A compulsory item for any fan of punk. Arguably Dead Kennedys best album. Plastic Surgery Disasters (1982) and In God We Trust Inc. EP. (1981)
Dead Kennedys, a punk band with their fingers in the hardcore, punk rock and surf punk pies were most famously known for their front man Jello Biafra. A man who was more intent on having a conversation rather then bashing your head in because your opinion was different to his, a rarity in punk back then, or maybe it's just because he knew he would get his ass kicked if he tried the other approach (I can't see Jello taking on Henry Rollins). A politically charged and socially indifferent individual with tongue in cheek humour. His lyrics, attitude, delivery and on stage persona led him to be a very notable figure in the punk scene.
Charismatically singing and hiding no displeasure for the likes of Ronald Reagen, America's government, jocks, Nazi punks, faceless suits and their businesses, ungrateful spoilt people and religion, you could see that no one was safe from Jello Biafra and no one could deliver a message quite like him either. A very simple, thought provoking and funny delivery, it was easy to understand Jello and also have a laugh at the people he was condemning if you weren't too busy gritting your teeth thinking, "Yeah, fuck these/this guy(s)".
Although Jello Biafra is the most memorable member of the Dead Kennedys and safe to say these days the only one still liked out of the group, it could not have all been done without him. The style, energy and atmosphere that the rest of the band created fit Jello perfectly, making his approach even more affective.
In my opinion Plastic Surgery Disasters/In God We Trust Inc. is their best album. From the start you are grabbed by the neck of your shirt and smashed through each song as if you were at the closing down show of DMPO's ON BRODWAY. It's consistent and the issues brought up in each song are the most interesting and relative to me.
For the most recent work of Jello Biafra, check out Jello Biafra with The Melvins also known as The Jelvins and Jello Biafra and the Guantanamo School of Medicine. He also writes spoken word poetry and is a member of the Green Party of the United States.
Fun Fact: Although Jello Biafra could not play guitar he used to record himself humming/"dootling" the guitar tune he had in his head and hand it to East Bay Ray.
Notable Songs: The Whole Album but I guess to name a few; Riot, Religious Vomit, Government Flu, Nazi Punks Fuck Off and Moon Over Marin.
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| Frankenchrist banned album cover |
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