to choose since I knew the name of the band in the early 80s even though they got zero airplay in Sudbury circa 1980. The lead singer's choice of surname was also good since I know that Biafra was the name of a country in Africa. My friend's parents would try to guilt him into eating overcooked broccoli by informing him that "children are starving in Biafra". Mix that overcooked broccoli with some Jello and you can't help but think of this band. Decades later a neighbour lent me a Dead Kennedys' record since I had a turntable and he didn't. I moved from the neighbourhood, still have the loaned record and have never played it. I don't know why I never played it - well, now I know. I have no idea why, but I'm giving this a 3.
Hardcore punk is near the top of my list of least favourite genres, but of that mob, Dead Kennedys are the only group who I can name a song from. The choruses and song titles stay in your head, California über alles, Kill the Poor and Holiday in Cambodia, for example. Not to mention Soup is Good Food, from another album. Dead Kennedys were America's Sex Pistols with more satirical and hilarious lyrics.
i mean, it was aight?
A better and less superficial version of The Sex Pistols. Ferocious music and politically charged lyrics (although they're mostly undecipherable without the lyric sheet). Rating: 3/5 Playlist track: Kill The Poor Date listened: 05/09/22
In het begin voelde ik hem echt maar echt niet. Maar vanaf song 3 ofzo begon het me wel te bekoren. Tof voor één keer te horen.
Very good punk album. Short & gets the messages across LOUD AND CLEAR. Fav song: Chemical Warfare
There was some interesting suff that I had never heard before. Great punk.
This has got a lot of energy, but the quality is pretty inconsistent.
First half of the album the vocals stayed at the forefront of the audio, distracting from the instrumentals. They could've used more vocal layering to add more texture to the audio. The second half of the album the sound of the vocals and instrumentals was balanced and provided more vocal layering. A lot of extremely varying tempo and generally a lot faster than the first half of the album. Overall the album has very chaotic energy and lyrics. Mainly upbeat and drum heavy as you would expect from most rock music. 'Outrageous' lyrics that were controversial for the time it was produced. Hard to understand lyrics - fun to listen to and sing along to.
No los había escuchado nunca, pero este viaje me ha hecho reflexionar que en realidad conozco muy poco del punk. Este disco es una buena entrada .
4/14, 29%
I respected this, but didn't like it. I could tell why it's on the list.
Old punk still isn't great. California Uber Allies is the only memorable song for a reason
El punk era esto. Aquí hay inspiración de más de una banda. Temazos como "Kill the poor" o "California Uber Alles". Esto si hay que escucharlo al menos una vez.
I remember this band, and I had heard a few of these tracks before. It was a good reminder for me that this album was recorded and released as long ago as it was. I didn't hear much punk or anything close to it until the mid- and late-80s, so my memory sometimes conflates my first hearing something with the time of an album's release, so I had always associated this band with late 80s. I actually like knowing those things because, for me at least, understanding the social, political, and cultural context in which an album was created and released adds a lot to the experience. Thinking of American culture and politics in the late 70s, and especially San Francisco's -- where Jello Biafra ran for mayor in '79 -- and the assassination of Harvey Milk, etc., the energy and frenetic style of this album feels spot on. This group performs so well. Weird, wild, and fun (as well as funny at times), but doesn't go so far off the rails that it all denigrates to my ears into abstract cacophony, which can happen sometimes for me when listening to punk/thrash and similar styles. Good stuff here.
Not a fan of punk music but quite enjoyed this. Holiday in Cambodia and Let's Lynch The Landlord are really fun. The vocalist is pretty enjoyable too.
Cet album a eu le mérite d'attiser ma curiosité étant données les récentes découvertes de mon camarade d'écoute eltrapeze au sujet de l'implication de Jim Morrison dans la mort de JFK. Affaire à suivre.
3/5 Herd this for the first time just last week, now here it is on this list. One of the best of the genre that I've heard. Chemical Warfare, California Uber Alles, I Kill Children, Holiday in Cambodia, and Even Viva Las Vegas...all songs I enjoyed!
My attitude about political or activist music has been going downhill a long time... It’s hard to feel like it really affects anything, and it all ends up on Google Play advancing the cause of neoliberal capitalism... still, this did dare to be more objectionable than most, and rocks pretty hard throughout. Biafra makes some weird singing choices but you can’t deny it’s distinct.
Classic punk album, I was surprised by how many songs I recognized (and liked). The rest of the album doesn't really hold up to the hits in my opinion, and I don't see myself really putting this on a lot.
Context is everything. Holiday in Cambodia and California, Kill the Poor and Über Alles are classic. But, if listening to this album for the first time and knowing nothing about Jello Biafra or the time of this album, I'd hate it. Eric Speichert had acquired the infamous Frankenchrist 12" (the album after FFfRV) with original fold-out insert and brought it to school. He was avid vinyl collector and super proud of that album. For me, my fourteen-year-old self was super-excited (pun intended) to see the penis / vagina insert (pun intended). But super-let-down when he showed it to everyone... LAAAME... "This is why everyone was pissed off...? There's no context... you can't even see anything..." Looking back on this, Biafra was the perfect loudmouth, antagonizer punk rock advocate for free speech. He (and ICE-T) helped build resistance against Tipper Gore's drive to censor musicians and scale back first amendment rights. But today, that's all forgotten, glossed over. We all understand and expect those rights. The 'free speech vs. censorship' fight no longer exists. That fight has evolved into who can out free speech each other? Who can be the most nasty, vile, personal, incendiary and provocative. Oh, and bonus points are scored if it inflicts in anxiety, mental anguish, or suicide. The genie is out of the box and looking back at some of Biafra's sarcasm, double-talk and weasely antics in today's world, It's hard not to discard him for being a troll who likes to hear himself instigate and watch shit burn. It's even harder to look back at your once punk rock icons like Biafra (and even Excene Cervenka) and think to yourself, "I know they weren't perfect, but is it possible they could've been terrible people all along...?" As for the music on this album, it's loud, obtrusive, maniacal and chaotic. Great for what it was and in the context for which it existed... but time moves on, and and this album hasn't time traveled well.
Better than I expected. I mostly avoid US punk.
DKs were massive when I was at school. I was only ever a casual listener. This was sure no holiday in Vietnam.
Another US act I've been meaning to check out, that got thrown at me this week. Good hard rocking punk.
Liked it! Don't recall ever listening to much from this group.
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY! Me gusta, me gusta, sí, ese aroma a lo que Duff McKagan aportó a GN'R, esa cosa cruda y cagarse de risa, total ya está todo mal. Sí, aguante.
3/5 did not make it.
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?
для любителей панка. слушать сложно.
it’s not for me and that’s alright
Has agreed badly and voice still grates on me.
Mostly noise.
They make a good noise, but as they passed me by at the time, I don’t feel obliged to catch up now. And shock is a bit of a one trick pony
I've come to the conclusion that I do not like punk rock at all. The only redeemable song on this is the random viva las vegas cover. Although I'd take elvis' version any day of the week.
Really want to like this but don't feel like it moved the needle when compared to earlier punk groups. And it's just hard to get past some of the song titles and lyrics.
Pretty manic tempo, felt like they crammed an hour of music into 30 minutes just by going double time.