Violent Femmes (studio album)
by Violent Femmes

It’s so unlike anything else released in the early 80’s. Actually the first alternative album I ever heard as a kid.

What a wonderful surprise—I really didn’t expect to love this album as much as I do. But I was completely won over by its uniqueness, especially in terms of instrumentation. The combination of acoustic bass, snare, and clean electric guitar on most tracks creates a distinct sonic identity. Add to that the vocalist's delivery and the unmistakable energy—channeled in an unconventional way—and the result is something truly compelling.

You can hear clear influences from The Kinks and Television, and it’s easy to see how this sound might have influenced bands like Fugazi or The Dismemberment Plan. But despite these connections, the album presents an original vision that stands entirely on its own. It’s a standout record that feels unlike anything else from the 1980s, and remarkably ahead of its time—foreshadowing some of what would emerge in the 1990s. It takes real creative foresight to craft something like this, and I deeply respect that. Hats off.

I like their unique sound & style. Semi minimalistic. Conjures up images of a band of hill people that have relocated to the coast due to their love of garage rock. I'm sure that description will make perfect sense

From AlvaroIesus 03/23/2024 00:36

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The audacity of this album in 1983. There was nothing else like it. Nothing.

At their best, the sound of the Violent Femmes is sharp, energized, and infectious. At their worst, it's cringey, seedy, whiny, and baffling. Luckily, the good outweighs the bad--this debut is a largely brilliant crop of clever songs with a couple duds thrown in (whose lyrics are best interpreted as self-satire). An amazing stripped-back punk sound and energy.

There are some great songs on here but they don't maintain this quality throughout. Tracks 5-8 are mediocre in my opinion and could be cut to improve this album which is concerning when you look at the run time. Other than this, the rest of the album is pure brilliance. The bookends of the album are the peak for me. You start with an energetic and enthralling opener that perfectly captures the groups style of music and makes you eager to hear more. Then the closing track is just beautiful and is one of my favourite ending songs of all time. The folk punk style they are going for is hugely effective as well and was extremely unique for the time period and even though this genre would go on to be perfected in the 90's this is still a very close attempt. Overall, a short and sweet folk punk record that stands out and is of a very high quality.

This record is so unique for its time amd so influential for bands like Neutral Milk Hotel that you can't tell it is not important. It captures teen angst and frustrations and mixes it with eccentric vocals and simple instrumentals. Fav tracks: Blister In The Sun, Add It Up, Promise, Gone Daddy Gone.

First time listening to this album. I love it. It’s like punk rock for nerds. Simple music, heartfelt sentiments, passionately played. Bouncy and fun, all while reminding you of what the first dose of heartache feels like.

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