Customer Reviews

Violent Femmes

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was in graduate school in Milwaukee when the Femmes started, and heard them play at parties around town (including the opening of a new contemporary art exhibit at the Art Museum). I know, you're happy for me. You should be REALLY happy, though, that this album is still available.

Although I listen mostly to classical music (along with hefty doses of Bob Dylan and Van Morrison), I listen to this album A LOT. It still connects, even though I'm now in my mid-40s.

The songs are certainly angst-laden, but unlike someone like Jewel, the Femmes are more articulate, crude (at times - OK, how about honest without being sappy), and they rock (even thought this is mostly "unplugged").

Each track seems to deal with a different emotion, such as sexual frustration, anger and spite("Kiss Off"), grief ("Please Do Not Go"), etc. And each one shows how much emotion and passion a few simple instruments and strong vocals can convey. This packs a wallop. Got get it!

i never thought i'd do this, but when i saw the review posted below this, i felt i should. violent femmes isn't about nonsensical lyrics and little happy ditties. despite it's melodic pop beats, there is a blatant desperation and depression if you only take the time to listen to the text. because of this mix, this is my favourite violent femmes' debut album. it is one of the best cd's i've come across in my life, and would easily get a place among the twenty cd's i would bring to a deserted island.

In my opinion, this is one of the best cds of the 80's. If you've never owned a Violent Femmes album, this is definitely the one to start with!

As the Femmes' career continued it became harder and harder to recall just how amazing this debut sounded upon its release. As the so-called New Wave petered out in the early 80s, the stripped down, angry, desparate, angst-ridden folk-punk of the Femmes cut through all those synthesizers like a red-hot knife.

Writer/guitarist/vocalist Gordon Gano not only gave words to his sexual (and other) angst, but performed on record and in concert as though the emotions were gripping him at that very moment. The back-to-basics instrumentation, including an acoustic mariachi bass and a minimal snare drum set-up only accentuated Gano's presence.

Their succeeding albums all contained moments of brilliance, but their debut was the one solid effort from top to bottom. A landmark debut that still packs a punch.

Where were you when you first heard "Blister in the Sun"? There's no denying the song commands attention, but the rest of the album is outstanding as well. The Femmes could do no wrong with this effort: the takes are tight and spontaneous, the recording raw and intimate and the songwriting superb. My favorite is "Kiss Off." With a very spare arrangement, the band demonstrates its mastery of tension, release and dynamics in each and every song. This is an instant classic and one of the best debut albums I'm aware of.

I was 4 years old when this the Violent Fems emerged about 2000 miles east of me; but I could feel their rthyms, beats and lyrics as clear as mud. I am now 20, and have enjoyed listening to this CD for 16 years; especially on my way to work in the morning in the I-405 stop and go! Add it Up, everyone, ADD IT UP!

How come this isn't an essential amazon? I think this is one of the best albums from the 80's, was a great debut although the other albums following were not as great as this one. Too bad mine doesn't have the bonus tracks

I was at a used cd store and the sleeve for this cd had a note attached saying that every fifteen year old will listen to this album at least once. Well I was 17 but it is a rite of passage of sorts. The energy and emotion in these songs ensure that this cd will continue to be a classic not only for teens but adults as well. Turn on mtv and see the absurd/insipid things that they play, that they consider cutting edge then listen to this and see what cutting edge was/is.

Incredible, awesome, powerful, raw, emotional, lewd, GREAT!

This is without a doubt one of the greatest albums of all time. I've had it for 17 years now and still love it as much today as the day I bought it.

I was 20 when this came out, I'm now 36 and listen to jazz, new age and lots of 'mello' music. Let me tell ya, this record still makes me feel the same now as it did then. Amazing how a 3-piece bare-bones trio can emote such energy and PASSION. Stress on the passion, as Gordon Gano feels every syllable of every word he sings. Glad I still have the album as well as the cd because the album cover art is also a classic cover.