Published on Jan 31, 1997
Over 15 years since they first burst forth onto the L.A. punk
scene, Jello Biafra and the Dead Kennedys are a band that should
still be feared – and respected.
Like their British counterparts the Sex Pistols, the Dead
Kennedys erupted when we least expected them, spewing venom and
social unrest throughout the industry. Both bands suffered some
form of censorship, only making them more popular among their cult
of fans.
But that’s where the similarities stop. While the Sex Pistols
self-imploded after only one album, Biafra kept his band together
for several years – in fact, it would be censorship and a lengthy
court battle he would eventually win that would spell the end of
the Dead Kennedys. Another key difference is that this band could
play their instruments well, and Biafra’s vocals were solid, his
warble making middle America quite nervous.
I’m embarassed to admit their debut album,
Fresh Fruit For Rotting Vegetables, is a recent addition to
the Pierce Memorial Archives. But after one listen, one thing is
clear –
this is the album that defines American punk, bar none.
From the opening notes of “Kill The Poor,” you know this isn’t
going to be any ordinary musical trip. From the tone of Biafra’s
vocals, one begins to take him somewhat seriously. However, many of
the vocals on this one are tough to decipher, and at least my copy
of
Fresh Fruit For Rotting Vegetables isn’t graced by the
presence of a lyric sheet.
East Bay Ray’s guitar is frantic, but he shows he knows more
than the traditional three chords on this one. Add to this mix the
drums of Ted and Klaus Flouride’s bass work (Sid Vicious, eat your
heart out), and you have a band that began to transcend punk into,
dare I say it, heavy metal / thrash. “Forward To Death” has Biafra
proclaiming, “I don’t need this fucking world,” especially, as the
following track foretells, “When Ya Get Drafted.”
Tracks like “California Uber Alles” and “Holiday In Cambodia”
are well-known for very good reasons, while Biafra surprises
everyone by closing the album with a decidedly non-punk track,
“Viva Las Vegas.” It’s a surreal close to an incredible album.
Be warned, though – some of these songs are going to bore into
your brain, and kids, there ain’t a damn thing you can do. More
than once I’ve caught myself wandering the halls of the Pierce
Memorial Archives singing, “Kill, kill, kill, kill, kill the
poor…” – unbenownst to me that the cleaning lady was dusting in
the “L-through-O” aisle. (Resumes are now being taken…)
Jelo Biafra and the Dead Kennedys are a band that may be cursed
to having a limited audience because of the music they play and the
messages some of their songs had. But for those of us who have
become enlightened and given them a chance,
Fresh Fruit For Rotting Vegetables may just be the best punk
album on the market.