Violent Femmes-Violent Femmes (1982)

Synopsis : One of the best albums of the 80s. The soundtrack for my entire JR High School career.

Brothy's Favorite Tracks : "Blister in the Sun" and "Add it Up"

Brothy's Least Favorite Track : "Good Feeling" only because it means the tape is over.

Brothy's Opinion in a Nutshell : As a minister there are certain recordings, movies and books I can not suggest from the pulpit or in any official capacity. This is one such recording. The language and material on the tape (I have not gotten the CD yet) are inappropriate for most audiences. This is probably why the group gained such popularity among the rebelious youth of the mid-1980s. To this day in any bar or club across America I can play the opening riff of Blister in the Sun and get at least 20 people to clap. And when the song is complete, at least ¾ of that group will begin singing "Kiss Off" which is the next track on the tape. In other words, this is a tape that few people think about in their daily lives but in 3 notes, they can recall the entire album.

A Funny Femmes Anecdote: The Violent Femmes once recorded a song called "Jesus Walking on the Water" which sounds like a southern bluegrass gospel tune. One time when I was driving Katie and Sarah somewhere and the song was playing I jokingly told them that the Femmes used to be a Christian Band before they became and Alternative Punk band. Sarah said, "Really?" And I jokingly said, "Oh yeah, they are all preacher's kids." Little did I know that my messing with my little sisters would have such an embarrassing affect on one of thier lives. But to hear the rest of the story you will have to ask Sarah.

<--[ Take me out of here!]