Reviews (page 7 of 9)
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
Powerful album both lyrically and musically. A lot is packed into just 33 minutes. With its super left viewpoint and harsh lyrics this will not be an album for everybody, which is exactly what the band intended. A few lines haven't aged well but at 43 years old that's pretty impressive.
Fuck yes. 4.5/5
I like “California über Alles.” A bit repetitive, so it’s hard to pick standouts. But that’s the nature of punk rock sometimes. The bassline in “I Kill Children” is cool. “Ill in the Head” has a lot of replay appeal.
When I was young I had a friend who was ahead of his time and this was one of his favourite bands (along with The Residents and Devo). I just didn't get it and wish I had because this is really good. Cutting edge lyrics and suprisingly good musicianship. This is more than just shouty Punk. Ah well you live and learn. There's time to make amends.
Not my cup of tea, but I can see how people that enjoy this style of music would enjoy this band.
This album is sincerely bullshit. All the songs sound the same with some random guitar noise in the background and no correlation with the vocals or anything. It feels empty and created from an important lack of artistry. Expected Marc rating: 3
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
Take a solid, groovy, surf rock inspired bass line. Combine with energetic, enthusiastic drumming, while being careful not to overpower the dish. Add equal parts of guitars played at breakneck speed, with precision and fun. Blend in loud, snarling, passionate vocals. Finally, sprinkle on top a smattering of sharp, witty, politically charged and often sarcastic lyrics. Mix it all together and bake in a 700 degree oven for 35 min. What do you get? The perfect punk album is what.
I still love how this album punches at nearly everyone.
01) Kill The Poor - 5,5 02) Forward To Death - 5,0 03) When Ya Get Drafted - 5,5 04) Let's Lynch The Landlord - 5,5 05) Drug Me - 4,0 06) Your Emotions - 5,0 07) Chemical Warfare - 4,0 08) California Uber Alles - 5,0 09) I Kill Children - 5,0 10) Stealing People's Mail - 5,0 11) Funland At The Beach - 5,0 12) Ill In The Head - 4,5 13) Holiday In Cambodia - 5,5 14) Viva Las Vegas - 4,5 TOTAL: 4,93 (49/100) It stardted ok, but after a while it all just starts to sound the same - like noise...
I’m yet to find an album better than this. Wherever I am, whatever I’m doing, however I feel, chucking this album on is always a sure fire way to make everything better. I cannot explain it, but it’s just phenomenal! 100000000/5
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
Banger punk rock. Right up my alley.
Malo tvrdo za moj ukus. 4/10
Just not into punk rock lol
While punk isn’t my goto genre, I really love the Dead Kennedys. Jello has a particularly impactful style of delivering his lyrics and the band can play. I was first exposed to them listening to Holiday in Cambodia and while is still have to be in the mood to listen, I think this album is great.
Interesting but dated. And not in a good way. Less a document of a time than an album that no doubt sounded radical (tm) and wevolutionary (tm) (in my best rik Mayall voice) when they’d finished. There’s perhaps a hypothesis - let’s call it Lewis’s hypothesis - the more offensive the artist name, the less interesting the music. Again maybe too harsh. But … give me never mind the bollocks or Ramones.
Stark Political Art. Perhaps they too were looking for stark pilitical art - my friends - to wake us up form stupor in the burbs .... My school mates started a band called CINEMA PRAGUE. They were highly influenced by DK, esp. their enthusiastic & energetic drummer Tim Lowe . Bassist Simon Hemsworth went on to form Ammonia, with chart success in Australia. They played school gigs, and parties. We enjoyed the music and revered them for doing their thing. some events and parties were riotous and some epic and others even mythic, if only there was a film of this time.... I remember egg carton collections to soundproof a garage. Jam Against Jelly. Seeing what a guitarist on acid looks like on stage. and beign both horrified and intrigued by the album cover of a starving hnad DK for me sits in an era, signifying teen rebellion, outrage at the horror of complacency and fascism disguised as conservatism. And some of my first anti establishment political messages ... I think there was something about a white supremacism or a KKK governer of California (but I might be conflating the messages of the Disposal Heroes of Hip Hop Racy) , But also the jarring grating voice of Jello, his attention grabbing megaphone like calls, shining a light on society some kind of attention seizing lucidity. Is the triumphant rhythm of a "military or regimental march" being mixed with punk Klezmer in Harlequin-like genius here. Whatever it is, it's singular, catchy and so very thought provokingly disturbing ... And as relevant now as ever. I can't forget the emaciated infants hand on one of their covers (starving Ethiopian or Eritrean apologies for not knowing off the top of my head) , a visual burner into the conscience ... equalled ( in its ability to evoke abhorrent shock at the devastation the west causes or allows for the rest of humanity and it's uncountable suffering), as the self immolating monk on the cover of a Rage Against the Machine album. The message is mixed. Ironing, mocking , critique of the American dynasties, and an anger at tragedy. More direct than the punk that was there to just annoy or entertain - this is political. I will need to study it to be sure if there was a call for action. But for me it was simple " don't look away, question, and be horrified, without bourgeois complacency). This is stark political art.
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.
This is one of my favorite punk albums ever. It's got cracking tunes that barrel along at a breakneck pace, without becoming repetitive. The songs are smart and funny, and Jello Biafra presents them with force and charisma. It is serious, but never self-serious. Following Holiday in Cambodia (an all-time classic) with a cover of Viva Las Vegas is the perfect encapsulation of what is great about this record. There's always room for Jello.
Killer
not my favorite genre
Not my favorite at all. 1.5/5
Seminal punk album from the Dead Kennedys. Mixing a great sense of humour with serious political commentary, all delivered with a sense of malice and urgency. It's all super tight as well - the punk aesthetic slightly obscuring the chops of a band who can really play as well.
Kill kill kill kill kill the poor
Ok
Eh!
One of the best punk albums of all time. There's nothing else that needs to be said.
Not really my thing but it's not like it was bad
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
Nr. 46/1001 Kill the Poor 3/5 Forward to Death 2/5 When Ya Get Drafted 2/5 Let's Lynch The Landlord 3/5 Drug Me 1/5 Your Emotions 2/5 Chemical Warfare 2/5 California Uber Alles 2/5 I Kill Children 2/5 Stealing People's Mail 2/5 Funland At The Beach 2/5 III in the Head 1/5 Holiday In Cambodia 2/5 Viva Las Vegas 2/5 Average: 2,0 Not my kind of music
Blind album and artist. Only know them by name. I am in shock that I am giving this an album a 5, as it is scratching some kind of itch I normally wouldn't have known was there. The other thing that doesn't shock me though is I also gave Sex Pistols Bollocks a 5. Maybe I like 80s hardcore punk?
Legendary album. Maybe it gets a bit monotonous after a while. Still amazing.
Fuckkkk yesssssssssssss lynch the landlord baby
Partly heard before Saved ?/14 Top track:
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.
this was the correct length for a punk album
Channeling my (much) younger self: 5 stars.
Not a fan of Dk
J'ai encore oublié ce que c'était mais je fais confiance à la commu qui mes de bonnes notes
boobies
Great music, not the best singer. They absolutely sound like a british punk band despite the fact the are from California. A fun experience.
4 stars
Fun, punk, garage sound!
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.
Too metal for me
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.
Кайфовый ранний панкушник в стиле Sex Pistols и Clash. Нравится, что тематика песен радикальна, но не прямолинейна.
I had high hopes for this album, as I am a fan of punk rock. However, I was disappointed by the lack of originality and creativity in this debut album by the Dead Kennedys. The songs sound like a poor imitation of the Sex Pistols. The music is fast and loud, but also monotonous and repetitive. The vocals are shrill and annoying, and the production is poor and amateurish. The only song that stands out is “California Über Alles”, which is a catchy and sarcastic satire of the hippie culture and the political situation in California. The rest of the album is forgettable and boring, and the final track, a cover of “Viva Las Vegas”, is a terrible way to end the album. It is a mockery of the original song, with distorted vocals, distorted guitars, and distorted lyrics. I would not recommend this album to anyone, unless they are a hardcore fan of the Dead Kennedys or punk rock in general. I give it 2 out of 5 stars.
Let England Shake The Last Living Rose All And Everyone On Battleship Hill England
1. kill the poor - 0 2. foruuard to death - 0 3. uuhen ya get drafted - 0 4. letz lynch the landlord - 0 5. drug me - 0 6. your emotionz - 0 7. chemical uuarfare - 0 8. california uber - 0 9. i kill children - 1 10. ztealing peoplez mail - 0 11. funland at the beach - 0 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17.
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🤷♂️
Would love to say short and sweet, but I'd only be 50% right. It's definitely short. But it's from the physical era, (vinyl and cd) so it would be. Heads up all you modern fake punk bands, THIS IS PUNK. Was quite listenable but got a bit samey, and I became bored. Quite an achievement in 36 minutes and 15 tracks. Would I listen again? No, 'fraid not. A high ish 1, but still just a 1
Musically, so much better than the Circle Jerks rubbish we had on here recently. But I can’t stand the vocalist. So it can’t be any higher that a low 2 rating because of him.
Another from my teens when I know no better! Good old US Punk. 'California Uber Alles' and 'Holiday in Cambodia' always the standout tracks. Loved Jello Biafra's vocal delivery. Haven't listened probably since my teens, as moved onto more mature listening experiences, nice to revisit and enjoy. So a gets a high 2
I used to like punk. I still do, but I used to, too.
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.
1/5. This album is dismal from the quality to the content. Top to bottom a disaster. I like some punk, but this is definitely far from the style I like.
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.
Ihan punkkirallikimara. Ei kuitenkaan mun intohimo
Punk rock classic. It's got some great lyrics, East Bay Ray's guitar playing, and Jello's distinct vocal style. What more could you want from an album in the genre?
Gotta love me some DK. One of the better albums. Between chemical warfare and holiday in Cambodia, definitely a solid album.
I suppose that's the lamest in all the "classic punk" era
Nearly perfect punk album, I own and love it. Overly sarcastic lyrics, delivered in Jello's signature tone. Simple guitar riffs, barely 30 minutes, *chef's kiss*
Very energetic! Sounds fucking great. Nice, fun, sarcastic lyrics.
Ill in the Head Good guitars and songwriting. Can't get into vox
Lead singer has an annoying lisp. Songs just kinda feel flat. Pretty stereotypical 80s punk rock. Kinda reminds me of background music in a tiny hawk game.
Good playing. Singing a bit too drama.
Critical, but...
Love the Dead Kennedys, I haven't heard this though, all my DK needs were previously met with Give Me Convenience or Give Me Death. Several crackers here though I didn't previously know. Lynch the Landlord
Not the biggest fan of hardcore punk but they were influencers, respect.
I was a big Dead Kennedys guy back in the day; this brought me back.
I feel like I would have appreciated this more in person.
Pretty standard punk album, decent
Who listens to this
Just sounds like noise
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.
Wow, I do NOT like punk. This one could benefit from a remaster. Sounds like a lot of noise to me - although there's a good amount of creativity. Song titles like Califoria Uber Alles get me thinking, which is part of the intention of this record. I'm also noticing that a lot of albums from 1980-2000 just have covers/alternate renditions of songs? I don't like this trend, Viva las Vegas isn't a good song for this album IMO. Sonically though, just not for me. 3/10
Good old-fashioned punk, could definitely listen to it again.
CALIFORNIA! UBER ALLES!
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
Tricky. Very mixed bag. I can see how it was seminal at some point, but I'm not really enjoying it (not hating it) today.
The beat was good. I disliked the lyrics, then it was so surprising it became funny, then it started getting on my nerves. I made it to #8 before I couldn't take anymore.
What the f*** did I just listen to? Didn’t understand any of the lyrics, sounded like someone who wanted to be an edgy activist but with no musical ability. Chemical Warfare was especially painful
eh
Meget sjovt, men mest af alt ret stressende!? 2.5
Personal review: 9.2/10
Catchy. Love having 'warfare warfare chemical warfare' stuck in my head.
Agressive
great to be honest, I would listen to it again
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 require a special brand of punk music. This is not it but I appreciate the commitment, especially in songs like Chemical Warfare.
Got bored and didn’t finish lol soz
Maybe this style of punk rock just isn't my thing but I found the music to be uninspired, boring and repetitive and the singer is one of the most annoying singers I've ever heard. Favourite song was probably holiday in cambodia, and even then the other versions by dead kennedys are way better (e.g. give me convenience or give me death). Or maybe let's lynch the landlord, just for the sentiment :)
closer to a three than a five. great album, but jello's voice begins to become a bit grating after a little while.
Manic and satirical. Sounds like they inspired several 90s bands. Tough to enjoy.
LP
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.
I can hear why so many metal and thrash bands were influenced, but not my jam. Kill the Poor isn't bad nor is Holiday in Cambodia
Базированный правый альбом 7/10
Grand
Jello Biafra is an acquired taste, like asparagus sautéed in crushed glass.
effin great!
I liked the name of the songs and the angst in them, but I had trouble differentiating the vocals from the cacophony in the background. I would love to see this album remade by Miley Cyrus and Five Finger Death Punch , each with their respective artistic tastes and styles.
Liked this more than I expected 3.5/5
Classic punk album
Interesting
Early punk, probably better with context of the music scene. Basic premises but controversial topics with aggressive delivery, short songs.
Punky punk. Never been my favorite
Pirrandi en gott. Langar bara að vera late 70s pönkari úti í horni að vera fúl út í heiminn.
Classic DK album
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.
Damn this absolutely smokes - California Uber Alles, Chemical Warfare and Holiday in Cambodia are sensational, absolutely top tier punk songs. They just feel a cut above, right? Smart lyrics, a great sound and attitude to burn. East Bay Ray is such a cool name.
Interesting to listen to this after recently listening to The Hives. I've been aware of the Dead Kennedys since I was probably 13 or 14, and am pretty sure I've listened to this album before though never owned it or considered myself a fan. But a phrase like "let's lynch the landlord" registered much differently now than it did back then, and I think I've maybe put a finger on why I've been so cold on the 2000s garage rock we've listened to on this list. The tunes on this record are fun AND about something. It's in your face and up your nose and I think that helps give it a maybe unexpected longevity that others lack. Contrast that with the Hives; are any of their songs about anything?? If they were, I couldn't tell. And not that every album needs to be political in any way shape or form. I love plenty of songs that are about shit all. Half the time I'm not even paying attention to the lyrics anyway. But it's nice to hear music like this that takes aim at all of America's bullshit and puts it in an energetic package that's got less to do with talent than sheer willpower. The first song is called "Kill the Poor" and you can sing along to it! That's a potent combination that will probably resonate as long as America is still being all America.
Dirty
4.25
5 stars for the wicked band & tunes, -2 stars for biafra’s cringe politics & “zany” delivery
Great album
I don't like it, it's just so chaotic and noisy.
One of my favourite punk albums of all time. Love the energy and humor throughout this, makes some excellent political points too. There are very intense live performances of most of this album on youtube - check them out!
Sick!
A personal favourite. They are a lot more kind of naive/ optimistic than your UK punk band but still quite sarcastic and vengeful. My favourite track is lets lynch the landlord but all the hits ie kill the poor california uber alles and viva las vegas are great
Terrible.
I mean, this is one of those albums that got me into punk and hugely influenced by political pov growing up in the post 9/11, "War on Terrorism" era. For a 15 song punk rock album, the songs show a pretty incredible variety.
I don't do punk
I didn't prefer this.
2 punk bands stood above all the rest, both lyrically and muscially - Bad Religion and Dead Kennedys. While I prefer DK's second LP, Plastic Surgery Disasters, this one received quite a bit of play for me as a teen in the early 80s. I stupidly got rid of all my vinyl in the early 2000s. The vinyl version I had contained the song Police Truck, which is sorely missed on the version on Spotify - you have to go the compilation album to get it. I hadn't listened to this for several years, so it was nostalgia lane for me. Best songs - Callifornia Uber Alles, Let's Lynch The Landlord, Chemical Warfare, and the sadly missing Police Truck.
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.
Interesting to say the least. A few of the tracks made me bob my head a little, but overall it was too much noise. Which is what they're going for, but it wasn't nice to listen to. I'm finding a lot of the punk albums don't land with me.
Fun listen, muddy recording
Nah
Overall not my sound, but I can understand why they are so popular. The lyrics are sharp, the guitar work is interesting and varied. Really seems like an evolution from a lot of the punk in the 70s
I love the spirit of punk - much more than the actual music it must be said. Although the second time listening I did enjoy it a lot more.
Hard rocking thrash punk metal! This was just OK though, didn’t blow me away although Kill The Poor is an absolute tune!
Eine Platte, die ich sehr gerne nach wenigen Takten ausgemacht habe. Eine weitere Formation, von der ich auf gar keinen Fall wieder hören möchte.
Punk
Such a lot of fun. Short songs, raced through. Really enjoyed it.
Punk. Not the Sex Pistols or as catchy as the Sex Pistols.
A great punk album with some well played surf rock and rockabilly textures. And you can never get enough of Jello Biafra’s highly distinctive voice and snide lyrics.
5*
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
I’m not sure why this stands out among the other socially-conscious punk we’ve heard on this list but something about it just seems … more genuine maybe? Or maybe more radical. 8/10
Terrible thrash punk. Singer sounds like a cross between John Otway and John Lydon. Hopeless - how could this possibly be on the list?
i feel like it could have been a decent album, but the vocals completely ruined it for me
Mercifully short
Holiday in Cambodia, and California Uber Alles were the first two Dead Kennedys songs I heard, and they made me seek this album out. It has great energy throughout. I even like the Viva Las Vegas cover, despite cover songs that completely subvert the genre generally seeming like gimmicks to me. Just a great 80s punk album with sneering sarcastic lyrics and fast music.
6.5/10
Punk at it's very finest. Love Biafra. Great album.
Listened to all of it. Great sound and a nice change from rock.
While this isn't their hardest album, it's certainly a great debut. Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables is a fantastic hardcore punk album. I grew up with punk (thanks to my father), but I never got into the hardcore side of things until in high school. It was there I was introduced to the Black Flags, Bad Religion, and, importantly for this album, Dead Kennedys. The Dead Kennedys always stuck out in my opinion. The shrieking and fast-paced guitars were nothing new, but I think it was the lyrics that really did it for me. The lyrics on this whole record are comedic, but also political. This album is one big piece of political satire, ripping on California governors, war, landlords, and crimes like mail fraud. All issues that might have been a contentious point in American politics at the time (can't confirm; wasn't there). Despite the issues seeming dated at first, they have aged pretty well. Sure, the lead single California Uber Alles seems a bit odd if you didn't know who the song was about, and the song I Kill Children is an odd track that I still don't really understand too much, but songs like Chemical Warfare that detail a chemical gas attack at a country club (subtly making nods to how the US would just attack places all over the world with no regard for the people there) and Holiday in Cambodia, a song about how rich, spoiled, college kids should go to Cambodia and see how life is there (both criticizing the pretentiousness of spoiled, upper-class, white people and the horrible regime of Pol Pot) have ideas that still have some truth to this day. These songs have (for the most part) held up lyrically, but what about the sound? Well, that answer would be a definite yes because the hardcore punk sound is phenomenal. Everything that I would be looking for with this sound (fast guitars, banging drums, screechy vocals) is present. Sure, it's not the fastest or most intense hardcore punk record there ever was, and other albums would do this sound better, but I feel that when compared to their contemporaries, it doesn't matter too much. Especially when there are a number of different musical influences on the record, specifically surf punk and classic garage rock. This combination of sounds on a few tracks keeps the album fresh, even though the fast hardcore sound rings true throughout. The guitars are good, the drumming is good, the vocals are just what I would like (I find Jello to be great for this sound), and the bass is actually amazing. It's one thing that really brings me back. The bass is so good throughout and I really don't know how they do it but it's just amazing. I could go on and on about every song but I've pretty much said everything I need to say. While I am a little biased because I listened to this as a teenager, but I think it's fantastic. It's not their best or even their fastest (Plastic Surgery Disasters is like one of the greatest punk albums ever), but it's a damn good hardcore punk album. I really want to give this album a 10/10, so I think I will.
I love how Dead Kennedys pull off being so blunt & direct, while also being so tongue-in-cheek at the same time.
Great fun, love this era of punk
Great punk album. While I liked most song song I didn't love everyone but still solid start to finish.
Great album.
I do really appreciate how some punk songs end after 90 seconds cause that's all that's needed. 3.5/5
You can hear the influence from The Clash, Ramones, Sex Pistols, and, interestingly, jazz. I’m impressed with how varied the basslines are for a punk band; sold album.
nice fresh fruits
Top notch punk. Love the vocal affectation, the surf guitar, the very forceful messages. Some unexpectedly creative musical ideas in here too, the guitar in Holiday in Cambodia is genuinely exciting.
Punk evolved. Never heard anything by them before, but it was most pleasant to listen to.
Hated listening to it from the start. Lyrics were fascinating at first but then they just got fucking weird
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
4.5/5
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.
Lead singer has a distinctive voice, the album grew on me as it went on. Then it stopped growing on me.
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.
Going back to day 1 quickly, just to give a rundown of the 4 prior albums: Enter the Wu-Tang: A very good album in a genre I wholly enjoy, it just didn’t have any standout tracks for me to elevate it to a 5 Born in the USA: Some of the clearly less ‘American Hero’ songs were really fun but as a whole, it was a little too much of that at times. Ready to Die: As good as this album is, and I truly loved each song, I would revoke the 5th star if possible. No album in the world should be 19 songs long and it takes away from the final portion. If each segment before and after the interlude was a separate album I would 5-star each. Having that many songs with a similar sound does make it harder to appreciate the final 2/3 songs. Deep Purple in Stone and Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables: Both under explored genres for me so I’d hope to come back to both with more appreciation. That being said, Deep Purple was a mixed bag, some really enjoyable and others a bit too much. Then the Dead Kennedys, I could appreciate the talent throughout but it all merged into a singular song for me almost, making it to harder to Identify particular points.
Now we're on my kind of music, some classic punk. Listened to this already many times, Dead Kennedys had a really interesting sound on here thanks to their surf-rock influence. Songs like 'Kill the Poor', 'Lets Lynch the Landlord', 'California Uber Alles' all are punk classics that I could listen to everyday and not tire of them. The only thing stopping me from giving it a 5 is a few tracks near the end running up to the legendary 'Holiday in Cambodia' which are a little weak and don't leave much of an impression even after all the listens i've given them. Regardless this is still a punk classic that anyone interesting in getting into the genre should listen through a couple times.
Hardcore punk. ¡Vinilazo de los DK!
Punk sesentero. No me ha llamado la antención.
When I was in high school, I remember hearing Holiday In Cambodia and I couldn’t get past the vocals. I always thought he sounded like he was singing while sat on a washing machine. That was half my life ago though, so let’s listen again and see how it sounds with today’s ears! Songs I already knew: Holiday In Cambodia, California Uber Alles Favourites: Kill The Poor, Holiday In Cambodia This was pretty great! The vocals definitely do have a significant vibrato, but it is nowhere near as annoying as I remembered. The music is nice and angsty, and the lyrics are full of sarcasm and wit. There weren’t any songs that I disliked here. Although there were some standout songs, every song here was still really fun and enjoyable. I may be a few years later than most, but this was great.
Amazing 80s punk album. Great debut.
This is so edgy… What is going on..... My head is about to explode
With the yelpy vocals, political lyrics and manic, twisted riffs this sounds remarkably like a System of a Down prototype in places, and that’s no bad thing. I find early punk pretty hit and miss, but this album is definitely one of the more interesting and fun examples of the genre I’ve come across. 3.5 stars, and a nice lil bump up for pleasantly surprising me.
entendible discazo teniendo california uber alles pero no es tanto mi kind of rock
Better than Sex Pistols
This was great, the sound is still really raw and while Holiday in Cambodia takes all the plaudits kill the poor, lynch the landlord and Cali Uber alles all jump out too
loud and punk was fun but got old quick
Well for me, this is a classic formative album. I'll admit the vocals can be a bit hard to get used to, but conversely, there's just some fantastic songwriting here and some outright jams. Holiday in Cambodia is certainly a jam, as is California Uber Alles, but I must admit a big soft spot for Let's Lynch The Landlord which clearly states, unequivocally, exactly where their sympathies lie. IMHO a classic album that everyone should have heard at some point in their life... so a great inclusion on the list.
2/5 Best: Holiday in Cambodia Worst: Stealing People's Mail
oh yeah this was very good it took me one song to get into them and now im on board lets kill the fucking poor am i right?
It worked to a degree. Could have used fewer racial slurs
This got pretty repetitive listening to it all at once but I liked every song on the album. Good stuff to listen to but repeated listens are pretty hard.
All killer no filler. Simply fantastic. Just a thoroughly enjoyable punk album that's sinister enough to keep it real.
Hits you like a whirlwind. When the first song is "kill the poor" you know you're in for a trip and it doesn't let up.. up there with the best of punk for speaking to rebellious teenagers, which all music should really. 5
That raw punk sound but more dangerous sounding compared to The Clash
This guy's voice kind of got on my nerves haha. Not my kind of vibe.
Canciones rápidas y directas. Precursores de un estilo afilado. Los Sex Pistols americanos. Punk sin complicaciones
While musically this shows it's age, this is a classic of the genre. Sadly it's themes are still relevant today. Some of the guitar work is a leap forward from earlier punk records and you can see how much this influenced the later movement and hardcore scene.
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.
This was the most punk rock album I've ever heard.
Rating: 10/10
Amazing debut album and influential album. Though at time very poppy, kinda like a possessed Sha Na Na.
This was one of the first records that turned me onto the hardcore scene and quite literally changed my life forever. 100% manic high speed, this record careens barely under control from political to disturbing to silly. Holiday in Cambodia and California Uber Alles are classics, but this record screams relentlessly from start to finish with no duds.
I've listened to this so many times since I found it in high school. Holiday and California are still amazing songs.
I wish I could give this one 6 stars. There are few albums in my life more important to me or why I like and listen to the music I do. Ever since I heard this album in high school (20+ years ago), where it blew my mind, I have been chasing that same feeling. I'm don't think I even try to listen to all 1001 albums if it wasn't for hearing this one. The DKs mix punk and hardcore with lyrics that are funny with a powerful message. It's everything I like in music.
One of my favorite Punk Bands. Great variety for a Punk record and surprisingly dark lyrics. Can actually tell a difference between the songs!
This band still cuts through - Holiday in Cambodia and California Uber Alles are such great tracks
Jää mulle lopulta vähän liian siistiksi ja etäiseksi, räkä puuttuu. Mutta! Suosikkibiisini Holiday in Cambodia pelastaa, kokonaiskuva hyvän puolella.
"Energisyys" on aivan sallittava termi kuvaamaan musiikkia silloin, kun muitakin avuja on havaittavissa. OK, Biafran ääni on jollain tasolla "acquired taste", johon ei koskaan täysin totu, mutta biisimateriaali on huomiota herättävän vahvaa - enkä tarkoita pelkästään kunnianhimoisempia (?) popkappaleita, vaan myös punkvetoja kuten Forward to Death, jotka koukuttavat samalla, minimalistisella tavalla kuin hyvä rock'n'roll on aina tehnyt. Joten kyllä, annan häpeilemättä energian viedä itseni mukanaan. Voisiko se olla viemättä?
This is a hardcore punk album in that it is political, it’s obscene, and it makes you angry. First time I listened to this I didn’t love it but having it come up on this list I listened to it a little more and it’s pretty decent. I didn’t grow up when punk was popular so some of the appeal is missed on me but some of these songs do rock hard. Some were familiar from guitar hero. Yikes. Overall though this is solid and I’d revisit maybe. 6.2/10
This is how I imagine clowns sing but I did have fun
This was kinda funny
Dead Kennedys at their finest. Brutal, foundational punk that not only defined a genre, but a generation.
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.
Honestly?
I used to love the Dead Kennedys. Probably in my punk days. Even though I've always hated punk.
Such a rush. Some good good punk sound.
I can see the appeal here, but it's just not for me. Lyrics are really fun and cheeky once you actually look them up, because otherwise understanding more than half of it feels impossible.
ваще не понял панкуха как панкуха
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.
очень приятное введение в панк, так сказать
essential hardcore punk that's as silly as possible. Took a while to grow on me but probably one of my favorite punk records nowadays.
I’m a sucker for these old punk albums. I get why folks would like it but they still give me the vibes of an old skate video. Also the lead singers name is jello and the dude who played guitars name is east bay ray. Top tier names
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.
That's punk for you. Nothing else but pure rebelliousness. 4.5/5
super political is how i like my punk and i hit the jackpot
Angry rock but weird and not enjoyable to listen too
I love a lot of the songs on this album. Jello can be an acquired taste and I get why so many people can't stand him. TBH, I liked a lot of the mix that spotify played after this album more than this but it's still a fun one. Glad it's on this list. Definitely happy to get this after that Robbie Williams bullshit.
Awful. As my son would say - just awful.
Before today, the only exposure to Dead Kennedys I had was hearing Police Truck on Tony Hawk Pro Skater, and Holiday in Cambodia on Guitar Hero 3. For the purposes of this review, I enjoyed the album so much that I listened to the extended edition of it. Dead Kennedys have a really unique sound, mixing surfer rock with hardcore punk, and lacing in their political views (which are sadly still relevant today). Jello Biafra's vocal delivery sounds like the B-52's. Their version of Viva Las Vegas may be better than Elvis'! All of the members of the band are super talented! These guys pushed their message unapologetically, and largely without representation. I Kill Children, and Funland at the Beach both have roots in Alice Cooper style shock rock, really taking the listener by surprise when they start into them. Overall, a phenomenal punk record. The fact that this is a debut album is insane! I thoroughly enjoyed this deeper dive into their back catalog. I will definately listen again! Favourite songs: Police Truck, Too Drunk to Fuck, In-Sight, When Ya Get Drafted, Holiday in Cambodia, California Uber Alles, Chemical Warfare, Let's Lynch the Landlord, Forward to Death, Kill the Poor Least favourite songs: The Prey, Drug Me, Ill in the Head 4/5
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.
It's just really high quality American Punk as the scales began to tip towards that musical direction. Jello's voice matched up with the high speed and intensity of the music makes it a very immersive album, ready to thrash about whenever needed.
This album was so foundational for me. Instant 5/5, holds up beautifully.
Not at all for me, but I can understand their appeal.
I’ve never been a fan of punk and I’m not now although I can tolerate some bands. I only listened once which was enough so a disappointing 2*
not morally straight and differently abled version of system of a down. holiday in cambodia
I have thrown up now
It sounds like a little kid singing
No thanks!
Can’t understand
A punk classic that has almost every classic track you can think of from DK. Jello and the boys are in full mayhem over fuzzy licks and well produced drums. There’s an odd catchiness to a ton of the tracks.
I'm not punk enough to love the Kennedys. California Uber Alles speaks to me though.
No thank you
No
Satirisch, hard, energiek en kritisch. Hoe punk hoort te zijn dus.
It's a little crazy but mostly good.
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.
Somewhere between a 3 and a 4.
So fun, so riled up, and deserves a place on this list and any other considering punk rock music. Fave tracks: Kill the Poor, Drug Me, Chemical Warfare, I Kill Children, Holiday in Cambodia
This is how I like my punk music - fast, loud, politically charged and irreverent as fuck. Fav Tracks: Kill The Poor, Chemical Warfare, Holiday In Cambodia
This was a great punk album. It’s crazy that there were times I thought I was listening to an early System of a Down. Had to influence them. 4 TBz 1. When Ya Get Drafted 2. Drug Me 3. Kill the Poor 4. Let’s Lynch the Landlord
I shouldn't like this so much. I'm listening to Funland at the Beach with an embarrassed grin on my face. Holiday in Cambodia has everything that a song needs. Then we finish with the "reconstructed" Viva Las Vegas: "Got coke up my nose to dry up the snot." Truly wonderful/horrible.
3.5/5 punk
Ik vind het leuk. Moeilijk voor te stellen ook dat dit uit 1980 komt, het is echt een punkerige versie van System of a Down, dus ik zou het sowieso halverwege jaren 90 schatten. Het is ook maar goed dat het maar 35 minuten is, en zelfs dat is al iets te lang met allemaal chaosnummers van 2 minuten. Maar al met al wel erg leuk.
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.
Alright so I know it's influential and I know this came out in 1980 so it's ahead of it's time but I just don't love it. DK are such a well known and respected band in punk but to be honest if I need someone to justify the music not being great by all of these other factors then I'm not really going to be swayed too much. Jello Biafra's vocals sound kind of boring and the forced vibrato to me sounds like someone who said "my voice is uninteresting let me add something silly to it to remedy that". I just don't love it. Maybe there's another release that they have that I would like more?
Loud
Fuck yeah! I loved this record as a kid. I love this record as an adult. The combination of old-school punk, surf rock, and Jello Biafra's unhinged vocals is one of the most iconic sounds, and the occasional throw in of schizophrenic xylophone or Rhodes piano just puts the icing on the cake. Too bad the shit they were satirizing 43 years ago hasn't changed much...I'll just have to steal some mail to feel better about that I guess.
It's Dead Kennedys. That being said, this isn't my favorite album by them. I like later ones more. 4/5
Probably my favorite punk album of all time. Still sounds out of this world 40+ years on, everything about it works; Jello’s snotty performance, the strong musicianship, biting lyrics and memorable melodies. I’m glad we finally got to it. A-
Painful
Not something I'd listen to again
Short, punchy and to the point, with the only track significantly over three minutes being the marvellous Holiday In Cambodia (which is better here than the single version). Showing a heavy UK punk influence, but ahead of its time for most of the USA.
A certified punk classic from start to finish.
2/5 not impressed even for year and genre
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.
Hahhahhah sooooo good! Pure anarchy. Metal and industrial were my first loves, so I encountered Jello Biafra via Lard initially. He sure is an acquired taste! Pure WTF delivery and voice at first listen, but it works so well that soon you think, how could it be otherwise? Fave track - "Holiday in Cambodia" stands head and shoulders above everything else - that intro is so damn moody! "California Über Alles" is also iconic....
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
Noise
Not a punk fan but this album surprised me. Was tapping along the entire time and had fun with it!
Decent punk
Punk legends at the top of the game. Not much to review here. If you're into punk, then this is a Rushmore type album. If you're not into punk it probably sounds like all the other you punk you don't like... Just the way the universe intended.
IDK why I like this honestly, but I do. It's so fast and in your face and there's not a very strong sense of rhythm. Yet, I can't stop listening. The songs are so short, they kinda blend together and I'll check to see if i'm still on the same song and i've listened to like 3 different songs and didn't even realize it.
D. H. Peligro was a gift to the world.
mye bråk, men kan backe noe
классная обложка, остальное хуйня ..... не извините
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
Great album, nice hooks, strong melodies with sparse and consistent instrumentation. Crazy to hear in retrospect the influence they had on SOAD's vocalist, Serj Tankian, not to even mention all the punk bands that came after them
Fantastic Punk album. Pure Punk Raw energy at its best.
Good punk, all sounded fast and the same
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
One of the best
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.
I've not listened to this album before, but I am familiar with many of the tracks. I'd give this 5 on the basis of California Uber Alles on its own. The rest of the album is pretty good too. Some genuinely interesting drumming on Drug Me. The vocals are great, but that tinny distorted kick drum and the snares are just fascinating. In fact, the drums are one of the best bits of this. Brilliant stuff.
Lovely British punk from San Francisco. What I like about Dead Kennedys is their variation in the songs and their playing. It's not just the same chords repeated again and again. They're actually talented and knows how to play which can not be said about all punk bands as some rely more on feeling and political message. Dead Kennedys is definitely my type of punk rock.
Wat een herrie. Word hier niet zo zeer gelukkig van.
Nog steeds niet mijn genre. Nummers hebben wel leuke titels.
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.
Enjoyed
Pol pot pol pot.
Shouty short bursts of perfect punkiness. What's not to like?