Reviews (page 6 of 9)
Lot of fun. Songs don’t overstay their welcome yet exhaust you despite being less than 2 minutes. It’s a cool mix of hardcore punk while still achieving pretty accessible melodies. Rating: 4.7
A really surprisingly good album. I don't like most punk at all, but there's something about this album that had me so engaged the whole album. Blazing speed and pointed lyrics keep the album entertaining and thought provoking. And even though it's not on this album it bears repeating: Nazi Punks, FUCK OFF
I've heard of the Dead Kennedys but never listened to anything specifically, but I liked this album. Normally I'm not too fond of repetitive lyrics, but I guess it works for me with punk music. I'd have to be in the right mood to listen, so I'd give it a 4.5 but bumping up.
Some fun punk music, it has lots of energy and anger about it, but I felt like it didn’t take itself too seriously. I really liked the tone of the lead singer’s voice.
I like punk, but to be honest I’m not too fond of the very fast punk like this. But I did bob my head and tap my feet listening to this record though.
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.
If you don’t like punk, you definitely won’t like this.
Really good for what it is but not the type of stuff I get excited about
Decent, few songs on here.
OK so it's probably the smartest punk album of all time and it's still kicks you in the ass
jello biafra is kinda my perfect man if u think abt it…….. highlights: kill the poor, let’s lynch the landlord, california über alles, stealing people’s mail, holiday in cambodia (sep 2 2024)
Relatable.
I wasn’t really feeling this album tbh. I think punk music has come a long way since the days of Dead Kennedy’s and Sex Pistols. The most refreshing part was the cover of Viva Las Vegas lol
Was not in the right mood for this one, but always enjoy their cover of Viva Las Vegas.
I like this a lot. I've listened to a few songs in the past but never sat down with the full album. It's not rotten
Is this the best punk album of all time? If not it's top three easy, and defiantly the best Hardcore Punk album ever, as well as perhaps the one I listen to the most. I mean California Uber Alles is a top ten song all time, and you got hits like Holiday In Cambodia, Lets Lynch the Landlord, Kill The Poor and When Ya Get Drafted, all in a 35 minutes album. Perhaps the best punk band of all time at their peak. 10/10
Onestamente? 4. Finalmente qualcosa di politicante che è anche piacevole da sentire
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!
I like punk apparently? Still feels very relevant 44 years (!) later
This album reminds of the first few seasons of South Park. It feels like it's trying really hard to be edgy and offensive, but with an undercutting cynicism toward both the problem and the solution to the problem. However, the medium works perfectly. This is high energy punk music that shows up to be rude and make you listen, and I enjoyed the experience.
I wish I had found this when I was younger. Like this now, would have loved it as a teenager.
Um, this was just not for me.
Not my thing
kill the poor ultra geilomat sehr schnell sehr heavy. forward to death no schneller sehr aggro. d lieder sind so churz aaaaaah hahaha lets lynch the landlord aber echt mann. find alles goht z schnell zum ufschribe aber gnüsses easy s isch huere hässig aber mit grund und d musig goht looos. i like. guete punk. wow en 3-minütige song! wow er heisst california uber alles! de beat isch geil! er singt super! i kill children (cool äh ok). sie sind unglaublich edgy aber ich nimms ihne irgendwie ab. steaking peoples mail findi huuuuere funny. d songs sind eh huuere abwechsligsriich. holiday in cambodia isch goooooil. obviously e single. super. viva las vegas findi etz nöd nötig aber s het worschinli irgend en sinn im johr 1980 und d lyrics sind vilicht nöd die gliche wie im original?
FREUMIII hahaha omg es blecht und tuet und er chan nöd singe ich liebs LETS LYNCH THE LANDLORD SO GEIL actually es geils gitarresolo findi hahaha drug me isch sehr weird aber gaht huere ab chemical warfare het en mega geil break grundsätzlich hets immer wieder riffs und parts vo lieder wo echt überraschend und kreativ sind holiday in cambodia isch wieder chli es highlight, v.a. de ahfang findi supeer mitem hi hat vom schlagzüg also, s het nöd alles vollends überzügt, aber es isch sehr churzwillig, schaffts iwie funny und ernsthaft glichzitig z sii und immer wieder hets sache gha wo mich überrascht hend. knapps 4i
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
Pretty good.
Why do cocaine when I can listen to the Dead Kennedys instead?
Yeesh
This guy's voice is like nails on a chalkboard
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.
It's virtually impossible to be this obnoxious and good simultaneously. Holiday in Cambodia and Chemical Warfare are personal favorites
I don’t think I would have been a punk.
I don't like punk rock. I partially listened to a few tracks and it confirmed it again. I don't like punk rock.
Like the music. Not loving the vocalist. Vocals got better through the album.
5/5. God I love punk. These guys are just having so much fun saying the things people are thinking nowadays already. Like sure, the Sex Pistols album is a landmark in punk, it's great, but this is American to a tee and although a lot of it is anti-Vietnam war so a little dated, it's easily replaceable with any American Government act for the last 60 years and then some. The titles of the songs alone are great. It's not great singing, or music, or even listenability, but it's got great lyrics and the energy is off the charts and that makes up for it. The amateur sound they are going for is what makes this so good as they stuff they are talking about is what makes the rich and those in power scared if more people were thinking this way. We would solve a lot of problems lol. Best Song: Holiday In Cambodia, Let's Lynch The Landlord, Kill The Poor
Lot of shit
gross
Utter chaos. Not my thing.
Is it weird that I find this album kinda sexy? It’s incredibly intelligent and incredibly passionate, full of moments of pathos, creativity and humour. It’s basically my ideal partner is audio form. I’m not as knowledgeable about American Punk as I am British. To my knowledge, Dead Kennedys are the best of the bunch, and getting the opportunity to relisten to Fresh Fruit For Rotting Vegetables really solidified why for me. This album really pushes the boundaries of how creative Punk could be without pushing into Post-Punk territory. Couple that creativity with a dedication to revolutionary politics that blows everybody else out of the water, and you’ve got a recipe for genuinely one of the most enjoyable, relentless, entertaining, and cathartic albums ever recorded
There's just such a fun energy to this album. The vocal fry of the lead singer lends to the subtle sarcasm that the album projects to me. 4.5
I love this it, front to back. DK’s debut is a quintessential punk album. Sarcastic yet thoughtful lyrics driven by surf-punk guitars and upbeat drums. You won’t find any simple 3-chord songs on this album. Instead you’ll find a band that knew what the fuck they were doing, and decided to do it with a hard edge. Their later releases always had better quality in the recording, but Fresh Fruit will always be their best release.
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.
V good
Some of the songs where kinda fun, but it's not something I would ever choose to listen to.
Very punk
Fullt godkänd.
Let’s lunch the landlord man. Lol
Loved this. So many classic punk songs on one album.
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.
Jello Biafra always sounds like he just got out of a cold shower. Such a cartoon character. I imagine him spinning around the stage like Taz from Looney Tunes as he sings. This is how punk's supposed to be done! No endlessly repeating riffs like I'm stuck in the Tesseract, just extremely fast-paced fun and singing about killing children, hell yeah! Probably Top 3 punk albums for me. Just wish the production wasn't so over the place. Deserves a remaster ("Plastic Surgery Disasters" as well).
Not really my cup of tea. Not bad punk per-say, just not my genre of choice.
Hard Pass, can't believe I made it through this garbage. I must have been feeling masochistic that day. Will never listen again.
Some fun punk. I have always enjoyed It's a Holiday in Cambodia, but for some reason it sounded different to me this time around. Maybe I have been listening to a different version.
Yeah! Way more than your standard punk - these guys can actually play.
Yeah lead singer’s voice ain’t doing it for me. Guitar guy is killing it though
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
New respect for that kid in high school who always wore a Dead Kennedys tshirt
Certainly I just HAD to hear such great tunes as “I Kill Children” and “Let’s Lynch the Landlord” before my demise. They get a point for staying on tempo at such a breakneck speed, and at least the ‘songs’ are short.
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."
A great cynic record full of hits. It Still sounds fresh after all these years.
STANDOUTS: Viva Las Vegas (Cover) OVERALL: 1.5/5; fun band name though.
A cut above most punk bands of the time. Lyrically there's weighty issues wrapped in sarcasm. The band can play well and there's quite a bit of variety in the tracks.
Punk sesentero. No me ha llamado la antención.
My favorite Dead Kennedys release. Probably my favorite punk album in general.
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
Brilliant reflection of a desperate time in San Francisco. I went to live in London just before Harvey Milk was murdered. Missed the riots. I might have died if I stayed there.
Enjoyed it a lot
Don’t know how this passed me by, great album
Stands the test of time in spirit and message.
3.5 love thw DKs
Finishing this album off with a cover of Elvis' Viva Las Vegas is genius. Punchy political parody packed into a punk-shaped pill.
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
A classic
It’s probably wrong to complain about a band being formulaic when they invented the formula but apart from Holiday in Cambodia (which teases doing something else), everything was just ever decreasing circles of the same muddy songs and crap singing.
Fantastic album that still holds up really well. I was a huge fan of punk when I was younger and this album was the first that drew me into the hardcore scene over the pop-punk style that was popular at the time.
If I had a punk phase growing up, Dead Kennedys would definitely be one of my favorites. Raucous, silly, sharp lyrics, interesting lead vocals.
I would never turn down an opportunity to listen to some DK. Angry, aggressive, funny, sarcastic. All of this.
Quality
Ouf ça crie pas mal à mon goût, eeeeurgh 2 étoiles et n’en parlons plus
Enjoyed that 👍
I know DK may not be for everyone and that’s ok. For me, this album is perfect from cover to cover. The perfect balance of surf guitar and punk
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've always liked The Dead Kennedys. They're a bit ridiculous and hyper politically conscious. Many songs are sungs sardonically from the perspective of right wing warmongers and capitalists, but there's never any doubt about Jello Biafra'a leanings. Despite being a fairly niche band, they were a particular target of Tipper Gore and her crusade to eliminate bad words from the recording industry. Maybe their provocative name caught her attention. This is what the Dead Kennedys are best known for. And to top it off, the music is great. They were a punk band after most of the original punk bands had moved on, but they also included a lot of surf rock and a bit of experimentation. This combined with the biting political lyrics are what made this band. At least if you're like minded to Biafra. If not, expect to hate this album.
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.
Such a classic punk album, although I feel like the Dead Kennedys always came with enough variety to make them feel like they transcend the confines of punk. Jello Biafra is both wild and intelligent thanks to heavy doses of sarcasm and seriousness in his lyrics and performances. His voice is one of a kind and his influence on singers to come is very apparent. The band is really tight for the genre too, still maintaining a raw sound but with levels of precision in the intensity that few other punk bands could reach. I completely agree to this being an album everyone should experience at least once, even if it’s not your thing.
Assault punk! I love these guys. The goofiness of Chemical Warfare sounds a bit like Mr. Bungle. Actually, I hear a lot of Bungle weirdness in this album. It isn't just a straight punk album, there's some circus rock, surf rock, odd breakdowns, etc. These guys stand apart from other punk contempraries. My favorite song on here is California Uber Alles.
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.
I think ultimately punk is just not really my thing. I can take it in small doses.I think maybe it's because of the vocals and the drumming being delivered in such a 1,2,3,4 on the beat pace. Strangely enough, if you take some punk guitar riffs and play them to a cut time drum beat, it gives it more of a groove. You hear examples of it with RHCP, RATM, and Alien Ant Farm. That, I can get.into. I remember my old college room mate was really into NOFX, Lagwagon and early Blink 182. Those bands seemed to be 90 percent of what he listened to all day and sometimes I'd need to leave the room because of it. I eventually introduced him to Deftones and Tool. This album was fast, furious, chaotic and in your face, which seems to be a main goal of punk from this era. It had a lot of energy. The recording sounded low quality and like it was done in a garage. The vocal tone of the singer to me was bordering on obnoxious, which again may have been the anti establishment goal. I found 'Stealing People's Mail' and 'Holiday In Cambodia' to be standouts.
pqp de álbum
The founding fathers of "Fuck You" Punk music
Ok
The true test of a five star album passed with flying colours: take out the singles and it is still great. Here California, Cambodia and Kill the Poor subtracted and still five stars. I might say 4.99 as Viva Las Vegas rather detracts from the ferocious purity of their debut. Relistening this time, can hear Dick Dale and surf sounds, fifties rock and roll and lots more - in contrast to say Black Flag who are much more monochrome (hah!).
I mean, it's okay. Sounds very 'formula punk'. Nothing really original. And every track sounds only ever so slightly different to the last. Not convinced.
Not really a fan. The best punk bands had split up or moved on to better things by 1980. Silly voice too!
From track 1 this came off like a worse version of the clash album we reviewed. I really just don’t get that feeling that they truly care out of these songs. Feels like it lacks genuineness and it lost me very quickly as such.
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.
Formative hardcore punk record.
Just terrible
It’s ok, Elvis cover was unexpected
nah
Snotty, darkly humorous and tight as a drum. The Viva Las Vegas cover is a grungy twist on a classic.
Unpretentious without lacking nuance. Definitely punk but still super catchy. I never understood the overlap of punk and new wave, but this is a good exemplar.
One of the best punk bands for a reason! 4/5
I appreciate the politics more than the music.
Classic punk album. I’m not well versed in the genre, but this was pretty good.
Thoroughly enjoyable and nicely varied for a punk album. I didn't feel like I was listening to the same slurred song for thirty-five minutes like I often do with bad punk. This was a great introduction to the Dead Kennedys!
Kill The Poor // California Uber Alles // 2.5/5
A kamikaze mix of punk, hardcore, surf rock and power pop, and covering the topics of conservatism, violence, overbearing authority, and capitalist greed, ‘Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables’ is brutally satirical, darkly funny and extremely clever. And to top it all off, right at the end, their cover of ‘Viva Las Vegas’ is so absurd, it’s hilarious. I liked this a lot.
I like punk, but this one sucks.
Very classic punk Can’t get past the vocals instrumentals are dynamic Lyrics good Nice quick songs
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.
Potent stuff. High-energy punk. The pace is pretty solid and sets it apart as a defining record of this genre. It has that raw production that adds to its rebellious sound. I love it and think it's incredible. It's a must listen for anyone interested in the roots of hardcore punk.
Ragey and effective.
Not a huge punk fan but this is a fun album.
No
Ah. American Punk. It has/had it's place, but it's place is not in my music collection. I enjoyed it once though, so it's two stars rather than one.
Proper turn of the decade punk. Political but not too far up itself. Great musically - often I’ll hear albums that are big influences on other things and be left a bit cold but every reference from future albums is clear here and used differently. Can’t find a reason NOT to give it the 5 tbh.
Sounds like a small dog singing while running away from a bigger dog that's chasing it. Do I really have to listen to this before I die?
Uninspiring punk with repetitive track list. Exhausting to listen to. Terrible sound quality. Some good riffs from time to time.
One of the greatest punk bands of all time. Amazing album that’s still relevant today.
Nog meer punk, joepie!
Es un punk mezcla con ska bien crudo, a mi particularmente no me interpela y me revienta la cabeza. Por ahí en otro contexto, que no sea estudiando, se valora y disfruta más.
Punk rock band does punk rock things. Edge lord singer does edge lord songs. Nothing out of the usual or remarkable, maybe just how they were noticeably worse at doing punk than any other punk band I’ve had so far.
Some punk hasn't aged well, and most of this album falls into this category apart from their single "Holiday in Cambodia" which I quite liked, and the quirky cover of the Elvis song "Viva Las Vegas".
It was ok. Sounds a bit dated. Not really for me.
My old bones can't keep up with these young kids and their fast music these days. Can't we go back to a simpler time when no one talked about the problems discussed on this record? Top tier "fuck you" punk that is very much served by a great mix of melodic vocals and chants, combined with tight, punctuated guitar riffs.
Punchy instrumentation is fused with trenchant social critique in this blissfully bitter early hardcore punk declaration.
an essential album for any punk fan, this album speaks truth to power like few albums have before or since. jello biafra is certainly an acquired taste on vocals, but he cuts to the heart of the matter in his engaging lyrics. highlights: “kill the poor” “when ya get drafted” “california über alles” “holiday in cambodia”
All over the place. I prefer the singles versions of the big songs. But you just gotta love Jello.
JELLOOOOOoooooo!!!
A stone cold classic - great lyrics and musicianship for a punk record.
This album sees Dead Kennedys stealing mail and killing the poor, the landlord and children. It’s brilliant.
Hectic
#242. This is way better than any of those 'classic' British punk bands could ever hope to be. The Clash and The Sex Pisols and all that were a bit trash, on the whole, but Dead Kennedys and Bad Brains and such helped turned punk into something actually worth listening to. This album isn't just 15 exactly the same songs like so much punk before it. 4/5: fresh *this is the twenty fifth album I purchased from this list Song added to playlist: Holiday In Cambodia I've created a playlist on Spotify that consists of the best and/or my favorite song from each of the albums in this book. This list can be found here if you are interested: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7MAXDGLWlwLkFLb8veGfkA?si=FqkQQPgZTFWG0jAUJXLFZA&utm_source=copy-link
A great debut. I find some lyrics myopic and short sighted but the surf guitar rocks and Jello is punk rocks Ethel Merman.
Again, there is nothing quite like it
Best Song: California Uber Alles. The driving rhythm on the drums and bass really elevate this one. Worst Song: Forward To Death. This one feels a little too "ordinary" and straightforward relative to the rest of the album. Overall: Does punk get any better than this? Political, fast, in-your-face, smart, and technically brilliant. Like a downhill sprint through A Clockwork Orange, each song gives you barely a second to wonder "wait, what the fuck did that guy just say?" before you've barreled through the next intersection and you're into some new scathing satire in the next track.
Fast-paced, entertaining, left anti-establishment messaging... all the hallmarks of early punk and of good punk, at least to my taste. My peace was disturbed a few times while listening through (Chemical Warfare, Kill the Poor, Let's Lynch the Landlord), but that's the point so it's not like I can fault for that.
6 / 10 Punk Rock, demasiado estresante de buena mañana.
There is a lot of music in the world, why does this list need so much punk?
relatable i like it
Jeg kendte en del sange, men har aldrig hørt et DK album. Vildt hvor stor forskel autenticitet kan gøre når man sammenligner den her med noget som Sex Pistols' album. Guitaristen er virkelig god, kan rigtig godt lide når der bliver trukket lidt på surf rock, som i Holiday in Cambodia. California Über Alles og Let's Lynch the Landlord kommer helt sikkert på nogle playlists hos mig
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 just don’t like punk, it feels like it’s satirising something and I just can’t take it seriously
They've got the spirit, reminds me a lot of System of a Down. Probably because I listened to them in reverse order this one sounds undeveloped, rather than influential
Rare 1 star review ^ω^
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.
Crazy energy bomb. Loved it all the way through. Maybe the other album was better but that's mostly songs from this one so...
i love a clever album title, but i love a punk as hell album cover! i'm obsessed that the dead kennedys walked the walk. their music is so abrasive, like all punk, but is truly catchy. they don't have the mainstream sound that the clash did, but unlike "noise rock" (should not be a real genre), dead kennedys aren't making noise just to make noise. this alone sets them apart from other hardcore punk acts. what truly makes dead kennedys different is their commitment to social issues. i don't know the last time i heard an album covering such a range of social and political topics. sure, they can be blatant in their titles, like "chemical warfare," but what they were doing in 1980 was still decades ahead. "let's lynch the landlord" could have come out in 2020 during the pandemic and the Great Landlord Whining Session. "kill the poor" continues to be true and reflective of today's elite and powerful. "holiday in cambodia" is more relevant to the world events at that time, but the lyrics are remain sharp and biting. honestly, what's not to love?
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.
This is the best album we've had in a little while - excellent punk energy, doesn't bother trying to be mainstream, but stays away from being deliberately impenetrable. Some savvy commentary in there, some of it is very specific to its context, but quite a lot of it translates pretty well to now. I don't think I'm punk enough to really really enjoy this album (to be honest, I'd have preferred a bit more tunefulness), but it definitely belongs on the list, it's got something to say, and it knows what it wants to be. 4/5.
"Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables" is the debut studio album by the Dead Kennedys. Hardcore punk, this album made waves for their aggressive, politically charged attitude, the album art of burning police cars during the White Night riots, and, of course, the controversial band name. This album is packed full of fast, exciting tracks, with smart musicality and a remarkable lead singer. "Holiday in Cambodia" is top notch and their cover of "Viva Las Vegas" is to be noted.
Grrrreat
Holiday in Cambodia is catchy but the rest of the album just gives me a headache.
fun and energetic album - lots of discordant melodies, fast drums, heavy distortion, and social commentary all packaged into first gen hardcore punk
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.
not a fan
What to say? Super political punk music. Jello is an interesting dude for sure. I will probably never listen to this again.
Some of the songs were a little too chaotic to be enjoyable, like Chemical Warfare (which is probably the point of that song), but overall I liked it! Solid punk rock. Gave me sort of a Dropkick Murphys vibe minus the Irish.
Weir and political ... a fitting combination
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.
Chemical Warfare is the epitome of short fast loud.
surf punk mayhem of noise and politics
Fun
What is even this crap?
Clever, punk, political, one of the most exciting albums I've heard
US punk always seems basic to me, un melodic.
One thing I'm finding with this list is that I absolutely love punk. Specifically US-based hardcore punk. This record was the Dead Kennedys' debut, and man what a trip this is. Super hard hitting and in-your-face sound. Lots of critics at the time compared them to the Sex Pistols, but I don't really see the comparison? Maybe a similar vocal style. What really set the Dead Kennedys apart from their contemporaries imo is their creativeness instrumentally. The bass lines are outstanding throughout. They're not just spamming the same few guitar chords (which isn't to say that style is bad). There's even some prog-ish (?) breakdowns on here.
These guys are generally very left-wing in their criticism of conservative politics and American love for property and violence, but they also criticize authority in general (including the current left-leaning governor of California) as well as hippies who they view as not doing enough to take action. Dead Kennedys are angry, and rightfully so. They criticize Khmer Rouge for their genocide, the US for their complicity, and the general public of western nations for their lack of care for fellow humans on the other side of the world. There’s some awesome protest songs in here, and on top of all of that, the cover of “Viva Las Vegas” fucking slaps.
I saw the Dead Kennedys at this weird little gymnasium in SLC. Got smashed up against the stage for most of the show while my friends were either in a mosh pit or floating around the outside. I was wearing my favorite metallic orange skinny tie and a shitty thrift store suit. Someone tries to choke me or hang me by grabbing my tie, I couldn't see them and I decided I could escape by whipping my head around like a dog that doesn't want to e on a leash, all the while screaming Chemical Warfare into the mic the Jello pushed in the faces of us all getting smashed into the stage. The tie itself was finally unleashed but I didn't really care, that was he best night of my young life up to that point. My friends had similar tales. Hands down my favorite punk album ever and I think most of these themes still resonate. My deadhead friends couldn't listen to 5 minutes of this without yelling at me to turn it off, but that was their loss.
Very high 3 but not a 4
RRAAAHHHHH 9/10
Segundo mejor álbum de punk.
fila þetta bara ekki neitt
Punk sucks. The only nice part of this album was that it was short, competitively.
Not my favorite album by them but still enjoyable. Favorite track: California Über Alles
I never expected to rate a punk album with 5 stars. This is amazing. Not just mindless 4 chords aggression but fun riffs and curve balls all around
A classic American hardcore/punk album from the early 80s. One of these albums that feel like a definitive statement (never felt inclined to check out any other DK albums).
High-quality punk album, catchy songs, rapid delivery, good flow.
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.
9.9/10
I was between 3 and 4 starts for this. Definitely an important album, and I think "California Uber Alles" and "Holiday in Cambodia" are what pushes it past 3 stars for me.
Not really.
Um yk I feel like fighting the man but like all this kinda music isn’t my cup of tea. I bet I would like it more in a mosh pit tho.
Viele kurze Tracks, ein bisschen hektisch. Viel Gitarrensound, prinzipiell ok aber nichts so beosnderes. 3/5
punkt halt lol biz monoton
Dude. This is awesome. I kind of love this album. I'll start with the one thing that was negative at first. I wasn't big on the vocals at first. They were 80s punk vocals, which I've never liked. However, weirdly enough, they kind of grew on me. They're not my favorite vocals, but they work at times. As for the rest of the album, it's just great. The writing is unique in a great way. The things these guys have to say make a lot of sense, and the writing gets their points across quite well, in addition to being entertaining. However, the sound is what makes this album so amazing. While there are some similar songs, it doesn't feel repetitive, unlike other punk albums of the time (looking at you, Undertones). There's tempo changes and stuff. I love tempo changes! Also, I like this version of "California Uber Alles" a lot more than the Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprasy version that I listened to a few days ago. The guitar tone is energetic and fitting for the energy of the messages. The bass? Oh my god. The bass in this album is just wonderful. I love it so much! I think I know why I love this album so much. Between the heavy-handed politics, the guitar riffs, and the sheer insanity of this album, it kind of reminds me of System of a Down. I think I've mentioned (or at least implied) before that System of a Down is my favorite band, so hearing something even remotely similar to them is just what I need. Apparently these guys influenced SOAD, and I can hear it. Overall, I was very surprised by just how passionate I am about this album. I might have to check out the other Dead Kennedys albums. 5/5.
It's an alright punk album. Not the biggest fan of the vocals and the lyrics are pretty corny but I guess that may just be it aging poorly. The instrumentals are pretty good but they tend to blend together from song to song. 2.5/5
I remember borrowing a cassette from my friend in 6th or 7th grade and hiding it from my parents. I only listened to it judiciously and to be honest didn't really understand much of the content until I was a fair bit older. Now I look back on this music fondly as being in true punk rock spirit. The band is exceptionally tight and skilled. Jello's vocals aren't for everyone but I find them angry and smart enough to roll with. There are some duds on this album but overall it's more good than meh. "Stealing people's mail" and "Chemical warfare" are unsung favorites in addition to the well-known tracks like "Holiday in Cambodia" and "California über Alles"
4 or 4.5. Classic.
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!
1.5
Absolute anarchy. The wildest lyrics and angriest delivery. But the music bops, there’s so much depth here, from the power chords, to the keys in the background, synthesized noises, it just infects you and gets the head bobbing. The material is absolutely wild, but it clicks. I don’t even particularly like the singing, but I don’t hate the final product. Wired rating for me.
The titles of the soungs wouldn’t want me to play them. It not my type at all.
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.
Listened 3/12/24. Angst ridden and thought provoking. Sadly the topics touched upon here in 1980 are still relevant today.
GOATED
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.
I don't like punk music in general. This album occasionally had some funny or interesting moments, that's why I rate it as 2, not 1.
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.
I'm not a huge fan of this early punk style but I really dig this. It's not something I would listen too often, but it has the right snarl, the right, pace and length, and the right mix of accessable and punk elements that a metalhead like me can follow along.
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.
Dead Kennedys are great. An absolutely vital energy and ethos and message. 14 tracks in 33 minutes is just what I want from a punk record too. Absolutely loved hearing this for the first time in quite a while.
Another great Punk album that proves that a 14 song album can come in at 33 minutes and be perfect. DK perfected the style of music being used for shock value and still conveying an important message. 4.5/5
Higher artform music
Great album. Probably could argue myself up to a 4 but I think I'm going to stick to a 3.
At the beginning of the album, I wasn’t feeling it, but by the end, I was definitely feeling the energy of the album. It won me over. I liked how consistent this album was, and it didn’t overstay its welcome.
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
Blunt force messengers Aggressively absurdist Anti pop ear worms
One of the albums that started hardcore. Love it! Biafra and friends are everything: bombastic, sharp, revolutionaries... all at once! This is how music is supposed to be.
awesome
While it suffers from the same issues as most punk albums, that being extremely repetitive, it also has plenty to stand out against its other famous punk acts. Not only are Jello Biafra's vocals iconic, charming, and really suits the lyrics that are coated in so much irony they feel more earnest than any other punk act, and the alien-like guitar playing lends itself well to it all. Songs blend, but you're never gonna feel like resting while listening to this, instead you're gonna feel like causing havoc, and other iconic punk acts from the time can't say that, I feel.
I can see the value as this threw me into a rage.
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
No just no 1
Horrible
Not my jam
The album has a good energy and a bit of variety. The songs, though a bit repetitive, are quick enough to not overstay their welcomes. I'm not a huge punk fan, but I mostly enjoyed this album, and it gains points for daring to mess with the United States Postal Service.
im not familiar with Dead Kennedys until this album. I appreciated it. good stuff
This album is good for what it is.
How about “Kill the Poor” as a first track on a debut album? The Kennedys were authentic, that’s for sure. I love it, and I get the sarcasm, the satire, and the baiting going on here. But congrats, Jello, you got me. I don’t like fantasies about murdering people, and I don’t like references to killing children no matter the level of sarcasm or satire or fantasy. You’re smart enough to make your point a different way. 4/5
Punk sesentero. No me ha llamado la antención.
My head hurts...
Deaf punk trash
One thing I’ve learned from this 1,001 albums project: I really hate punk.
Not my thing
this album is so creative. great lyrics and really shows the dead kennedys’ influence on the hardcore movement
Really fun but repetitive couldnt get hooked
Knew of the Dead Kennedys but have never listened to them. I loved this. Felt like it could fit into today’s music.
unusual with short songs, a lot of songs sound pretty similar, pretty good though
Listen at 3/2/2024
Not my style. Can’t appreciate much about it.
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
This is really well made and I’m surprised at how much I enjoyed it. There was range and a unique style. It sounded original. Production is great and the lyrics are incredible. Funny while still getting their message across. Their version of “Viva Las Vegas” made really sold it for me though. I have no complaints really, though it can get a tad repetitive. 4/5
Fine but monotone
Yeah diggin this shit. Reminds of Craig from Park Lane the cook. So sad he died. :/ But not before making me a super cool mixed tape with a bunch of cool punk songs like from these guys, and black flag, circle jerks etc. Good shit. he's the one who showed me Pulp Fiction first I think. At gmas lol 4 Stars
Fun and wild hardcore punk! Creative and hilarious lyrics, varied musical style, one of the most recognizable vocals, short and straight-to-the-point song lengths and structures, and all the energy and spirit you'd expect from a punk record and more. Features several canonical hits like "California Uber Alles" and "Holiday in Cambodia", and the deep cuts surprised me too. Every track has something to offer. And if you don't like it, just wait a minute. Stands the test of time as one of the most memorable and influential hardcore records.
iconic punk. 3.1.
Good album.
Not my style.
Love me some DK
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.
Honestly my fav of all the DK records, Jello Biafra is so amazing patron saint of san francisco punk, he is the best. His political outrage and diy attitude to culture jamming should be emulated by futrure generatuions to come
I can't deny that it's the punkiest punk that punk can get. Perhaps it is if sounding annoying is a feature of the genre. I appreciate the concept and the punkiness, but I wouldn't listen to it again.
I quite liked the singles from the album when I first heard them but had no real interest in exploring anything else by the band at the time and still don't now.
Not to my tastes american punk is not good
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.
Very good
January 11, 2024 “Holiday in Cambodia”, “Kill the Poor”, “California Uber Alles”, “Drug Me” I don’t know if punk will ever be my “thing”, but this seems about as essential as any punk release, hardcore or otherwise. Jello Biafra seemed to know where right-wing politics were headed in our present day, well before Reagan was elected. Chilling yet fun. “Holiday in Cambodia” is an all-weather classic as well.
Fantastic record that rips and has messages that still ring true today
favorites: your emotions, holiday in cambodia
meh
Rating: 8.5/10 Great punk album, loved the energy, riffs, and sarcastic lyrics and vocal delivery. Many amazing songs on this album that have memorable guitar riffs and lyrics, the band definitely sounds one-of-a-kind for a genre that is normally pretty one dimensional. The incorporation of surf-like riffs was also done very well, a great juxtaposition to the stereotypical power chord dominated riffs of punk rock. Some songs did not land with me though, the combination of the singing and riffs is not always great, but I definitely see why this album is considered a classic and beloved by many. Favorite songs: Kill the Poor, Forward to Death, When Ya Get Drafted, Let's Lynch the Landlord, Chemical Warfare, California Uber Alles, Ill in the Head, Holiday in Cambodia. Worst songs: Stealing People's Mail, Viva Las Vegas.
Rubbish. Just a load of noises. I'll never get this sort of music
Very fast paced punky rock songs, could be mistaken for sea shanties. They're all just a bit disorganized for me and the melodies don't make up for it in my opinion. Lyrics are also quite random. Could see them being fun to listen to in a pub, but honestly nowhere else
Other than 'California Uber Alles' this was not enjoyable.
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
KILL THE POOR
Decent, but very confused why it’s on this list.
awesome! better lyrics than anything out there today. shows what a basic rock band is capable of.
"Punk rock is too simple"... They say.. Listen to those Bass lines carefully and talk to me again. Best Punk Rock album ever, by far, and os even better If you listen to the expanded Edition (Police Truck rocks..) Easy 5/5
I really didn’t like this album. For some reason it bothered me- I think it was too scratchy for me and not classic enough which I know sounds like I have a closed mind but it just really irked me.