Customer Reviews

Rock

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

 

 

Once only sold in Australia, "Rock!!!!!" has finally been released in the US. Hard-core Violent Femmes fans will have already got their copy and like them the average admirer will definitely appreciate this piece of music. The Violent Femmes stormed the musical world in 1981 with their debut album, "Violent Femmes", and have since then released several albums. This one will take its listener back to the roots as they experiment with various instrument and flavour the whole album with that taste that enriched their debut. The album has twelve tracks that are as different as they are many. As before, they are never afraid of experimenting as shown in their most unusual track, "Didgeriblues", where bassist Brian Ritchie basically has an improv-session on this ancient instrument. Their satirical lyrics, written by guitarist and leading vocalist Gordon Gano, hold no punches in tracks like "Life is an adventure", "She went to Germany" and "Dahmer is dead". "I danced", which lyrics are taken from Max Dunn's poem "I danced before I had two feet," is possibly one of the best tracks this band has released in the humble opinion of the one who writes this. Last but not least, "I wanna see you again" and "Sweet words of angels" are yet another testimony of Violent Femmes' ability to write amazingly beautiful ballads. In all, "Rock!!!!!" is a worthy possession for all Violent Femmes admirers.

Rock!!! was at first only published in Australia - apparently Australians have much better music tastes than Americans. Then it was released in the U.S. and life got much better. Coupled with the single album Tonight (songs: "Tonight" - album version, "Tonight" - edit, and "Didgeriblues"), Rock!!! is a back-to-basics CD for Violent Femmes offering a great range of VF's repertoir - from folk to punk, all rock and beautiful, Violent Femmes are still alive.

This is definitely the least overplayed and most rich VF album - listening to it doesn't get old, there's always something else to discover in their music. Any hardcore VF fan must own this CD or else!!! Violent Femmes Rock!!!

I just purchased this CD and was overly excited about finally getting my hands on this rare album. I have been a huge Femmes fan since the first album and have seen them live a bunch of times. But I have to confess to being a bit disapointed in ROCK. Gordon's style of writing music is always a little bit corny, but he usually pulls it off well by staying honest and keeping the music catchy. He doesn't seem to capture that honesty in this one. Don't get me wrong, I still love the Femmes. But I just wanted to write this so I can warn the next kid that comes across this rare find. It isn't the next "Why Do The Birds Sing" and it isn't an album that will find it's way into your CD player on a daily basis. It's nice to have, but there is definetly some logic to why they only released it in Australia. Next time I get an import from Australia, I think I'd prefer an ice cold Fosters instead. P.S. Brian Ritchie is still a god on the four string (and the didgeridoo((if that's how ya spell it)))

3.5 stars

If New Times and Freak Magnet felt a little stiff to you, the loose production on this effort may be up your alley. The Femmes may never return to the classic sound they had when they had their original drummer, but they sound like they're having fun here at least/getting a little crazy.

(Check out my list of classic Femmes' recordings.)

In my opinion, the Violent Femmes' career can be divided into 2 periods: before and after Why Do Birds Sing (not that that's their best; the first 2 releases are easily the best). This album, Rock!!!!!, is the best of the latter period IMHO. Unlike Freak Magnet or New Times, this one has no bad songs and several pretty great ones (Thankgiving, I Wanna See You Again, Sweet World of Angels). It also has some imperfect but still hummable songs such as Tonight, Life Is An Adventure, and She Went to Germany. Also, it's cool to note that Sweet World of Angels was actually written way back in Gordon's high school days, if I remember correctly. Explore their earlier work first, then get this.

I am a huge femmes fan and a collector, and I was thrilled when I finally got my hands on ROCK!!!!! And it is well worth it. Once again, the femmes deliver their rockabilly-folk-punk type style mixed with Gano's famous humor. but the album does have something to say. "Death Drugs" makes a clever comment on heroin abuse and "Sweet Worlds Of Angels" is a heartfelt, personal song from Gano. It falls in the same category as "I know it's true but I'm sorry to say" from Hallowed ground and "Good Feeling" from their self titled album. This album seems to go back to the basics. It's not over produced like Blind Leading the Naked or New Times. It's fantastic and well worth the buy.

This cd shows the wide range of instuments the band can play, and play well. They cover every topic you can think of, from drugs to angels, from dancing to Jeffery Dahmer. Although the album is relitivly short, (less than 40 minutes) they really pack alot of music into it.

their latest album (to be released) includes yet more great songs that are written just to be performed live, or to be sung along with in the car. the femmes make a major comeback from New Times and leave the techno aspect there (I happen to like new times as well) a must listen..

I bought this cd when it came out and i have to say its probably my 2nd favourite VF album..I was surprised to see it wasnt released in usa...It has some great VF songs on it and is definitley worth tracking down to have in your collection...