Customer Reviews

Ballot Results

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If memory serves correct, The Minutemen had plans to record a live album of their fan's favorite songs entitled Ballot Result. However, due to the untimely passing of D. Boon, they were forced to assemble this collection of radio broadcasts, live and rehearsal recordings, and even some studio tracks (when live versions didn't exist). Ultimately, you have to commend Mike and George for carrying on with the project. None the less, there are some definate peaks and valleys on this collection. This record starts out strong with a decently recorded 1985 radio brodcast featuring smokin' versions of some of their best songs. These tracks alone justify purchasing this CD (preferably the LP for the extra songs). The remainder of the tracks, however, are a hodge-podge of live and rehearsal material that is either marred by poor recording quality or sub-par performances. Tracks like "Tour Spiel" and "Take Our Test", while far from unlistenable, stick out in my mind as being especially inferior to the studio versions. In addition, the remix of "No One" single-handedly demonstrates what is so horribly wrong with 80's studio production. Yes, I'm nit-picking, but these issues keep this from being a 5-star disc, in my opinion. Still, Ballot Result is well worth owning based on its obvious strengths.

Produced as the result of a fan ballot to compile an album of their best loved tunes, this fantastic record is also notable as containing some of the last live recordings of the band with their singer and guitarist, the honourable D. Boon, who unfortunately died in late 1985. 'Ballot Result' serves not only as a document of the band at their live best - in the studio, on the radio, or before their adoring fans on stage, but also as a tribute to one of the greatest songwriters and lyricists in modern music. Outstanding tracks on this amazing album, such as the radio session version of 'Courage' and his live solo 'No! No! No! To Draft And War' are perfect examples of his inspired (and inspiring) guitar style combined with his powerful political poetry - entertainer and educator in one! Of course, the Minutemen would not be the Minutemen without the distinctive bass of musical maestro Mike Watt (hear 'Little Man With A Gun In His Hand' for proof) and George Hurley pulls out all the stops in his mesmirising drum solo on 'Mr. Robot's Holy Orders'. For first-time listeners the sound quality may be off-putting (some of the tracks are actual audience bootlegs!) but for any lovers of raw, lo-fi music in the vein of Black Flag, early Husker Du and other SST bands, as well as all fans of the Minutemen, this album is an essential addition to your collection.

memo to Amazon: the LP version has different tracks from the CD, including LP-only cover of Steppenwolf's "Hey Lawdy Mama." The LP and CD versions should have accurate track lists -- there's quite a few songs that don't overlap.

Released after the death of the great D. Boon, this showcases the Minutemen at their best (even if the fidelity isn't always perfect). Listening to D. and Mike Watt howling out their econo political songs before a live audience was as good as music got in the 80s. Hearing D. Boon singing "No No No to Draft and War" always makes me fill up, knowing we can't hear him today.

I am a longtime fan of not only the Minuteman but most of the SST bands of the 80's. I still have the original ballot included in '3-Way Tie (For Last) that was the basis for this record. True, the fidelity is not there but Mike and George saw to it to make this project come to fruition after D's untimely death. A great masterpiece showcasing one of the truly great and original bands of not only LA but the world. Even when they were 'big' they always played annual free shows at UCLA and I had the joy of booking these shows when they were overhauled as fIREHOSE. The nicest guys ever and true professionals; never a complaint of playing a college with limited perks. They were true local musicians who gave everyone a chance and this record is a great bookend to their legacy.

This is just classic live Minutemen at their best. What makes this one special is that the tracklist was compiled by the fans' votes which truly makes it special for the Minutemen enthusiasts. Some of the live performances don't translate well on the disc only because of their "bootlegged" sound quality, but either way it's still worth a spin. Included was a fan favorite, "Mr. Robot's Holy Orders" in which each member is able to show their incredible talent and they do! Recommended for the true fan. If you are new to the Minutemen catalog make sure you check out Double Nickels On The Dime.

a fitting tribute to the greatest band of any genre. listening to this album you can see where they were evolving - from a band with lightning fast short songs to a jam band. if d. boon had lived they'd be the grateful dead of their generation. as it is mike watt (the bass player) has just released his second punk rock opera. remember d boon every april fool's day - that was his birthday! (really)

Being all of 10 years old when D. Boon died never really allowed me to see them live. Unfortunately, this is as close as I'll get. Fortunately, this is a great album. For those of you who don't know, SST took a poll of fans' favorite Minutemen songs and made up a live album. I assume they would have included the actual results, but fidelity they didn't have 'em all. They include the actual results in the liner notes.

Great stuff. Has three of my favorites, Jesus and Tequila, Political Song For Micheal Jackson To Sing and If Reagan Played Disco. Also, This Ain't No Picnic. Great all around record.

I'm not really into this type of music but when I first heard the Minutemen I was won over. The music was relevant in the reactionary 80's but I swear that "Little man with a gun in his hand" is about George W. I love this band.

Seeing as I am halfway (along with the Minutemen, of course) responsible for a number of songs on here (those recorded at WREK, a show I set up), it would be difficult to not recommend this or any other recording D., Watt & George did. We'll never know what they might have accomplished, but the direction they were heading was quite promising. and the CD is different from the album which is different from the cassette, so load up on all of them........